Stoicism Today covers Common Pitfalls for Inexpert Stoics

 
Pitfall

Stoicism is not the sort of philosophy that can be expressed in a few quotes. The ancient Stoics redefined common words, created new terms, and had an expectation that their students would study, study, and study some more before really absorbing the Stoic perspective.

Does this mean we can't benefit from a less rigorous approach to the Stoic philosophy? Not at all. Stoicism helps people. And yes, there are many succinct Stoic quotes that do get across their point very well. But for every, "People are not upset by things, but by their judgments about things," there's a line about your wife and child dying and how that shouldn't matter. I'm just saying that without some guidance, it's easy to stumble over Stoicism's complicated and sometimes quirky ideas.

Stoicism Today just posted, Common Pitfalls for Inexpert Stoics by Rymke Wiersma. It's a useful guide to, well, common pitfalls. If you are new to Stoicism, or simply want to make sure you haven't drifted of the path, this article is worth reviewing.

Stoic Week Supplemental

The 3rd Annual Stoic Week is here and I hope you are as excited as I am to participate! Oh, wait. I mean I expect we are all cool, calm, collected, and willing to take part in Stoic Week, fate willing.

I've just completed a review of this site, looking for articles that apply to each of the week's topics. The outstanding Stoic 2014 Handbook already provides a lot to chew on, but if you find yourself wanting additional material to keep your day focused on the topic at hand, I hope these resources are helpful.

Also, if you want to discuss the week with me, feel free to comment on this site or on the Immoderate Stoic Facebook page. 


Central Stoic Ideas

Stoic Week: Your Daily Routine

Monday: What is in Our Power?

Tuesday: Stoic Mindfulness

Wednesday: Self-Discipline and Stoic Simplicity

  • Seems that the Immoderate Stoic doesn't have much to say about self-discipline. Imagine that!

Thursday: Virtue and Relationships with Others

Friday: Action and the Stoic Reserve Clause

Saturday: Preparation for Adversity

Sunday: The View from Above