Page 32 - Annonce Dergi | İzmir Özel Saint-Joseph Fransız Lisesi

THE MENTALITY: STOICISM

What is stoicism and what’s the history behind this slave and teacher, and Marcus Aurelius, Roman
term? emperor, adapted Stoicism to suit problems of
personal resilience, accountability, and leadership.
Stoicism is enjoying an utterly uncomfortable
situation without complaining or showing bad Despite its ancient roots, Stoicism’s focus on reason,
emotions. For a second, imagine a situation where inner strength and ethical conduct remains relevant

your house was burned or all of the money in your today, providing ageless advice for dealing with
bank account was stolen. How would you feel life’s uncertainties.
about that? Most of us would worry so much, which Mina Ada Kocabaş
isn’t bad. It’s okay to have intense emotions when
something horrible like that happens. The ideology
behind stoicism is not to stress or worry when that
happens; although it’s impossible to stay that calm
and relaxed, we can apply this idea a little bit so that
it helps.

The history of stoicism is quite interesting. Stoicism,
one of the greatest philosophies to have come out
of the ancient world, began in Athens in the early
3rd century BCE. It was founded by Zeno of Citium,
who had recourse to philosophy for solace after
being shipwrecked in Athens. Inspired by Socrates
and the Cynics, Zeno began teaching in the Stoa

Poikile (Painted Porch), an open colonnade, and the
name Stoicism was coined. His philosophy was on
harmonious coexistence with nature, developing
virtues, and practicing self-mastery to attain inner
peace.

Zeno’s followers, Cleanthes and Chrysippus,
developed his thoughts, systematizing Stoic logic,
physics, and ethics. By Roman times, Stoicism had

evolved as a philosophy of living. Thinkers like
Seneca, statesman and playwright, Epictetus, former

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