Day to day, moment to moment, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters to you. You can often find yourself caught up in the trap of regretting yesterday, or fearing tomorrow. Stoicism teaches us that the only moment we truly possess is now. Central to this philosophy is the concept of principles—fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for our behavior and beliefs. In the context of Stoicism, principles are more than just moral guidelines; they are the bedrock of a meaningful and virtuous life. Let’s delve into what a principle means for a Stoic and how we can revive and live by them every day.
What is a Principle in Stoicism?
In Stoicism, a principle is an unchanging truth that guides our thoughts and actions. These are not mere rules nor societal norms but profound truths derived from reason and nature. They serve as the compass for our lives, helping us navigate through challenges, temptations, and uncertainties with clarity and purpose. Unlike external circumstances, which are beyond our control, our principles are entirely within our power. They are the essence of who we are and what we stand for.
The Core Principles of Stoicism
There are several key principles that underpin Stoic philosophy. Here are a few central ones:
1. Virtue is the Highest Good: For Stoics, virtue (arete) is the only true good. It encompasses wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Living virtuously means acting in accordance with reason and nature, striving to be the best version of ourselves.
2. Control and Acceptance: Stoicism teaches us to distinguish between what we can control and what we cannot. We should focus our energy on our thoughts, actions, and responses—things within our control—while accepting external events as they are. You can’t change that mean tweet, but you can change how it makes you feel.
3. Rationality: Reason is the defining characteristic of human beings. It allows us to understand the world, make sound decisions, and live harmoniously. A Stoic strives to live in accordance with reason, avoiding irrational passions and impulses.
4. Living in Harmony with Nature: This principle encourages us to align our lives with the natural order of the world. It means accepting the impermanence of things, understanding our place in the universe, and living in a way that respects the interconnectedness of all life. For example, consider the nuisance of mosquitoes. Instead of constantly complaining about them, you could take a more Stoic approach: build bat boxes to attract natural predators, invest in BTI (a natural larvicide), and use nature to foster the kind of home environment you want. This way, you work with nature rather than against it.
Reviving Your Principles
The beauty of Stoic principles lies in their resilience. No matter how far you drift away, you can always return, and they are just as valid when you rediscover them as they were when you first found them. Your principles can only be extinguished with your permission. At any point, in any moment, you can instantly bring them back to life and live them again.
Imagine you’ve had a rough week. Perhaps you’ve acted out of anger, made decisions driven by fear, or neglected your responsibilities. It’s easy to feel discouraged and think you’ve failed in living a Stoic life. However, Stoicism teaches us that every moment is an opportunity to start anew. You don’t need a grand gesture or a specific time to realign with your principles. Simply recognize your missteps, forgive yourself, and commit to living by your principles now.
I bolded and underlined that because I think it’s the most important part. It’s so easy to hate yourself. It’s so easy to queue up every mistake you’ve ever made and replay them endlessly in your mind. But this self-criticism only hurts you. That self-flagellation serves no purpose. Embrace the Stoic idea that mistakes are part of the journey and use them as a springboard for personal growth. By doing so, you turn every setback into an opportunity for improvement, ensuring that each day you come closer to the Stoic ideals you aspire to.
The Irrelevance of the Past
One of the most liberating aspects of Stoicism is its view on the past. According to Stoic thought, the past is beyond our control and, therefore, should not preoccupy us. Regret and guilt are wasted emotions, as they focus on what cannot be changed. Instead, Stoics emphasize the importance of the present moment. What matters is how you act now and in the future.
Consider this: dwelling on past mistakes only distracts you from living virtuously today. If you made an error in judgment, learn from it, but do not let it define you. The past is a repository of lessons, not a chain that binds you. By focusing on the present, you can apply those lessons and live in accordance with your principles.
Living Your Principles Today
To live by your principles today, start with self-reflection. Take a few moments each day to contemplate your actions and thoughts. Are they aligned with your core principles? If not, why? This practice helps you stay grounded and aware of areas where you might need to make adjustments. It helps you to live not only with purpose, but on purpose.
Next, practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, aware of your thoughts and actions. It’s a powerful tool for living by your principles because it keeps you attuned to the here and now, where your principles operate.
Moreover, embrace the concept of amor fati—love of fate. This principle encourages acceptance of whatever happens, viewing it as necessary and beneficial for your growth. By accepting events as they are, you can respond with virtue and rationality, rather than resistance and frustration.
Practical Steps to Live by Your Principles
1. Daily Reflection: Set aside time each day to reflect on your actions and decisions. Journaling can be a useful practice. Write down instances where you lived by your principles and areas where you fell short. This helps reinforce your commitment to your principles.
2. Mindful Decision-Making: Before making decisions, pause and consider whether your choice aligns with your principles. Ask yourself if it promotes virtue and rationality. This deliberate approach ensures your actions are guided by your core values.
3. Seek Wisdom: Continuously educate yourself on Stoic teachings and other philosophies that resonate with you. Wisdom is a lifelong pursuit, and the more you learn, the better equipped you are to live by your principles.
4. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals: Engage with a community that shares your commitment to Stoic principles. This support network can provide encouragement, accountability, and insights to help you stay on track.
Conclusion
Principles in Stoicism are not mere abstract concepts but living, breathing guides to a virtuous life. They are always within our reach, ready to be revived and practiced. By focusing on the present moment and living by our principles today, we cultivate a life of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Remember, the past is beyond our control, but this moment is ours. Embrace it, live it, and let your principles shine through.