#16: The Disciplines of Stoicism
3 essential principles for living in line with Stoic teachings.
Good morning comrades, we’re rounding out this week with a newsletter focusing on the three disciplines of Stoicism. These principles are an essential part of understanding this school of thought, and are a huge part of the guidance system if you chose to live more like a Stoic.
Let’s dive in.
The Discipline of Desire
In Stoicism, the Discipline of Desire refers to the practice of distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, and then directing our desires only towards what is within our control. Ultimately accepting our fate.
It is a belief that we should focus our desires on things that are in our power to achieve, such as our own attitudes and actions, rather than on external circumstances, which are often beyond our control. This is because external circumstances are subject to change and are ultimately outside of our control, whereas our own attitudes and actions are things we can always control.
Furthermore, the Stoics emphasised the importance of cultivating a sense of detachment from external things, so that our happiness is not dependent on them. This is achieved through the practice of "negative visualisation", which involves imagining worst-case scenarios and reflecting on the fact that we can still find meaning and fulfilment in life even in difficult circumstances.
This concept also involves regulating our emotions and avoiding excesses. Stoics believed that emotions such as anger, fear, and other passions can lead us astray and prevent us from living in accordance with reason and virtue. By regulating our emotions, we can become more rational and make better decisions.
The Discipline of Action
In Stoicism, this refers to the practice of taking action in accordance with reason and virtue, and accepting the outcomes of those actions with equanimity. Also known as Stoic Philanthropy.
Stoics believed that actions should be guided by reason and virtue, rather than by emotions or external circumstances. This means that we should act in ways that are in line with our moral principles and that promote the greater good, rather than simply pursuing our own selfish interests.
The Stoics also believed in accepting the outcomes of our actions with equanimity, regardless of whether those outcomes are positive or negative. This means that we should not be attached to the outcomes of our actions or seek to control them, but rather focus on the process of acting in accordance with reason and virtue.
Furthermore, this discipline involves developing habits and routines that support our moral principles and help us to achieve our goals. For example, a Stoic might practice regular meditation or exercise to cultivate self-discipline and clarity of thought.
The Discipline of Assent (Mindfulness)
This refers to the practice of carefully examining our impressions and judgements before accepting or rejecting them. This discipline is based on the Stoic belief that our thoughts and beliefs can have a powerful impact on our emotions and actions, and that we should strive to maintain a clear and rational perspective on the world.
The Stoics believed that many of our impressions and judgements are based on false assumptions or biases, and that we should therefore be cautious before accepting them as true. Instead, we should examine our impressions carefully, asking whether they are based on evidence and whether they are consistent with our moral principles.
The Discipline of Assent also involves accepting that some things are beyond our control, and that we should not become emotionally attached to external circumstances. Stoics believed that by accepting the world as it is, rather than as we would like it to be, we can avoid unnecessary suffering and maintain our equanimity.
Furthermore, they believed that by cultivating a rational perspective on the world, we can develop a sense of inner peace and freedom. This means that we can maintain our sense of self-worth and dignity, regardless of external circumstances.
Quote for the weekend ahead
Since it is Reason which shapes and regulates all other things, it ought not itself to be left in disorder…
— Epictetus, The Discourses