It’s the 21st century and I believe this is the most important trait you can inculcate.

To be a Stoic. Stoic — an attitude of being strict with yourself and patient with others to keep the mind clear and not let negativity get to you. Stoicism — is the school of stoic philosophy that teaches you tolerance. Today it is a branch of philosophy dealing with the endurance of pain or hardship without any display of feelings.

( This action by no means indicates to suppress one’s feelings or being hard on oneself. )

Many of us might relate socrates with stoicism. And you aren’t completely wrong. Socrates was a Greek philosopher from Athens who is credited as the founder of Western Philosophy — The theories of Europe and the United States which include numerous debates in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic.

Getting back to the topic, Where does this theory — Stoicism come from?

……..There was once a wealthy merchant named Xeno from the place Cyprus who lost everything when he was shipwrecked in Athens around 300 BC. Nothing much to do he started wandering into a bookshop. He read about Socrates and kept reading more about the city’s noted philosophers. He admired Socrates for his intelligence, patriotism, and courage on the battlefield.

In no time he originated his philosophy of stoicism. The hardship became the foundation of his life’s work and legacy. The word Stoic originated from the Greek term STOA POIKILE, the public colonnade where Xeno and his disciples gathered for discussion.

What does this theory teach?

Stoicism teaches virtue, tolerance, and self-control. This philosophy is designed to make us resilient. One will stop overexpressing when he learns the facts of the misery of life.

A wise person would aim to reach a state without disturbing their peace of mind. We must remember that “everything operates according to a web of cause and effect resulting in a rational structure of the universe”. His thesis included self-development virtues that were,

• Practical wisdom — Navigate situations in a logical, informed, and calm manner.
• Temperance — Exercising self-restraint in all aspects of life.
• Justice — Treating everyone with fairness.
• Courage — Facing challenges with clarity.

Why this theory is important today?

To remain serene in the face of a turbulent, unpredictable, and mean-minded world. One must try to picture the worst that could happen. Expect everything! Humiliation, betrayal, infamy, theft, lust, and greed. Deal with the world as it is.

Memorialize this, we may not have control over the events affecting us but we can control how we approach things.