What is a Stoic?

Stoic Philosophy as a Way of Life

I see in myself, Lucilius, not just an improvement but a transformation. (Seneca, Moral Letters 6.1) What is a Stoic? Briefly stated, we are people who have chosen to adopt Stoicism as an Art of Living. This answer, of course, leads to another question. What is Stoicism? Why choose to study this philosophy instead of others, or none at all? Stoic philosophy can provide a person with a sense of profound tranquility, a cheerful and joyful life filled with gratitude, effectiveness and a sense of meaning. These however are not the goals or aims of Stoicism but rather some of the benefits of living life well. Stoicism is the study and practice of living a complete life based on reason and relationship, one where we explore and express our best selves, where we flourish to the best of our abilities in all places and circumstances. Stoics reach for personal excellence in all the domains of our lives, privately and publicly, to benefit ourselves and our communities. This is the true purpose of studying the Stoic Art of Living. It is a long road, one of constant improvement and focus. We do this through the use of our minds and insights, through study and observations of the world we live in and the people we interact with. We do this through reflection, self-examination and deep involvement with the world around us. We do this through the study of Stoic writers, meditation on Stoic principles and the active practice of Stoic exercises. Stoicism is the practice of gradually changing the way we look at life, finding new and improved perspectives on our specific concerns, to arrive eventually at a point where our baseless worries are defeated, or our paralyzing fears abolished, our violent passions tempered, our childish selfishness turned to generosity and compassion, and in effect, our empty lives given new meaning and purpose. This process of discovery, and the attempt to live by the insights we gain, is what it means to be a Stoic. How to Learn to live the Stoic Philosophy There are literally hundreds of books and articles regarding ancient Stoicism. Some are very accurate, others wildly speculative (I have attached a completely optional Recommended Reading list to the end of this note). Stoic philosophy, practiced as it was created to be, is more than a matter of reading books to understand and appreciate the views of their authors (and to examine and challenge those views, just as philosophers have always done). It is a way of living, of discovering our inner potential and developing consistent habits of mind and body to uncover and realize it. This process of discovery, and the attempt to live by the insights we gain, is what the ancients called living as a philosopher, or lover of wisdom. We dont claim to be wise (sophos), but we are in active pursuit of the Art of Living well. The term philosopher was not reserved so much for the teacher or author, but the person aiming to live the philosophical life. In ancient times it was the job of the philosopher-teacher to show the student how this could be done. The teacher would do this simply by living the philosophic life, which the student could witness on a daily basis simply as they attended their daily lessons and through personal contact at other times. Indeed, some schools accepted residential students who would actually have lived with their philosopher-teacher throughout the duration of their studies. Thus the students would have been able to see how their teacher managed their everyday affairs, how they coped with crises and lesser troubles, and how they faced the sorts of trials that in some shape or form eventually touch the lives of everyone. In short, the teacher was

