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org © 2023 IJCRT | Volume 11, Issue 2 February 2023 | ISSN: 2320-2882

Analyzing the Relevance and Role of Stoicism in

Humanizing Human Life
Dr. Gobinda Banik
Assistant Professor,
Basirhat College, West Bengal State University,
North 24 Parganas, India

Abstract: Stoicism is a philosophy that has its roots in ancient Greece and stresses the cultivation of self-control
and fortitude in the face of difficulty. The stoic principles may be more applicable than ever in the fast-paced, often
stressful world of today. This study explores the ways in which stoic principles may be applied to life and makes the
argument that stoicism can assist people more effectively deal with the difficulties of living. The study discusses the
key ideas of stoicism, such as the notion of accepting what cannot be altered, and looks at how these ideas might be
used to foster a feeling of peace and satisfaction in life.
Keywords: Acceptance, forgiveness, nature, philosophy, peace of mind, stoicism

“Alexander the Great and his mule driver both died and the same thing happened to both. They were absorbed
alike into the life force of the world, or dissolved alike into atoms”
-Marcus Aurelius (Meditations, Book VI, 24)

Introduction to the stoic philosophy

Stoicism is a philosophical system that places a strong emphasis on learning to control our own thought and action
and be resilient in the face of difficulty. The dominant three parts of stoic philosophy are “ physics, logic, and ethics”
(Durand et al., 2023). Around the third century BCE, philosophers like Zeno of Citium, Chrysippus, and Epictetus
developed it in ancient Greece, notably in the city of Athens.
The modern definition of stoicism emphasises the ability to keep one’s patience amid challenging circumstances.
Although this does a good job of summarising certain stoic principles, the original philosophy encompassed much
more than just a manner of thinking. The Stoics believed that everything in the cosmos operates in a complex web
of cause and effect interactions, and that this logical structure, which they called logos, underlies all of reality.

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Even while we might not always be able to influence the circumstances that have an impact on us, we can always
choose how we react. The Stoic strives to deal with the world as it is while improving oneself through the four
cardinal virtues rather than envisioning a perfect society:
“practical wisdom, the ability to navigate complex situations in a logical, informed, and calm manner;
temperance, the exercise of self-restraint and moderation in all aspects of life;
justice, treating others with fairness even when they have done wrong;
and courage, not just in extraordinary circumstances, but facing daily challenges with clarity and integrity.”
(TED-ED, 2017)
Stoicism stresses the need of “accepting what cannot be altered” as one of its key precepts. This idea urges people
to put their attention on the things they can control and let go of the things they can’t. In the current world, when
many individuals feel overwhelmed by the rapid speed of change and the ongoing demands of job, family, and social
life, this may be a useful technique for lowering stress and anxiety.
The emphasis on the present moment is another crucial tenet of stoicism. The past and the future, according to the
Stoics, are out of our control, and the only place to find genuine knowledge and pleasure is right now. The ability to
enjoy the beauty and importance of the present moment rather than concentrating on the past or worrying about the
future may help people create a feeling of inner peace and satisfaction in the midst of life’s obstacles.
Stoics also believed that the universe is rational and that everything happens according to a natural order, and that
by understanding and accepting this natural order, people can live in harmony with it and find peace and contentment.
Stoicism also places a strong emphasis on virtue, rationality, and wisdom as the means to live a fulfilling life.
Stoicism stresses the value of individual accountability and self-control in addition to virtue, reason, and knowledge.
The Stoic idea of Prohairesis, which denotes the capacity to make informed decisions/choices and accept
responsibility for one’s actions, illustrates this.
“Stoics before Epictetus tended to view prohairesis as a type of boulesis, rational desire, or as a choice before
a choice (hairesis pro haireseos), thus perhaps a choice as determinative of other choices.”( Sadler, 2020)
This focus on personal accountability is a useful tool for those looking to take charge of their lives and lead more
purposeful and happy lives.
Thus, the stoic philosophy stresses the cultivation of self-control and inner peace in the face of difficulty. To be able
to navigate the difficulties of the contemporary world and to cultivate a feeling of serenity and happiness in the face
of hardship, it might be helpful to adopt the stoic tenets of acceptance of what cannot be altered, mindfulness of the
present moment, and personal responsibility.
An investigation of how stoic concepts may be used in modern life
The practice of mindfulness is one of the primary ways that the ideals of stoicism may be applied to modern living.
In order to create inner peace and satisfaction in the midst of life’s hardships, mindfulness, which is the discipline
of paying attention to the present moment without judgement, is a key element of stoicism.
Through the exercise of self-control and self-discipline, the tenets of stoicism may also be applied to modern life.
The beliefs of the Stoics, which are still applicable today, were that self-control and self-discipline are necessary for
leading a good and fulfilling life. Individuals may take charge of their lives and make conscious decisions that are
in keeping with their beliefs and aspirations by learning self-control and self-discipline.
Additionally, stoicism stresses the value of reason and wisdom in making judgments. This is helpful in the
contemporary world because it enables people to make more informed, logical, and objective choices, which
improves both personal and professional results.

