The Classic View of Life, from a Stoic

The stoic view on life is an intriguing one. They strongly believe that we cannot control nearly all parts of our lives. Our inter attitude is up to the individual human. We control how we feel and should not let anyone control our lives. Even if one would hit our car or burglarize our house, the attitude about the situation is up to the individual and nobody can change that.
The stoics classified their ideas into three major categories: cosmic determinism, fatalism-fate, and inner freedom. Cosmic determinism has to do with natural causes, cause and effect. Cosmic determinism also- to an even higher degree- deals with religion. Stoics believe that there is a “Logos” mind behind the universe, a “knows all” type of phenomenon. This Logos can be compared to the Christian God. They also believe that everything happen by fate (God’s plan). This belief helps to control emotions because they can say they had no control when something bad happens. Finally, the believe in free will: choosing what you want to do.

There were many famous stoics including: Zeno, Cleathes, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus who was a freed slave. Epictetus even had his leg broken and continued to have a positive attitude (a true Stoic!). He even wrote a handbook during his time on Earth.

From the Handbook of Epictetus, proving Stoics are positive people on page 12, “In the case of everything attractive or useful or that you are fond of, remember to say just what sort of thing it is, beginning with that least little things. If you are fond of a jug, say “I am fond of a jug!” For then when it is broken you will not be upset. If you kiss your child or wife, say that you are kissing a human being; for when it dies you will not be upset.”

More from the Handbook of Epictetus on page 15, “When you see someone weeping in grief at the depature of his child or the loss of his property, take care not to be carried away by the appearance that the externals he is involved in are bad, and be ready to say immediately, “What weighs down on this man is not what has happened (since it does not weigh down on someone else), but his judgement about it.” Do not hesitate, however, to sympathize with him verbally, and even to moan with him if the occasion arises; but be careful not to main inwardly.