a model for their students. Now the reality of studying Stoic philosophy today is that there are no philosophical residential schools, and we would be hard pressed to find a teacher of the caliber seen in those ancient times. Nevertheless the ancient philosopher-teachers can still guide and can give advice, and as students we can actively put those teachings into practice. Though relatively scarce, there are enough remaining writings from teachers and students of Stoic philosophy, as well as a wealth of additional material, to form a personal understanding, and more importantly, a personal practice. We will be encountering these teachers through the Stoic workshops. Each month we will delve into their insights and evaluate them for our own times, applying them when and where it is appropriate. Stoicism as a Spiritual Path When we hear the word Spiritual, many thoughts come to mind. Some think of a dogmatic approach to belief, almost a blind faith. Along the same lines, others see it as a rejection of rationality, or a trust in myth and legend, often with no connection to the mundane world. Almost by definition, philosophical ideas are to be discussed and debated, and if people think that any ideas are good ones, these ideas are defended and argued for rather than just believed. This is the case with respect to ideas in Stoic philosophy. These workshops are intended to be active philosophical investigations (though at all times seeking to support Stoic ideas) no matter where they may lead us. If, in participating in these workshops, you adopt the Stoic outlook, this will happen because you have decided it is right, and not because anyone has coerced you. For this very reason, many people would say that there is a spiritual path at the core of Stoicism. In fact, the actual work of practicing Stoicism is referred to by some authors as spiritual exercises. The notion of spiritual exercises in ancient philosophy is meant to emphasize, in the first place, that in the ancient schools of thought philosophy was a way of life. Philosophy presented itself as a mode of life, as an act of living, as a way of being. The practice of Stoic philosophy consists of an invitation to complete personal transformation, a journey along a spiritual path. Stoic philosophy, lived out in this way, is in a very real way a conversion, a transformation of the way of being and the way of living in the quest for wisdom. Therefore, the actual practice of Stoic philosophy required exercises that were neither simply exercises of thought nor even moral exercises, but rather, in the full sense of this term, spiritual exercises. Since they are aimed at realizing a transformation of our vision of the world and a gradual change of our personality, these exercises have an existential value, not only a moral one. Being a Stoic does not mean conforming our behavior in accordance with some external code of good conduct. Following the Stoic Spiritual path involves all aspects of our being - intellect, imagination, sensibility, and will - essentially our body, mind and soul. Stoic spiritual exercises are exercises in learning how to live the philosophical life, and applying it throughout our whole life. The Stoic Spiritual Path calls us to pay attention to ourselves, to take care of ourselves through these inner spiritual exercises. Really knowing ourselves requires a relationship with ourselves that forms the basis of all of the Stoic spiritual exercise. Every spiritual exercise is a dialogue, with others, with the world around us, and most importantly, with ourselves. In this way, it is transcendent in the sense that we move beyond our present and past circumstances, beyond our limited ego-centric perspective, and consider our lives from the view of the potential that inhabits each of us. Ancient Stoic philosophers adopted a range of metaphysical and theological views concerning the nature of creation, providence and fate, the source of our rationality, and Deity. You are not required to

do so. In a more general sense, the notion of spiritual path, taken to mean way of life, outlook upon life, personal growth, personal healing, is in fact the very essence of Stoicism. Some people accept the Stoic views on moral conduct, but reject the wilder metaphysical and theological views. But you will not be required to adopt any particular beliefs. The actual transformational process is in and of itself intensely personal, holistic and fundamentally spiritual. About These Workshops The Stoic Workshops are held once a month and take the form of a live discussion group. In addition to the discussions, the workshops include a series of weekly readings and assignments. The actual discussions are relatively short, requiring less than three hours a month, and each lesson will focus on a single general topic. The individual exercises should take no more than a few minutes a day, though you are encouraged to think and reflect on the lessons daily. What is most important is that the practices and principles you learn continue between lessons. This course is not so much about increasing knowledge, as it is about changing habits of thought and behaviour. That takes time and focus. You are under no obligation to keep up a specific pace. Each of the discussions in this workshop will focus on a specific Stoic practice or principle. Discussions build on each other, so skipping lessons is probably not a good idea. You will be referred to outside sources, usually from the writings of Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, with occasional references to other teachers, ancient and modern. You can use your own copies of these works (detailed below), however links will be provided to free online copies, and usually lead you to the exact passage being discussed. More than reading though, this course is intended to be practical. The monthly work will include one or more exercises, requiring reflection and application of the principles discussed during the discussion and readings. You will need a few things to get you started. Pen and paper (or the equivalent) for the discussion will be essential to jot down any developments that occur during the discussions. Ready to get started? Read on for your first lesson. Please have it completed for the first discussion.

Lesson 0 - What Do We Really Want?

