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Stoicism, an age-old school of thinking that started in the city of Athens in about 300 BCE, has become a lot of an attraction for modern-day entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and development and improvement enthusiasts. Stoicism, with its universally applicable values taken from such topics such as survival, self-disciplinarianism, and search for virtue, puts forward common-sensical techniques and methods that can make humans survive life's uncertainty and many hardships triumphantly. To become a Stoic doesn't mean one will become disconnected with one's feelings and to instate suppression of feelings; it is a matter of achieving a deep inner strength, peace of mind in times of hardships, and attempting to conduct life according to one's simple values and ethics.

Knowledge About Stoicism

Stoicism, in a nutshell, teaches one to perform one's best and submit to whatever one cannot. Stoicism developed with "Zeno of Citium" and continued with such philosophers as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism addresses four cardinal virtues:

1. Wisdom: To make proper judgments and have a sense of what is proper.

2. Courage: Confronting obstacles with fortitude and determination.

3. Justice: To act fairly with humans and in harmony with justice.

4. Temperance: Practicing self-discipline and moderation.

Such virtues make the basis of Stoic living, and through them, humans can act consciously, stand firm in the face of external circumstances, and harmonize actions with moral tenets.

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Main Principles of Stoicism

1. Dichotomy of Control

The principle of dichotomy of control is one of the most significant of Stoicism. According to this principle, life can be characterized in two types:

• Things under one's control: One's actions, choices, and thinking.

• Things not in our hands: These include other people's minds, any kind of external situation, which happens to us, and the final consequences or ends of things. By keeping our mind focused on the things in our hands and, at the same time, releasing the things not in our hands, we free ourselves of the burdens of unnecessary worry and frustration. As aptly stated by Epictetus, the renowned philosopher, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

2. Amor Fati (the Love of Fate) Practicing

Stoicism teaches us to accept whatever comes our way, both positive and negative, as part of the natural scheme of life. Amor Fati, "love of fate," is acceptance of life for life, and seeing meaning in each and every experience. Instead of fighting obstacles, Stoics view them as a chance for individual development and improvement.

3. Memento Mori (Remember Death)

The acceptance of death as a certainty is a fundamental principle that is another tenet of Stoic philosophy. Memento Mori, "remembrance that you will die," is not intended to make us mope and despair but to instil a strong sense of urgency, and at the same time, appreciate for the years we have in our lives. By full awareness and acceptance of the finite nature of life, we can prioritize things first in life and maximize the years we have in this life.

4. Virtue As the Greatest Good

For Stoics, living according to virtue is the ideal. Wealth, glory, and sensual enjoyment are secondary to ethics and moral virtue. Happiness arises out of living in harmony with one's ideals and acting for the best in the world.

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Practical Stoic Applications

1. Reflection at Dawn and Dusk

Stoics practice routine reflection to harmonize with their ideals. Attempt starting and ending your day with reflective routines, such as:

• Journaling: Write about your thoughts, problems, and actions. Ask yourself, "Did I act with virtue today?"

• Meditation: Practicing gratitude, living in the present, or contemplating Stoic maxims.

Stoic philosopher and Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius would regularly write himself reminders in a journal to remind him of Stoic philosophies. His Meditations remains a best seller, a handbook for mastering oneself and staying strong.

2. Distinguish between Desire and Need

In a consumer based society, it is not difficult to fall under worldly desire and fleeting pleasure. Stoicism teaches moderation through differentiation between wants and requirements. Ironically, simplifying your life and being satisfied with the basics can provide lasting peace.

3. Look at Challenges as Chances

In times of challenge, practice Stoic thinking through converting obstacles into an opportunity for improvement. Instead of dwelling over failure, ask yourself:

• What can I gain through this lesson?

• How can I make myself braver and wiser?

To recall Seneca, "A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials."

