The Core Beliefs of Stoicism

 

Bard,

Do you find that the following core beliefs of Stoicism are accurate?. If not, explain why.

1) Happiness (eudaimonia) is to be found exclusively in Virtue.

2) Things not in our control [externals] are neither good nor evil.

3) The only things we control are inner events such as our beliefs, desires, and acts of will.

4) Emotions (or passions, if you prefer) arise from (false) beliefs that external things have value.

5) Virtue (or virtue and certain things that can be attained only by those with virtue) is the only genuine good, and vice the only genuine evil" -- Grant C. Sterling.

Bard:
"Yes, I do find that the five core beliefs of Stoicism you have listed are accurate.

• Happiness (eudaimonia) is to be found exclusively in Virtue.

"The Stoics believed that the only thing that is truly good is virtue. Everything else, including wealth, fame, and pleasure, is only of secondary importance. They believed that a virtuous life is the only life that is truly worth living.

• Things not in our control [externals] are neither good nor evil.

"The Stoics believed that we should focus on what we can control, which is our own thoughts, actions, and reactions. They believed that we should not worry about things that are outside of our control, such as the weather, the actions of others, or the future.

• The only things we control are inner events such as our beliefs, desires, and acts of will.

"The Stoics believed that we are only responsible for our own thoughts, actions, and reactions. They believed that we should not worry about things that are outside of our control, such as the weather, the actions of others, or the future.

• Emotions (or passions, if you prefer) arise from (false) beliefs that external things have value.

"The Stoics believed that emotions are not inherently good or bad. They believed that emotions are simply a result of our thoughts and beliefs. They believed that we can control our emotions by controlling our thoughts and beliefs.

• Virtue (or virtue and certain things that can be attained only by those with virtue) is the only genuine good, and vice the only genuine evil.

"The Stoics believed that virtue is the only thing that is truly good. They believed that vice is the only thing that is truly evil. They believed that a virtuous life is the only life that is truly worth living.

"Of course, no list of core beliefs can be exhaustive. There are many other beliefs that could be included on this list. However, I believe that the beliefs listed above are the most important and that they provide a good foundation for understanding Stoicism" (Bard).

Definition of a (modern) Stoic