Let's start applying some of these ideas right away. The first question we want to address is what we are expecting out of these workshops. We will use the same principles and exercises to explore this question that we intend to use throughout the rest of the workshops. Read Throughout the lessons, you will frequently be asked to read from selected authors. To begin addressing the question we are considering, read: Seneca Letter 48. 7b-8 starting at "Would you really know what philosophy offers to humanity?"https://sites.google.com/site/thestoiclife/the_teachers/seneca/letters/048#7b

Seneca is warning his friend, Lucilius, to stay away from logic games, which were what was passing for popular philosophy in his day (we could substitute pop-psychology today). He then goes on to tell him what philosophy is really for, and what Lucilius should be doing with it. Write Along with the Read assignments, each lesson will have several Writing assignments, spread throughout the month. This is our method for living an examined life, as Socrates would have called it. To do this, you are going to also need some form of Journal. You are encouraged to keep a daily journal of your thoughts, reactions and activities with regards to your lessons and their application. The format of the Journal is not important (online, typed, written), what matters is that you record your progress. We all have a tendency to skew our own memories, especially when time becomes a factor. Seneca reminds us that "[The mind] should be summoned to give an account of itself every day." In your Journal, make a list of the things that are troubling you, things that you would like to be free of. Keep this list for the end of the course, so you can see how much progress you have made to free yourself from these worries and concerns. Try to keep regular track of your list for the next few weeks, adjusting your list as you encounter new situations.

Discuss The final requirement of every lesson will focus on discussion. There is a great danger of living too much inside of our own heads, or within the safety of our garden walls. If our approach to a philosophical life is to be real, then we must practice our Stoicism in the real world. In doing so, we will encounter conflicting philosophies, challenges to our assumptions, and perspectives that we have never considered before. Some of the new information will come from the groups we interact with in our monthly discussions. However, even here we are only speaking with individuals who are of like mind, at least partially. There are three channels for discussion. The first, and most important, can be found in the reading from Seneca in the exercise above, specifically Section 8. If Stoic philosophy delivers what it promises, there are many among your friends and family who might benefit from such teaching. Additionally, Seneca also reminds us that we 'learn when we teach.' For this exercise, find a friend or family member (not studying these lessons) who is willing to discuss these things with you. Keep track of your progress, challenges and questions in your journal. With your discussion partner, go over some of the items from the list of things that you hope to address. Are there concerns in his or her life that are similar? How, if at all, has your discussion partner found solace or answers for some of these issues? Note the highlights of your discussions in your Journal.

The second method of interaction will be through the Facebook posts. These will form the backbone of an open discussion of the themes and experiences of each months lessons. These will give each person a chance to bring up concerns and challenges to the group. You may find that you are not the only one with these questions. Bear in mind that you are under no obligation to reveal information or experiences you consider private or personal. The forum is private and moderated, however, so you can feel safe to share what you think is appropriate without fear of 'trolling'. Share with the Group. When you have completed your partner discussion, post your hopes, doubts and questions to the Facebook group. You may include a short introduction of yourself, if you choose.

The final method of discussion open to you is the Discussion group itself. The entire point of the live session is to introduce new concepts in living the Stoic philosophy, and to share our successes, failures and lessons in doing so. As long time Stoics and teachers of Stoic thought and practice, Pamela and I are also available to answer any specific questions, to help you understand the lessons and their impact, and to provide support as you learn to live the Stoic life. During the first discussion. Come ready to introduce yourself, and to share some of the initial experiences you have had as you maintain your journal. Also, bring forward one of the items in your list. Be ready to listen and get to know who your fellow group mates are.

These experiences will raise questions in us, some of which will be answered in future lessons, but many of which will need to be researched and 'talked out'. Conclusion We always have a choice. Throughout these lessons you will get to learn what that saying really means. Take the next few weeks to prepare yourself for the workshops. Complete the assignments above, and share your evaluations and thoughts on the Facebook wall. It is by doing the writing assignments and participating in the discussion forums that we will begin to see real, tangible growth in a Stoic 'art of living.' By taking this journey together, we can both learn how to examine our lives, and make of them our greatest masterpiece. Cheers, Michel & Pamela Daw