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“Everything that happens is as simple and familiar as the rose in spring, the fruit in summer: disease, death,
blasphemy, conspiracy . . . everything that makes stupid people happy or angry.” (Marcus Aurelius,
Meditations, Book IV, 44)
Another way the philosophy might be applied to modern life is in the Stoic focus on inner strength and self-reliance.
Individuals may increase their resilience to stress and adversity as well as their capacity to manage challenging
feelings and circumstances by developing their inner fortitude and self-reliance.
Moreover, stoicism promotes the development of detachment, which may aid people in maintaining balance in the
face of challenging feelings and circumstances. This detachment may aid people in avoiding negative feelings and
thoughts and in keeping their balance and inner peace even when faced with hardship.
The practice of mindfulness, self-control and self-discipline, reason and wisdom, inner strength and self-reliance,
and detachment are some examples of how stoic ideals may be applied to modern living. People may lessen stress
and anxiety, build inner peace and happiness, and live a more purposeful existence by applying these ideas to their
everyday lives.
The concept of “accepting what cannot be altered” in relieving stress and anxiety
Stoicism stresses the need of “accepting what cannot be altered” as one of its core tenets. This approach is founded
on the notion that a lot of the things in our life that stress and worry us are beyond our control. Stoics think that we
should concentrate on accepting these problems and finding methods to work with them rather than waste energy
attempting to change them.
In the current world, when we are continuously overwhelmed with information and stimuli that might lead to tension
and worry, this idea is especially important. The fast-paced nature of contemporary life may make it challenging to
maintain a feeling of stability and control. We may lessen our stress and anxiety levels and concentrate on the things
we can control by accepting what cannot be altered.
Understanding what we can alter and what we cannot is one of the ways we may put this notion into practice in our
daily lives. For instance, while we cannot influence the weather, we can influence how we respond to it. We may
avoid being irritated or worried over the weather by realising that we cannot control it. We can put more effort into
figuring out how to cooperate with it:
“The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, unhindered; but those not in our control are weak,
slavish, restrained, belonging to others. Remember, then, that if you suppose that things which are slavish by
nature are also free and that what belongs to others is your own, then you will be hindered. You will lament,
you will be disturbed, and you will find fault both with gods and men. But if you suppose that only to be
your own which is your own, and what belongs to others such as it really is, then no one will ever compel
you or restrain you. Further, you will find fault with no one or accuse no one. You will do nothing against
your will. No one will hurt you, you will have no enemies, and you not be harmed.” ( Epictetus, Enchiridion,
1)
By learning to let go of things that are beyond our control, we may also put this idea into practice. This may include
letting go of the impulse to control others or the need to have events take a certain course.
Additionally, the notion of resilience is directly tied to the idea of accepting what cannot be altered. People grow
more resilient and better able to handle stresses in the future by embracing and adjusting to challenging conditions
and obstacles. This is crucial in the fast-paced world of today when stress and struggle are unavoidable.

