Stoicism and the ‘Telos’ of Life: Living in Accordance with Nature
- Release for Public view 2023/08/18
- From Zero to Hero: Part of the Introduction
- Vision to “Telos” – Greek Philosophy
The Stoics were a school of ancient Greek philosophy that believed that the goal of life is to live in accordance with nature. They believed that the universe is governed by a divine reason and that we can achieve happiness by living in harmony with this reason.
The Stoics used the word “telos” to refer to the purpose or goal of something. They believed that the telos of human life is to live a virtuous life. A virtuous life is one that is lived in accordance with nature and reason.
The Stoics believed that we should not be attached to external things, such as wealth, fame, or pleasure. They believed that these things are not within our control and that we should focus on things that are within our control, such as our thoughts and actions.
The Stoics also believed that we should accept the things that happen to us, even if they are bad. They believed that everything that happens is part of nature’s plan and that we should not try to resist it.
Real-life applications of Stoicism
The philosophy of Stoicism can be applied to many different areas of our lives. Here are a few examples:
- Career: When facing challenges in our careers, we can remind ourselves that these challenges are part of nature’s plan. We can also focus on the things that are within our control, such as our work ethic and our attitude.
- Relationships: When dealing with difficult relationships, we can remind ourselves that we cannot control the other person’s actions. We can focus on controlling our own thoughts and actions, and on being kind and compassionate.
- Personal development: When we are trying to change our habits or improve ourselves, we can remind ourselves that it takes time and effort. We can also focus on the progress we are making, no matter how small.
- Spiritual life: When we are facing challenges in our spiritual life, we can remind ourselves that we are not alone. We can also focus on the things that give us hope and meaning, such as our faith or our relationships with others.
How to live a Stoic life
Living a Stoic life is not always easy. However, it can be a very rewarding way to live. By following the principles of Stoicism, we can find peace and happiness in the midst of life’s challenges.
Here are some tips for living a Stoic life:
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help us to focus on the things that are within our control and to let go of the things that are not.
- Accept what you cannot control: Stoics believe that we should accept the things that happen to us, even if they are bad. This does not mean that we have to like them or agree with them. It simply means that we should not resist them.
- Focus on your values: Stoics believe that we should live in accordance with our values. This means identifying what is important to us and then making decisions that are in line with those values.
- Be kind and compassionate: Stoics believe that we should be kind and compassionate to ourselves and to others. This means treating others with the same respect that we would like to be treated with.
Conclusion
Stoicism is a philosophy that can help us to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. By following the principles of Stoicism, we can find peace and happiness in the midst of life’s challenges.
I hope this blog post has helped you to understand Stoicism and the Telos of Life. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to read the works of the Stoics themselves. They have much to teach us about how to live a good and happy life.
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With Love, Gratitude & Grace,
- Yvonne E. Venter-Louw
- YEVL (Pty) Ltd. Director & Principal
- Researcher, Advisor, Educator, Coach, Mentor and Speaker
- Thesis: The Psychological Impact and Rehabilitation of Past Experiences on Daily Driven Financial Decisions
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