Exploring the Relevance of Ancient Stoicism in Modern Life
Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that has been practiced for centuries and still holds relevance in our modern lives.
The Stoics believed in living, in accordance with nature and finding wisdom and virtue in the face of adversity. In this article, we will delve into three key concepts of Stoicism:
- Amor Fati
- We suffer more in imagination than in reality
- Memento Mori
These concepts can be applied to our daily lives to help us find meaning and purpose, even in the face of difficult challenges.
Whether you’re struggling with a difficult situation or simply looking for a new perspective on life, Stoicism can offer valuable insights and guidance. Let’s dive in and explore how these ancient principles can help us navigate the modern world.
1. Amor Fati
One of the key concepts of Stoicism is the idea of “Amor Fati,” or “loving fate.” This means accepting and embracing everything that happens to us, rather than resenting or fighting against it.
This can be difficult to do, as our natural inclination is to feel sorry for ourselves when things don’t go our way. But by training ourselves to accept everything that happens, we can gain a sense of control over our emotions and reactions.
2. We suffer more in imagination than in reality
Another important Stoic concept is the idea that “we suffer more in imagination than in reality.” This means that often, the things we worry about never actually happen, or are not as bad as we imagined them to be.
This is a reminder that much of our suffering is self-imposed, and that by changing our perspective, we can alleviate much of the stress and anxiety in our lives.
One example of this statement is that people may fear public speaking more than actually doing it.
They may imagine all the ways it could go wrong and the negative consequences, causing them to feel more anxiety than if they were to actually give the speech. In reality, the speech may not be as bad as they imagined it to be.
3. Memento Mori
Memento mori, which means “remember you will die,” is the practice of meditating on death and our own mortality. This may sound morbid, but it’s actually a powerful tool for living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
By acknowledging the fact that we will die, we can learn to appreciate the time we have and make the most of it.
We can also prepare for the eventual loss of loved ones and deal with grief in a more functional and healthy way.
Memento mori is a reminder to live in the present and make the most of our time on earth. It’s a powerful antidote to procrastination and a way to focus on what truly matters.
One of the most powerful exercises in memento mori is to see death not as something in the future, but as something that is happening right now.
Every minute that passes belongs to death, and we are dying every day. By viewing death in this way, we can be more present in our lives and cherish the time we have with loved ones.
