Stoicism Mental Toughness, Productivity, Self-Discipline, Anger Management, Jealousy: A Guide to the Stoic Way of Life - Mindsets and Thinking Tools for Modern Day Success

By Chandler Andersen

Have you failed in your investment? This is not because you are dim-witted.  Like Sir Isaac Newton, you have not yet gained the emotional discipline which a booming investment business needs. Being an intelligent investor requires more character than brains.

Besides giving contemplation to one's loss of life, considering the forfeiture of one's possessions is also sensible. Just as you will one day part ways with your dearest and nearest, so is it with you and your assets. Whatever might come across your mind, in a deep sense these things don't belong to you, be it pension, house etc. This holds the reason why stoics imply that we should only regard ourselves as stewards rather than owners of wealth.

To stoics, considering what we have makes sense, rather than thinking on what we want but can't have. Instead, we should be in appreciation of what we have and considering how much we would miss that particular thing should it disappear. This is because, in the long run, we will not only appreciate those things more. We will also take the necessary steps to lessen any chance of the short term loss. Let us look at some of the stoical approaches to thinking.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chandler Andersen
• Release date: Nov 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386597964

Book preview

Stoicism

Mental Toughness, Productivity, Anger Management, Jealousy:

A Guide to the Stoic Way of Life -

Mindsets and Thinking Tools for Modern Day Success

––––––––

By

Chandler Andersen

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction

What is Stoicism?

Nature and Scope of Stoicism

Common Misconceptions about Stoicism

Chapter 2: Who is a Stoic?

A Stoic Mindset

The power of Stoic Thinking

Traits of the Stoic People Useful For Modern Day Success

How to Live the Stoic Philosophy and Rules For A Happy Stoic Life

Rules Needed For a More Resilient Life

Stoics and Diet

Chapter 3: Virtues of Stoicism

Four Broad Virtues of Stoicism that can Help One to Live a Stoic life

How the Virtues of Stoicism can Help in the Family Life

Three Most Important Stoics Advice on Relationships

Chapter 4: Eleven Stoic principles that will bring a Positive Change in Your Modern Day Living

How the Principles of Stoicism can Help in Your Financial Goals

How to Set Your Financial Goals as a Modern Stoic

Six SMART Goals that a Stoic Person can Exercise for a Successful Business

Chapter 5: Surviving the Life’s Struggles

Stoicism and James Stockdale Legacy

Chapter 1: Introduction

What is Stoicism?

As daunting and boring as this word may sound, it has most of the powerful tools to be used in the modern world we are living in. Stoicism is a tool that teaches us how to direct our thoughts and actions to achieve happiness or wellbeing in an unpredictable world.

Stoicism is a school of thought founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens. It flourished in Roman and Greek antiquity and thereafter gained widespread support among all classes of society.  Stoicism is mainly a philosophy of personal ethics which is informed by its logic system and the natural worldviews. According to the teachings of stoicism, the path to human happiness is simply found by accepting each moment as it presents itself.

The teachings also dictate that human happiness is found when; one does not allow the fear of pain or desire for pleasure to be in control. By using one's mind to understand the world around them, and the part to play in the plan of nature.  Besides, working together and treating others justly and fairly. Under stoicism, one of the most highly practical ambitions was to teach an individual how to be brave and calm when faced with overwhelming pain and anxiety.

Nature and Scope of Stoicism

There were many philosophers who practiced stoicism. However, there were two figures that stood out as the best guide to it: Seneca who was the tutor and writer to Nero and a Roman politician and, Marcus Aurelius who was the magnanimous Roman Emperor. Their work is highly intelligible and intensely soothing, ideal for restless nights and the breeding ground for the runaway's terrors and paranoia.

We still honor this school of thought. This is because, at one point in time, one is faced with fate such as being humiliated at a place of work or having disgrace from society. Of all philosophies, stoicism is perhaps the most immediately useful and relevant for the panicky and uncertain times.

Common Misconceptions about Stoicism

In each and every culture, whether be it tribal, religious or secular, the questions on how to live is central. How should life’s vicissitudes and challenges be handled? How are human beings supposed to conduct themselves and how do they treat others in the world? As a matter of fact Stoicism is not different from Christianity or even Buddhism

It is just a reflection on theoretical precepts, engaging in contemplation, reading inspiring texts, mindfulness, and the like. The most important thing while learning about stoicism is for us to understand how it can be relevant to our modern lives. People have always thought that stoicism makes people emotionless beings, whose main goal in life is to stand mutely and accept anything that life throws at them. This perception is rather misguided. When we read about stoicism, and the ancient stoic’s works, we can best describe them as cheerful people. They found good life’s sources which delighted them and savored them to their fullest. Below are some of the misconceptions in stoicism.

1. Stoicism has at times been thought to encourage a withdrawal from the world.

It is believed that stoics simply fuss about what they can be able to control. This however does not mean that they are ignorant concerning the demands of their times.

This is quite the opposite. People like Seneca the