4. Engage in Voluntary Suffering

To build fortitude, Stoics regularly submit to misery. That is, practice fasting, cold showers, or withholding comforts for oneself. In wilfully welcoming adversity, one proves oneself capable of welcoming adversity with a heart full of calm and enjoying the blessings of life.

5. Concentrate in the Present

Stoicism instructs living in terms of the present. Longing for past mistakes or concerned about the future can only make us move away from our potential for acting wisely in the present era. As guided by Marcus Aurelius, "Confine yourself to the present."


Stoicism Applied in Everyday Situations

Though its origin is in early times, Stoicism remains applicable in present times. Businessmen like Tim Ferriss and Ryan Holiday have popularized Stoic practice, attributing the pertinency of Stoicism in individual and company development. Below is how Stoicism is applied in present situations:

1. In Business

• Handling Stress: Get a grasp of solutions and not complications. Realize that a number of things fall out of your circle of concern, such as a fellow worker's actions or shifts in the marketplace.

• Decision Making: Apply the Stoic practice of acting with virtue and long-term gain in mind, and not for transient feelings.

• Leadership: Lead with integrity, fairness, and compassion.

2. In Relationships

• Conflict Resolution: Patient and try seeing in another's shoes. React with calmness, and not impulsivity.

• Setting Limits: Respect your energy and your time and don't say "yes" to negativity and distractions.

• Gratitude: Enjoy having your loved ones with you and build healthy relationships.

3. In Well-being

• Handling Anxiety: Apply control dichotomy to lay your eyes on what can be handled and let go of concern over the rest.

• Building Resilience: View setbacks as part of life's natural rise and fall. Trust your ability to learn from them and rise above.


Misconceptions About Stoicism

Stoicism has been misconceived for long as a school for suppression of feelings or for living an emotionally anesthetized life. It must, nevertheless, be added that Stoicism never aims at humans becoming totally unaware of feelings for that matter, but in exercising wise and discerning mastery over such feelings. Stoic believers are well aware of and for that matter, a whole range of feelings such as fright, anger, and sorrows, but will not permit such strong feelings to dominate them or make them act under the whims and fancies of such feelings. Unlike getting guided by feelings, Stoics practice developing logical reaction and for that matter, a state of balanced feelings in themselves.

A common fallacy that most prominently comes to the fore when humans speak about Stoicism is that Stoicism aims at passivity and inactiveness. As a contrast to such an understanding, Stoics believe in a contrary direction and believe in actively participating in thoughtful and meaningful activity in the domain of those affairs over which one can exercise control over them. The general objective for all Stoics is to conduct oneself with virtue and in a manner that is noble, even in face of challenging and uncomfortable situations that life throws one's way.


The Benefits of Adopting Stoicism

Adoption and practice of a Stoic thinking can surely change the manner in which one approaches and deals with affairs in life with. Some of the greatest benefits that are derived through such a school of thinking include:

• Greater Resilience: Stoicism inducts humans with the skill and psyche that one must face adversity with a state of calm and unbending tenacity

• Less Stress: Concentrating on life's aspects over which you have control and have a little say, it releases you to let go of unnecessary concerns weighing you down and not contributing to your happiness.

• Healthier Relationships: Empathy, patience, and being fair in your dealings comes a long way in strengthening and enriching your ties with other individuals in your life.

• Greater Gratitude: Stoic philosophy teaches one to develop an acute awareness of life's simple things and to live in the present, enriching their lives with joy.

• Clearer Purpose: Living in a manner consistent with your inner values confers a deep enriching feeling on you and provides you with a clear direction in life's journey.

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Conclusion: Adopting and Living with Stoicism

To live stoically is a practice of self-refinement, tenacity, and self-awareness. It's standing up to life's trials with fortitude, acting with integrity, and developing inner peace in turbulent times. By focusing on what can be under your control, accepting what cannot, and living in harmony with values that stand the tests of time, you can cultivate inner peace and live a purposeful life. As beautifully put in his own words of wisdom, the great philosopher Marcus Aurelius, 

~You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.~