#12: Lessons learned from Musonius Rufus
How Epictetus' teacher practiced Stoicism, and more...
Good morning comrades ahead of a busier week, I’ve moved this weeks final newsletter to Friday. Going ahead I may keep this format, giving me more time to producer heartier newsletters. Today I’m going over briefly 7 things my second favourite Stoic, (after Epictetus) clung to when practicing Stoicism.
Musonius Rufus was a Stoic philosopher who lived in the 1st century AD in Rome. He was born in Volsinii, Etruria, which is now modern-day Italy, and he lived during the reigns of the Emperors Nero and Vespasian. He was known for his simple and frugal lifestyle, which was in line with his Stoic beliefs.
So what did he accordingly focus on in order to live a Stoic life?
Virtue is the highest good: The ultimate goal of human life is to achieve virtue. Virtue is the highest good and it is the only thing that can bring us true happiness and fulfilment. He believed that by living a virtuous life, we can achieve inner peace, self-control, and a sense of purpose.
The importance of education: He believed that education is essential for the development of human beings. He emphasised the importance of learning and believed that education should focus on developing our moral and ethical character. Education should in theory be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status or background.
The importance of self-discipline: According to Musonius Rufus, self-discipline is essential for living a virtuous life. We should cultivate self-control and discipline in all aspects of our lives, including our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Self-discipline can help us overcome our passions and desires and enable us to make rational decisions.
The role of women in society: Women were capable of achieving the same level of virtue as men. He believed that women should have access to education and that they should be allowed to participate in public life. He also believed that women should have the right to choose their own husbands and that they should be treated with respect and dignity.
The importance of living a simple life: He believed that we should live a simple life and avoid excess and luxury. That material possessions and wealth do not bring true happiness and fulfilment. Instead, emphasising the importance of living a frugal and modest life, focused on the pursuit of virtue.
The importance of nature: We should live in harmony with nature. He believed that nature provides us with everything we need to live a virtuous life, and that we should appreciate and respect the natural world. By living in accordance with nature, we can achieve inner peace and harmony.
The importance of moral principles: Moral principles are essential for living a virtuous life. He believed that we should strive to live according to the principles of justice, courage, wisdom, and self-control. He believed that by living in accordance with these principles, we can achieve a sense of purpose and fulfilment in life.
Quote for the weekend ahead
You will earn the respect of all if you begin by earning the respect of yourself. Don’t expect to encourage good deeds in people conscious of your own misdeeds.
— attributed to Musonius Rufus
I’ve taken the time to detail the full history, and legacy of Musonius Rufus in my latest post on Substack. If you’re interested consider subscribing:
Seneca Film Trailer feat. John Malkovich
I’m looking forward to this. The trailer below has just been released for director Robert Schwentke’s long-awaited movie Seneca: On the Creation of Earthquakes.