They include the idea that Roman society had changed in a way that stern calls to virtue didn’t resonate any longer, as well as the lack of charismatic teachers that would equal Musonius or Epictetus (in this respect, it is interesting to note that Stoicism had already experienced an early decline immediately after its …

The Stoics often identified the universe and God with Zeus, as the ruler and upholder, and at the same time the law, of the universe. In one sense the Stoics believed that this is the best of all possible worlds. Only God or Nature is good, and Nature is perfectly rational.

Stoicism follows Heraclitus and believes in one Logos; Christianity follows Jesus, and requires followers to believe in the one true God and have no other gods before him [her]. Additionally, both Stoicism and Christianity serve the will of the Logos/God.

These stoic practices will help bring calm to the chaos we face today.

1. Develop An Internal Locus Of Control.
2. Guard Your Time.
3. Don’t Outsource Your Happiness.
4. Stay Focused When Confronted With Distractions.
5. Toss Away Ego And Vanity.
6. Consolidate Your Thoughts In Writing.
7. Stand Your Ground.
8. Imagine The Worst That Could Happen.

Rather Stoicism teaches us that we are personally responsible for our happiness, and it’s up to us to create happiness through our actions. Stoicism is a practical approach to living, one that doesn’t shy away from the reality that life is hard, and adversity is in its its very nature.

Stoicism holds that the key to a good, happy life is the cultivation of an excellent mental state, which the Stoics identified with virtue and being rational. The ideal life is one that is in harmony with Nature, of which we are all part, and an attitude of calm indifference towards external events.

The disadvantages of Stoicism are many. For one, it can build up a crust so that anybody who enjoys luxuries appears to the Stoic to be a wastrel, a spendthrift, or a spoiled brat. So, one disadvantage is being too hard. The Stoic can come to look down upon, or even hate everybody who isn’t Stoic.

remember that you will die

remember to live

Hermits of St. Paul of France

memento vivere

Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning ‘remember you must die’. A basic memento mori painting would be a portrait with a skull but other symbols commonly found are hour glasses or clocks, extinguished or guttering candles, fruit, and flowers.