Question

What are some Stoic practices and exercises? 1 While there are references to Stoic exercises, good descriptions of them in the classical literature are rare to non-existent, and attempts to describe them (as below) are necessarily speculative. Some known (or at least suspected) exercises are:

Answer 1

Stoicism is a philosophy that values virtue and rationality, emphasizing practices like reflective writing and acceptance of what cannot be controlled. It influenced Roman thinkers like Emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose works underscore Stoic teachings on courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stoicism, a Hellenistic philosophy that resonated with Roman ideals, emphasizes self-control, rationality, and the pursuit of virtue, aligning with notions of duty, political service, and resilience. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor who was also a Stoic philosopher, exemplified these teachings in his personal writings, which have come to be known as Meditations. Stoicism advocates for the cultivation of four core virtues: courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom, encouraging individuals to live in accordance with nature and reason, and to maintain inner tranquility despite external turmoil.

Stoic practices and exercises might include reflective writing, akin to that of Marcus Aurelius, focusing on daily self-examination and contemplation of Stoic principles. Furthermore, Stoics emphasize the importance of accepting the things outside of our control, and this acceptance might be practiced through mental or physical exercises designed to remind oneself of the limits of personal influence and the need to adapt to circumstances.