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Examination of the idea of living in the present and its advantages for developing inner tranquility and
satisfaction
Stoics believe that we may develop inner peace and satisfaction, as well as a feeling of joy, by concentrating on the
present moment.
“Wild animals run from the dangers they actually see, and once they have escaped them worry no more. We
however are tormented alike by what is past and what is to come. A number of our blessings do us harm, for
memory brings back the agony of fear while foresight brings it on prematurely. No one confines his
unhappiness to the present.” (Seneca, 1969, p. 38)

There are several advantages of paying attention to the present. One benefit is that it enables us to focus entirely on
the ‘now’, as opposed to thinking deeply about the past or worrying about the future. This may improve our sense
of well-being and make us feel less stressed and anxious. Additionally, by being in the present, we may better
comprehend our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, which can guide our decision-making and help us live a more
genuine life.
The ability to enjoy the little things in life is another advantage of living in the present. We may discover pleasure
and beauty in the little things, like the seasonal changes, the sound of birds chirping, and the feel of the sun on our
skin, by being aware of the environment around us. Our overall feeling of satisfaction and happiness may rise as a
result.
Additionally, concentrating on the present moment might assist us in developing greater mindfulness and self-
awareness. Being in the present moment allows us to become more conscious of our thoughts, emotions, and
behaviours as well as to learn how to be more present in our interpersonal interactions. Our capacity to connect with
people and communicate effectively may all benefit from this.
In conclusion, the stoic concept of living in the now is a potent component of stoicism that may aid people in
cultivating inner tranquility and satisfaction. We may feel less stressed and anxious, enjoy the little things in life,
become more thoughtful and self-aware, and gain a sense of serenity by living completely in the present now. This
may eventually result in a more contented and significant existence in the present.
Analysis of the psychological advantages of stoicism, such as enhanced mental well-being and better
adaptability in the face of pressure and hardship and living according to nature
The practice of stoicism, a philosophy that stresses the effectiveness of self-control, reason, and inner strength, may
have several psychological advantages for its practitioners. Improved mental health is one of the key advantages of
stoicism since it enables people to deal with challenging emotions and circumstances more skillfully. Stoicism also
helps people become more resilient in the face of stress and misfortune. The Stoic philosophy instructs people to
separate themselves from the outside world and concentrate on their inner strength, which may help them deal with
challenging circumstances more successfully.
“He who is making progress, having learned from philosophers that desire means the desire of good things,
and aversion means aversion from bad things; having learned too that happiness and tranquillity are not
attainable by man otherwise than by not falling to obtain what he desires, and not falling into that which he
would avoid; such a man takes from himself desire altogether and defers it, and he employs his aversion only
on things which are dependent on his will. For if he attempts to avoid anything independent of his will, he
knows that sometimes he will fall in with something which he wishes to avoid, and he will be unhappy”.
(Epictetus, 1904, p. 12)
Furthermore, as discussed earlier, the idea of living in the present moment may assist to build mindfulness and self-
awareness, which can enhance general well-being. By focusing on the ‘here’ and ‘now’ and accepting things as they
are, mindfulness, which is a psychological approach, may help people feel less stressed and anxious and have better
mental health.

