About Stoicism

Stoicism is another philosophy that finds it’s relevance during the time of the New Testament at Mars Hill.

Stoicks are often considered to be in polarity with the Epicureans, in a sense that Epicureanism is usually associated with pleasurable experiences as a core value, where as stoicism would be considered the rejection of pleasure. But of course there’s way more to both philosophies than simple principles of pleasure.

True stoicism is said to strive at aligning one’s expectations with what is called “logos” (the natural law of the cosmos). & so with this, expect that this philosophy calls more-so for principles of discipline.

Stoicks believe that all of creation is simply a matter of different materials of nature. This would include god/logos as well as human soul or fire. The idea is that when our five senses come in to contact with other objects, that interaction has an effect on our personal reality in some way. & an accurate interpretation of sensations that come with that interaction can only be obtained through logos. & so any assessment from the touch of a cool beverage to feelings of imminent doom, are most accurate when in tune with logos. The same is said to be with ethical behavior, that the closer we are to logos, the more ethically stoick we begin to act.

To the stoick, alignment with logos is a journey. One who is immature to the ways of logos acts impulsive in their passions, appetite, or fear. The example given is a man that gets angry, kills, and as a result becomes imprisioned. This reasoning gives the stock a reputation of repressing feeling. Maturity into logos is said to be in revelation of “oikeion” (neutrality). That everything external, from money, to home, & even relationships, & life itself become neutral. This would vary in the sense that life is by nature preferable to death, unless it be the case that life is contrary to logos, in which case, death is preferable.

The final stage of stoicism is said to be the Sage. The sage is completely ruled by logos. His decisions are always logical, & he’s never so impassioned that he cannot think things through to make the best decision. He does experience joy, watchfulness, & wishing, but he is not controlled by his emotions or by the actions of the outside world.