Stoicism: Who Is Who? What Is What? — My Very Personal Stoic Mini Encyclopedia
As I explore Stoicism and its teachings, I sometimes find myself a bit lost, and this is why I created my very own Stoic Mini Encyclopedia. This guide offers an alphabetical look at key figures, their notable works, and some of the fundamental Stoic concepts you may come across in the quizzes I’ve created for my Jolly Good Planet YouTube Channel. I hope it serves as a helpful reference and a personal reflection on these timeless ideas.
PHILOSOPHERS (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Cleanthes
Mini Bio: Cleanthes succeeded Zeno of Citium as the head of the Stoic school. His work is known for focusing on ethics and the rational order of the cosmos.
Notable Work: Hymn to Zeus—A poetic expression of the Stoic belief in the rationality and order of the universe.
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Mini Bio: Famous for his ascetic lifestyle, Diogenes carried a lantern during the day, claiming to search for an honest man. Though more closely linked with Cynicism, his life had a profound influence on Stoic simplicity.
Notable Work: His followers compiled his sayings and anecdotes, offering insight into his unconventional and provocative approach to life.
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Mini Bio: Born into slavery, Epictetus became one of the most prominent Stoic teachers. His life story illustrates the Stoic belief in internal freedom through rational thought.
Notable Works: Discourses and Enchiridion—The Discourses capture his teachings, while the Enchiridion serves as a practical handbook for living according to Stoic principles.
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Mini Bio: Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius is an inspiring example of a ruler who integrated Stoicism into daily leadership. His reflections show how he applied Stoic ideas to the challenges of life and governance.
Notable Work: Meditations—A unique collection of his private notes, offering intimate insight into his Stoic mindset.
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Seneca
Mini Bio: Seneca, a tutor to Emperor Nero and a prolific writer, left works rich with wisdom on ethics, personal growth, and the fleeting nature of life.
Notable Works: Letters from a Stoic and On the Shortness of Life—These writings explore the value of time, how to live wisely, and the pursuit of virtue.
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Mini Bio: The founder of the Stoic school, Zeno, laid down the foundational principles of Stoicism. He taught at the Stoa Poikile in Athens, which gave the school its name.
Notable Work: Although many of Zeno’s writings are lost, his students carried forward his legacy, and his ideas live on in the Stoic tradition.
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STOIC CONCEPTS (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
This Stoic idea encourages “loving one’s fate”—embracing everything that happens as necessary and valuable. Personally, this concept reminds me to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
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Emotional control is key in Stoicism, and apatheia refers to managing feelings with reason. It’s about being free from destructive emotions, not emotionally numb. Stoics believed in making decisions without being swayed by passion.
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Ataraxia
A state of serene calmness, free from emotional disturbance. I see it as the peace that comes from living in harmony with nature and reason.
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Though often translated as “seize the day,” in Stoicism, it’s more about acting wisely in the present moment rather than waiting for the perfect time.
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Dichotomy of Control
A core Stoic principle, this concept teaches us to focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot. It’s a practice that helps me let go of external worries and concentrate on my own actions and mindset.
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This concept represents “human flourishing,” or living well. In Stoicism, it is the ultimate goal—a life of virtue and excellence, far beyond just temporary happiness.
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Fortitude
Courage and mental strength to face life’s challenges. In Stoic thought, fortitude is essential for facing adversity with resilience.
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The rational principle that governs the universe. Stoics believed that aligning oneself with logos was essential for achieving peace and purpose in life.
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Memento Mori
“Remember that you will die.” This isn’t meant to be morbid, but rather a call to live fully and meaningfully. For me, it serves as a reminder to appreciate each day as a gift.
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Moderation in all things is a Stoic virtue. This principle applies to our emotions, habits, and desires, encouraging us to avoid excess and find balance.
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Negative Visualization (Premeditatio Malorum)
By imagining potential obstacles in advance, Stoics mentally prepared themselves for setbacks. Practicing premeditatio malorum helps me stay grounded and resilient when things don’t go as planned.
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Referring to our faculty of choice, prohairesis is the idea that while we can’t control external events, we can always control how we respond. It reminds me that I have the power to choose my actions and attitudes, no matter the situation.
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Virtus
In Stoic thought, virtus represents moral excellence and righteousness. The Stoics believed that living a virtuous life was the path to true happiness and fulfilment. It encourages me to strive for the highest moral standards in everything I do.
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I hope this personal guide serves as a useful companion to your Stoic journey and enriches your understanding of the philosophy. Whether you’re taking a Stoic quiz or reflecting on these ideas in everyday life, may these concepts and philosophers inspire you as they have inspired me!
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Image: Mila Morris & OpenAI
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