Stoicism for Beginners: An Ancient Guide for Living Well

Feature Image Stoicism Guide

Table of Contents

  1. What is Stoicism?
  2. Stoicism in the modern world
  3. Core Principles of Stoicism
  4. Who are the ancient Stoic philosophers?
  5. Applying Stoicism in your own life
  6. The best books on Stoicism

I. What is Stoicism?

Stoicism was founded in the 3rd century BC in Athens by Zeno of Citium. Coming from a wealthy merchant family in Citium, now part of Cyprus, Zeno initially pursued the family trade. However, after losing his fortune in a shipwreck near Athens, he turned to philosophy. Zeno’s journey highlights a common path to finding solace and understanding through philosophy.

Stoicism teaches logic and a unique perspective on life. It emphasizes distinguishing between what is within our control and what isn’t. Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, summed it well:

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