Recommended Reading:
Please note that these books are NOT required for the workshops, but if you want to build up your library, these books will prove very useful. Stoic Basics: Gilbert Murray's 'The Stoic Philosophy' is a slightly dated, but overall excellent introduction to the heart of Stoic study and practice. It is the transcription of a speech given in the early 20th century, but has aged surprisingly well. You can download a free PDF from here. Once you've finished with Murray, F. H Sandbach's The Stoics provide a quick overview of the origins of the school, along with a brief discussion of the main tenets of the philosophy. According to the Times Literary Supplement, this book is 'not only one of the best, but also the most comprehensive treatment of Stoicism written [in the 20th century.]' You can also download a free PDF from here. Pop-Culture Stoicism: Both The Stoic Art of Living (Tom Morris) and Guide to the Good Life (William Irvine) provide a general introduction for some Stoic ideas by bringing out popular themes into a modern context, leaving out any real rigor or challenging life adjustment. Nevertheless, they appeal to the majority of people looking for a Chicken Soup for the Stoic Soul approach to life, though Irvine's book provides more depth. Academic Stoicism: If you are interested in the history of Stoicism, a good introduction is John Sellars' Stoicism. This book provides information without requiring application. A more exhaustive look at the history of Stoicism, its origins and ongoing influence is Brad Inwood's Cambridge Companion to the Stoics. Scientific/Atheist Stoicism: Lawrence Becker's 'A New Stoicism' dispenses with the now unpopular (in some circles) 'spiritual' aspect of Stoic practice and attempts to reinvent it for a post-modern scientific society. Thoroughly atheistic in its approach, it is also quite tough going in parts, though Beckers style is engaging. Practical Stoicism: If you are interested in learning about Stoicism as a personal practice, Keith Seddon's 'Stoic Serenity' is a great place to begin if you want to work on your own. Originally conceived as a correspondence course, this book includes some history, some philosophy, some practical work. It is with his kind permission that I have based the Stoic Workshops on his book. The Stoic Teachers: Relatively few Stoic texts have survived. Of the apparently massive libraries of ancient times, we only possess a handful of primary works from the Stoic teachers, and most of these from the Roman Stoics of the first and second century. Note that not all of the compilers of these works are entirely sympathetic to the Stoic approach to a life well lived. Take their introductions and annotations with a grain of salt, and consult some of the works listed above for additional perspectives. Seneca - Stoic Philosophy of Seneca: Essays and Letters (Moses Hadas) Musonius Rufus - Musonius Rufus: Lectures and Sayings (Cynthia King) Epictetus - Epictetus: Discourses and Selected Writings (Robert Dobbin) Marcus Aurelius - Marcus Aurelius: Meditations (Gregory Hays)

For a compilation of the words of the earlier Stoics, you may wish to refer to: The Stoics Reader - The Stoics Reader: Selected Writings and Testimonia (Brad Inwood & Lloyd P. Gerson) Commentary on the Teachers: Besides reading their primary works, each of the major Stoics should be understood in the context of his times, and in his own terms. The following books provide the necessary background to both the individual Teachers, their particular interpretation and practice of Stoicism, as well as their relation to each other. Reading Seneca: Stoic Philosophy at Rome (Brad Inwood) Musonius Rufus and Education in the Good Life: A Model of Teaching and Living Virtue (J.T. Dillon) Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life (A. A. Long) The Inner Citadel: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (Pierre Hadot) The Philosophic Life: Finally, I would recommend two books in particular for examining one's own approach, or philosophy, to life. Anciently, Stoic philosophy was considered a practice, a way of life that one was converted to, and then exercised actively. Both Hadot and Sellars do an excellent job of highlighting some of the most important aspects of living a life that is well examined, and of integrating one's knowledge with one's daily expression of it. Philosophy as a Way of Life: Spiritual Exercises from Socrates to Foucault (Pierre Hadot) The Art of Living: The Stoics on the Nature and Function of Philosophy (John Sellars)