Stoicism: Living in Accordance with Nature
Stoicism is one of the most influential schools of thought from ancient Roman philosophy, with enduring relevance for modern life. It teaches that to live a virtuous and fulfilling life, one must align with nature and cultivate inner resilience against external circumstances. This philosophy, developed by Greek philosophers and later embraced by Romans like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, offers practical guidance on how to live ethically, develop self-control, and find peace even in difficult times.
The central Stoic idea is that virtue is the only true good and that we should focus on what is within our control, accepting whatever lies beyond it. By living in accordance with nature, Stoics believed that individuals could achieve personal tranquility and moral integrity, regardless of external hardships.
Living in Accordance with Nature
For Stoics, to “live in accordance with nature” means two things: aligning with the natural order of the universe and living according to human nature, which they saw as rational, social beings. Stoics believed that the universe was governed by reason, or logos, and that everything that happens is part of a rational, ordered whole. By understanding this, they taught that individuals should accept their place in the cosmos and align their actions with nature’s rational principles.
1. The Rational Universe (Cosmic Nature)
In Stoic philosophy, nature is not random or chaotic but rational and orderly. This belief is based on the idea that the universe operates according to a cosmic plan, and every event that occurs — no matter how difficult or painful — is a necessary part of this plan. Stoics argue that we should not resist or complain about life’s challenges, because everything unfolds as it should according to nature’s rational order. This is often referred to as fate or Providence.
A central tenet of Stoicism is the idea of amor fati — the love of fate. Stoics believed that individuals should embrace whatever happens to them, accepting it as part of the natural order. This acceptance is not passive resignation, but an active embrace of reality, trusting that every event has its proper place in the grand scheme of things.
2. Human Nature (Rational and Social Beings)
In addition to aligning with the cosmic order, Stoicism teaches that humans, by nature, are rational and social beings. Living in accordance with nature means developing our capacity for reason and acting virtuously in our relationships with others.
- Reason: Stoicism holds that the unique nature of human beings is our capacity for rational thought. To live well, Stoics taught, we must cultivate reason, which allows us to make good decisions, manage our emotions, and act in ways that promote virtue. Reason helps us distinguish between what we can control (our own thoughts and actions) and what we cannot control (external events).
- Social Life: Stoics also emphasized that humans are naturally social creatures, connected to others through family, community, and society. As a result, living according to nature means acting with justice, kindness, and fairness toward others. Stoic ethics teaches that our duty is to contribute to the common good, treat others with respect, and fulfill our roles in society responsibly.
By combining these two aspects — aligning with the rational order of the universe and cultivating our rational and social nature — Stoicism provides a comprehensive guide for living a virtuous, meaningful life.
Virtue as the Only Good
Philosophy as a Guide for Public Life
At the core of Stoic philosophy is the belief that virtue is the only true good, and that everything else — wealth, health, status, or even life itself — is indifferent. For the Stoics, virtue is what gives life meaning, and it consists of four main qualities:
- Wisdom: The ability to judge what is right and wrong, and to act accordingly.
- Courage: The strength to face adversity, pain, or fear with resilience and composure.
- Justice: Treating others fairly and fulfilling one’s obligations to society.
- Temperance: Exercising self-control and moderation in all things.
Stoicism teaches that true happiness (or eudaimonia) comes from living a life of virtue, not from the pursuit of external goods. While things like wealth, fame, or physical comfort may seem desirable, they are ultimately out of our control and can be lost at any moment. Virtue, however, is always within our control, and it is through virtue that we can achieve a stable, lasting sense of fulfillment.
Control and Acceptance: The Dichotomy of Control
One of the most practical and powerful teachings of Stoicism is the dichotomy of control. This idea, emphasized by Epictetus, a former slave who became one of the greatest Stoic philosophers, teaches that we must learn to distinguish between what we can control and what we cannot control.
- What we can control: Our own thoughts, judgments, actions, and reactions.
- What we cannot control: External events, other people’s actions, our reputation, and even our own health and life circumstances.
By focusing on what is within our control, Stoics believed that we could cultivate inner peace, regardless of what happens around us. This mindset prevents us from becoming overly attached to external outcomes and allows us to accept life’s challenges with equanimity.
Epictetus wrote: “It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Stoicism teaches that we should approach life’s difficulties not with despair or frustration, but with calm acceptance, trusting that we can always control how we respond.
This teaching is central to emotional resilience. Stoicism helps individuals develop the strength to endure hardship, loss, or adversity with grace, knowing that while we cannot always change our circumstances, we can change our attitude toward them.
Practical Stoicism: Key Roman Stoics
Several prominent Roman philosophers embodied Stoic principles and left behind works that continue to inspire people today.
Seneca (4 BCE – 65 CE)
Seneca was a statesman, playwright, and Stoic philosopher whose writings offer practical advice on how to live a virtuous life amidst the pressures of politics and wealth. His works, such as Letters to Lucilius and On the Shortness of Life, emphasize self-reflection, managing emotions, and finding tranquility by focusing on what truly matters — virtue, not material success.
Seneca advocated for emotional restraint, teaching that anger, fear, and desire are destructive passions that cloud judgment and lead to suffering. He believed that through reason and self-discipline, individuals could overcome these emotions and lead a more peaceful, balanced life.
Epictetus (55 – 135 CE)
Epictetus, born a slave, became one of the most influential Stoic philosophers. His teachings, recorded by his student Arrian in works like The Enchiridion and Discourses, center on the importance of understanding what is within our control. Epictetus taught that by accepting what we cannot change and focusing on what we can — our own actions and attitudes — we can live with freedom and tranquility.
For Epictetus, freedom comes from mastering oneself, not from external circumstances. By practicing self-discipline and acceptance, individuals can achieve peace of mind regardless of their social status or external conditions.
Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180 CE)
Perhaps the most famous Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor whose personal reflections, known as Meditations, offer profound insights into Stoic thought. Written as a series of personal notes to himself, Meditations explores how to remain virtuous and calm in the face of power, responsibility, and life’s challenges.
Marcus Aurelius emphasized the idea of universal interconnectedness — the belief that everything in the universe is part of a larger, rational order. He taught that by understanding this interconnectedness and acting with reason and justice, we can live in harmony with nature and with others.
In his writings, Marcus Aurelius reflects on the importance of humility, self-discipline, and accepting one’s fate. Despite his immense power as emperor, he believed that inner peace came not from external success, but from aligning one’s actions with virtue and accepting the natural flow of life.
The Stoic Path to a Virtuous Life
Stoicism’s emphasis on living in accordance with nature, practicing virtue, and accepting what we cannot control provides a timeless guide for leading a fulfilling and ethical life. Roman Stoics like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius offered practical wisdom on how to cultivate resilience, manage emotions, and remain virtuous in the face of adversity.
By focusing on what we can control — our own thoughts, actions, and moral character — Stoicism teaches that we can achieve lasting inner peace and happiness, even in the most difficult circumstances. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, Stoicism remains a powerful tool for cultivating emotional strength, moral clarity, and a sense of purpose aligned with the natural order.
