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How did you discover Stoicism?

Posted by Matt 11d ago 66 views 1 replies

I discovered Stoicism back in ~2012, when I got an interest in philosophy. I ordered a few random books on Amazon, and one of them happened to be the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

I've been following Stoicism since.

How did you come to discover Stoicism? What appealed to you about it?

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ᗡBЯG Supporter 11d ago

Just last year I stumbled upon a few shorts from Ryan Holiday.

Ordered Marcus Aurelius' Meditations that same day and slowly making my way trough it.

What appealed me the most was the dichotomy of control. Probably because I needed it the most at the time.

While I renounced the Christian belief I grew up with. There are parts about it that I do miss. Even though common perception seems to be that Christianity and Stoicism are polar opposites. Stoicism seems to fill that particular void for me personally.

Still, I consider myself quite the beginner and looking forward to the many opportunities of growth.

Matt 10d ago

What appealed me the most was the dichotomy of control. Probably because I needed it the most at the time.

It seems when we need something, it finds us. The dichotomy of control is indeed a life hack, if you will. Combined with the other Stoic meditations, it starts to feel like nothing at all in the world can truly effect you.

Even though common perception seems to be that Christianity and Stoicism are polar opposites.

Hm, I seem to remember a group online that is strictly Christian/Stoic. They argue that you can't be a true Stoic if you don't believe in God. Although, in my view, God is simply "Nature", the order of things, which I think many other modern Stoics seem to follow.

For example, in a lot of translations of the original works, you'll sometimes see "God", or you'll see "Nature", depending on the translator.

Still, I consider myself quite the beginner and looking forward to the many opportunities of growth.

Likewise!

Matt 10d ago

Also, I did just want to mention that the Serenity Prayer is extremely similar to the Stoic dichotomy of control.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.