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Additionally, the Stoic philosophy encourages people to exercise self-control and discipline, which may result in
better emotional regulation and the capacity to handle challenging emotions more successfully. We have to accept
the flow of nature instead of resisting it.
“The Stoic philosophy espouses that the individual human nature is part of the cosmic and universal nature.
God, nature and man are all integral parts of the universe. Living according to nature is synonymous to
conforming to the laws of the Divine Logos, i.e., the knowledge of the truth in the world… Living in accord
with nature consists in functions which are dictated by reason and appropriate acts that are in agreement with
individual nature.” (Mantzanas, 2018)
Examination of the idea of inner fortitude and self-reliance in relation to stoicism.
The Stoics believed that each person has the capacity to control their thoughts and emotions and that by doing so,
they might attain inner peace and satisfaction. This belief is known as inner strength and self-reliance. In numerous
ways, this idea may be applied to modern life, especially in the areas of personal growth and self-improvement.
Self-discipline training is one approach to putting the idea of inner fortitude and self-reliance into reality. It is
founded on the belief that through cultivating self-discipline, people may attain their objectives and enhance their
general well-being. Self-discipline is the capacity to regulate one’s behaviours and emotions. Individuals may
acquire self-discipline, which can help them overcome challenges and succeed in both their personal and professional
life. Seneca writes, (in Letter VI)
“…there is nothing left in me needing to be changed. Naturally there are a lot of things about me requiring
to be built up or fined down or eliminated”. (Seneca, 1969, p. 39)
Resilience is the capacity to recover from misfortune. Individuals may build resilience by practicing inner fortitude
and self-reliance, which can aid them in getting through challenging circumstances, enhancing their mental health,
and achieving higher well-being.
Indeed, the primary idea of the stoic philosophy, inner strength and self-reliance, may be applied to modern life in a
variety of ways, especially in the fields of personal growth and self-improvement. Individuals may take charge of
their thoughts and emotions, get over challenges, find inner peace, and be satisfied by applying this concept to
everyday life via actions like self-discipline, self-awareness, and resilience. This can have a favourable effect on
both one’s personal and professional life.
An analysis of the concept of detachment in handling tough emotions and circumstances
The Stoics believed that people should emotionally distance themselves from external circumstances and concentrate
on what they can control. This philosophy is known as detachment. This concept may be used in modern life to
handle challenging emotions and circumstances.
“Never say of anything, “I have lost it”; but, “I have returned it.” Is your child dead? It is returned. Is your
wife dead? She is returned. Is your estate taken away? Well, and is not that likewise returned? “But he who
took it away is a bad man.” What difference is it to you who the giver assigns to take it back? While he gives
it to you to possess, take care of it; but don’t view it as your own, just as travelers view a hotel”. (Epictetus,
Enchiridion, 11)
By adopting different viewpoints also, people may better grasp challenging circumstances and painful emotions.
This could result in more empathy and comprehension.
Acceptance practice may also be equated with the concept of detachment. Acceptance is the capacity to accept
challenging events and challenging emotions without opposition.
The stoic philosophy’s basic notion of detachment may be adapted to modern life to help manage challenging
emotions and circumstances. People may detach emotionally from external circumstances and concentrate on what
they can control by applying this idea to everyday life via techniques like mindfulness, and acceptance. One’s
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personal and professional lives may benefit from having a better feeling of emotional balance, well-being, empathy,
and understanding as a result of this. It enables people to effectively control and deal with challenging emotions and
circumstances. It also emphasises how crucial it is to avoid being unduly dependent on outside factors or occurrences
that are beyond our control.
A comparison of stoicism and other psychological and philosophical coping mechanisms for stress and
hardship
The idea of stoicism has been practiced for millennia as a method of coping with pressure and misfortune. But it’s
not the only one out there. There are further philosophical and psychological methods that have been used to address
related problems. This section will contrast alternative philosophical and psychological coping mechanisms for stress
and hardship with stoicism.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a strategy that is comparable to stoicism. CBT is a psychological technique
that tries to improve mental health by changing negative attitudes and behaviours. “CBT helps you become aware
of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more
effective way” (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 2019). It is predicated on the notion that our ideas, feelings, and
actions are intertwined, and that we have the power to alter our emotions by altering our thoughts and activities.
Both CBT and stoicism concentrate on altering unfavourable ideas and actions; they are comparable. Stoicism, on
the other hand, is more of a philosophical approach that focuses on altering one’s thinking, while CBT has a tendency
to be more regimented and often used in combination with medication.
Stoicism has also several parallels with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
“Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is intensive mindfulness training including meditation, yoga,
body awareness, behavioral awareness, and emotional awareness. It explores an individual’s present
experience in relation to current thoughts, physical and emotional sensations, and memories to promote
understanding, acceptance, and reduction of suffering.”(Pai et al., 2021)
As a psychological strategy to lessen stress and enhance general well-being, MBSR combines mindfulness and
meditation.
“Stress refers to the consequence of the failure of a person to respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats,
whether actual or imagined.”( Selye, 1956)
It is predicated on the notion that people may lessen their emotional distress by being in the present and objectively
monitoring their thoughts and feelings. MBSR and stoicism both highlight the importance of being in the present
moment and of observing one’s thoughts and feelings without passing judgement. Alternatively, stoicism is more of
an approach to philosophy that focuses changing one’s perspective and way of thinking. MBSR tends to be more
focused on meditation and relaxation.
The resilience hypothesis is another strategy; it places emphasis on a person’s capacity to adjust to pressure and
hardship. It focuses on the internal and external elements that support the development of resilience.
“the resilience hypothesis / psychobiological resilience is the efficient blending of psychological, biological,
and environmental elements that permits human beings—and their families and, in fact, all humanly created
organizations—to transit episodes of chaos necessarily associated with significant periods of stress...”( Flach,
1990)
The approach emphasises the significance of interpersonal coping mechanisms and social support in handling stress
and adversity. In that, it stresses the value of inner strength and independence in overcoming stress and misfortune.
It is comparable to stoicism.

