In a world where the pursuit of happiness often seems like an elusive quest, the wisdom of the ancient Stoics shines brightly. These philosophical stalwarts, who lived thousands of years ago, uncovered a path to genuine contentment grounded in exercises, wisdom, and ethical principles. Their philosophy, Stoicism, is a timeless guide to happiness. In this article, we’ll explore three Stoic ways to cultivate happiness and discover the keys to a fulfilled life.
Grasping the Essence of Happiness
The pursuit of happiness is a universal human endeavor, yet its definition varies greatly from person to person. For some, happiness is synonymous with financial success, while others find it in the warmth of relationships and the love of their dear ones. In Stoicism, the Greek term “eudaimonia” has a distinct and profound meaning. It represents a state of living in harmony with nature, a condition of inner peace and contentment that arises from aligning our lives with the grand design of the universe.
To the Stoics, happiness isn’t merely the fleeting pleasure of a moment or the accumulation of material possessions. It’s a deep sense of fulfillment and tranquility that emerges when we live in accordance with our true nature and the overarching order of the cosmos. It’s a profound and lasting happiness that isn’t dependent on external circumstances, wealth, or fleeting moments of pleasure.
This Stoic perspective on happiness challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and the sources of joy in our lives. It prompts us to seek happiness not in the transitory, but in the enduring, not in the external, but in the internal, and not in the ever-changing, but in the immutable principles that govern our existence.
1. Alter Your Judgments
Stoicism’s core lies in the profound notion that events are neither inherently good nor bad. Instead, the judgments we pass upon these events imbue them with qualities. This fundamental insight carries significant implications for our pursuit of happiness because it underscores the idea that most of what happens in our lives is beyond our control. We have limited influence over external circumstances but possess an inherent capacity to shape our judgments.
Imagine stepping into the world of ancient Rome with Epictetus, the Stoic sage, as he frequents a bustling public bathhouse. In this communal space, incidents abound—a fellow bather splashes water on you, an unfortunate case of theft occurs, and harsh words are exchanged. These situations may appear undesirable on the surface, but their impact on your well-being is not predetermined. It hinges upon the lens of judgment through which you view them.
Epictetus astutely advises, “It was not only to bathe that I desired but to keep my mind in a state conformable to nature.” Essentially, he reminds us that our inner state, our mental disposition, is the true arbiter of our response to external events. By cultivating a mind that aligns with the universe’s natural order, we attain equanimity—a state of inner serenity that arises from acknowledging the limitations of our control and exercising wisdom in our judgments.
To be a virtuous person, according to Stoic principles, is to exercise discernment in our judgments, especially concerning matters that lie beyond our sphere of influence. This skillful discernment is key to attaining the equanimity that forms the foundation of a happy and tranquil life. This is the first of the three stoic ways to cultivate happiness.
2. Live Virtuously
Stoicism places virtue at the heart of ethical living, and living virtuously is essential to achieving lasting happiness. The Stoics believed that virtue, encompassing wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation, inexorably leads to happiness. On the flip side, vices such as foolishness, injustice, cowardice, and intemperance inevitably result in misery.
Virtuous living involves continuously evaluating our actions, decisions, and character to ensure they align with the natural order of the cosmos. By living in harmony with this universal design, we embark on a path of self-improvement and personal growth. Virtue isn’t an abstract ideal; it’s a practical guide to leading a life cultivating genuine happiness.
Wisdom, the first cardinal virtue, entails the discernment to distinguish between what is within our control and what is not. It involves making prudent choices based on sound judgment and understanding the true nature of external events.
Justice, the second virtue, calls for treating others fairly and respectfully. It emphasizes our interconnectedness with fellow human beings and the importance of harmonious relationships.
Courage, the third virtue, extends beyond physical bravery to encompass the courage to face life’s challenges with steadfastness and integrity.
Moderation, the final cardinal virtue, emphasizes self-discipline and restraint in our desires and actions. It involves finding the balance between excess and deficiency in all aspects of life.
By striving to live virtuously in accordance with these principles, we not only enhance our moral character but also pave the way for happiness. Virtuous living is the second of the Stoic ways to cultivate happiness: a dynamic and practical approach to navigating life’s complexities, helping us make choices that lead to inner contentment and lasting well-being.
3. Lower Your Expectations
Expectations can be a double-edged sword, particularly those set at a high bar. When we expect favorable outcomes from situations and circumstances beyond our control, we set ourselves up for inevitable disappointment. This dissonance between our expectations and the unpredictable nature of reality often leads to suffering.
The third of the Stoic ways to cultivate happiness offers a pragmatic solution to this human predicament—lowering your expectations. Epictetus’ wisdom reminds us that the suffering we experience does not arise directly from external events but from our own positions and judgments concerning those events.
Imagine expecting your father to behave in a particular manner that aligns with your vision of a “good father”—supportive, respectful of your decisions, and affectionate. However, reality unfolds differently, and your father appears flaky, disapproving of your choices, and emotionally distant. The source of your distress lies not in your father’s actions but in the expectations and judgments you hold.
Epictetus admonishes us to recognize that we are not inherently entitled to the desired outcomes but only to what is naturally within our control. Expecting more than what nature has offered us is a surefire path to suffering. The Stoic approach to happiness emphasizes the importance of adjusting our expectations to align with life’s inherent unpredictability.
In practice, this entails employing negative visualization—a Stoic exercise that involves mentally preparing ourselves for life’s challenges and disappointments. By contemplating potential hardships and adversities, we condition ourselves to embrace the uncertainties of life with greater equanimity. This practice mitigates the impact of future disappointments and cultivates resilience and mental fortitude.
Practicing the Stoic Ways to Cultivate Happiness
In summary, Stoicism offers us a timeless blueprint for achieving true and enduring happiness. By altering our judgments, living virtuously, and lowering our expectations, we can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom, tranquility, and inner contentment. Stoicism provides the thread leading us to the authentic happiness we seek.