Stoicism: Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus
Stoicism: Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus. When it comes to ancient philosophy, many people think of names like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. But there’s another school of thought that’s just as important, and perhaps even more relevant today: Stoicism.
Stoicism: Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus
Stoicism
Stoicism is a philosophy that emphasizes virtue, reason, and self-control. It teaches us to focus on what we can control, and to accept with equanimity what we cannot. And two of its most famous practitioners are Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus.
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. He is perhaps best known for his book “Meditations,” which is a series of personal reflections on his own life and on Stoic philosophy.
Epictetus
Epictetus, on the other hand, was a Greek philosopher who lived from around 50 to 135 AD. He was born a slave, but eventually gained his freedom and became a respected teacher of philosophy.
So what can we learn from these two Stoic giants? Let’s take a closer look.
Marcus Aurelius: The Philosopher King
Marcus Aurelius was born in 121 AD, and was adopted by the emperor Antoninus Pius at a young age. He became emperor himself in 161 AD, and ruled over the Roman Empire for nearly 20 years. But despite his power and wealth, Marcus Aurelius remained a humble and thoughtful man.
In “Meditations,” Marcus Aurelius writes about the importance of self-discipline, and of focusing on the present moment rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. He also emphasizes the value of reason and rationality, and encourages us to think critically about our own beliefs and assumptions.
One of Marcus Aurelius’s most famous quotes is, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” This reminds us that our own perception of the world is key to our happiness and well-being.
Epictetus: The Slave Philosopher
Epictetus, by contrast, came from a very different background. Born into slavery in ancient Rome, he eventually gained his freedom and became a teacher of philosophy. He is best known for his book “The Enchiridion,” which is a concise guide to Stoic philosophy.
Like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus emphasized the importance of self-control and rationality. He believed that our own thoughts and attitudes are more important than external circumstances, and that we can find happiness and fulfillment by focusing on what we can control rather than worrying about what we cannot.
One of Epictetus’s most famous teachings is the idea of the “dichotomy of control.” This means that we should focus on what is within our control, and let go of things that are outside of our control. This can be a difficult concept to grasp, but it’s an important one for anyone who wants to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Stoicism Today
So what can we learn from Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus today? Well, their teachings are just as relevant now as they were in ancient Rome and Greece. In a world that’s often chaotic and unpredictable, Stoicism can help us find meaning and purpose in our lives.
By focusing on what we can control, we can reduce our anxiety and stress levels, and live more fulfilling lives. And by practicing self-discipline and rationality, we can become better people and better members of society.
Of course, Stoicism is not a panacea for all of life’s problems. It’s not a magic cure for depression, or a way to avoid all negative emotions. But it is a powerful philosophy that can help us navigate the ups and downs of life with greater resilience and grace.
So if you’re looking for a new way to approach life, why not give Stoicism a try? You don’t have to become a full-fledged Stoic to benefit from its teachings. Just by incorporating some of its principles into your daily life, you can become a more mindful, resilient, and fulfilled person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus were two of the greatest Stoic philosophers of all time. Their teachings have endured for thousands of years, and are just as relevant today as they were in ancient Rome and Greece.
By practicing Stoicism, we can find greater meaning and purpose in our lives, and become better people and better members of society. So why not give it a try? Who knows, it may just change your life.
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