Stoicism

In the turbulent world following Alexander the Great, a new philosophy emerged offering a path to inner peace and resilience: Stoicism. This episode explores the origins of Stoicism in Athens and its flourishing in the Roman Empire. We will delve into its core principles, such as the 'dichotomy of control'—the idea of focusing only on what is within our power. You'll meet the most famous Roman Stoics, from the slave Epictetus to the emperor Marcus Aurelius, and discover how they applied these ideas to their lives. Learn about practical Stoic exercises for building mental fortitude and understand why this ancient philosophy continues to resonate in the modern world.

Check your understanding

These are the same multiple-choice questions you will see in the Quiz section after you listen to the episode. Use them here to preview or review the answers.

What is the fundamental principle of the Stoic 'dichotomy of control'?

  1. That a person must strive to control every aspect of their life, including external events.
  2. That true happiness comes from successfully controlling other people's opinions and actions.
  3. That tranquility is achieved by focusing one's energy on what is within our control (our judgments, actions) and accepting what is not (external events).
  4. That absolutely nothing is within our control, so we must be passive.
  5. That the only thing worth controlling is one's own wealth.

Stoicism became particularly influential in Rome, appealing to people from all social classes. Who were the three most famous Roman Stoic philosophers whose writings have survived?

  1. Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle
  2. Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Nero
  3. Zeno of Citium, Cleanthes, and Chrysippus
  4. Epictetus (a former slave), Seneca (a statesman), and Marcus Aurelius (an emperor)
  5. Cicero, Cato, and Brutus

According to Stoic philosophy, which of the following is the 'sole good' and the only thing required for a happy life ('eudaimonia')?

  1. Attaining great wealth and social status.
  2. Enjoying good health and a long life.
  3. Maximizing pleasure and avoiding all forms of pain.
  4. Possessing virtue and an excellent moral character.
  5. Gaining the admiration and respect of your peers.

The Stoics used practical exercises to train their minds. What was the primary purpose of 'Premeditatio Malorum' (the premeditation of evils)?

  1. To develop a pessimistic and fearful outlook on life in order to avoid disappointment.
  2. To magically ward off bad events by thinking about them in advance.
  3. To mentally rehearse for potential future adversity, thereby reducing its shock and increasing appreciation for what one currently has.
  4. To find reasons to blame the gods or fate for any misfortune that occurs.
  5. To practice complaining effectively so others will offer help.

The name of the philosophy 'Stoicism' originates from the location where its founder, Zeno of Citium, used to teach in Athens. What was this place?

  1. The Platonic Academy
  2. The Lyceum of Aristotle
  3. The Stoa Poikile, or 'Painted Porch'
  4. The Theatre of Dionysus
  5. The Roman Forum

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