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Thus, stoicism is not the only approach available for dealing with stress and adversity. Other philosophical and
psychological approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction and resilience
theory also exist and can be used to manage stress and adversity. Each approach has its own strengths and
weaknesses, and individuals need to find the approach that works best for them. It is important to note that all these
approaches have a common goal which is to help individuals cope and manage stress and adversity more efficiently.
Conclusion: Examining the practical ways in which people might apply the stoic tenets to their everyday lives
The stoic philosophy provides a potent foundation for overcoming stress and misfortune. But figuring out how to
apply stoic ideals in one’s everyday life might be challenging. In this part, we’ll look at some realistic ways that
people might apply stoic ideals to their everyday lives.
Stoicism may be applied to everyday life in a practical manner via journaling. By keeping a journal, one may examine
their thoughts and feelings and spot destructive thought patterns. By keeping a diary, people may better understand
their feelings and ideas and try to break bad thought habits. This is accomplished by recognising negative ideas and
recasting them more constructively.
Through meditation and awareness, one may apply stoicism to everyday life in a practical manner. Being more
conscious and present in the present moment and being able to observe one’s thoughts and emotions without passing
judgement are both possible via meditation. People may learn to disengage from their thoughts and emotions and
increase their resilience in the face of stress and hardship by joining in mindfulness and meditation practices.
Another useful strategy is to cultivate thankfulness. By concentrating on what you have to be thankful for, you may
change your perspective and pay more attention to the good things in life rather than the bad. People who are stoic
are encouraged to express thanks and concentrate on their possessions rather than their shortcomings.
In order to react to stress and adversity effectively, it’s critical to be able to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and
actions.
“Remember—your responsibilities can be broken down into individual parts as well. Concentrate on those,
and finish the job methodically—without getting stirred up or meeting anger with anger”. (Marcus Aurelius,
Meditations, Book VI, 26)
To be able to react to hardship and misfortune in a positive manner, stoicism advises people to develop self-discipline
and self-control as well as to be able to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and actions.
To sum up, although applying stoic ideals to everyday life might appear to be difficult, but it is achievable. People
may learn to separate from their thoughts and emotions and become more resilient in the face of stress and misfortune
through writing, meditating, practicing gratitude, self-discipline, and self-control. People may cultivate the inner
fortitude and independence needed for handling stress and hardship more skillfully by regularly practicing these
tactics. Stoicism must be incorporated into everyday life, which requires time and effort, but the rewards are long-
term and beautiful.

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