It is the very heart and resting place of the Stoic view. Epictetus again: [Stoicism] says that the first thing we must learn is this: That
there is a God
, and that He provides for the universe, and that it is impossible for a man to conceal from Him, not merely his actions, but even his purposes and his thoughts.
How do the Stoics view the gods?
The Stoics often identified the universe and God with Zeus, as the ruler and
upholder
, and at the same time the law, of the universe. … In one sense the Stoics believed that this is the best of all possible worlds. Only God or Nature is good, and Nature is perfectly rational.
Does Stoicism believe in God?
The Stoic God is not a transcendent omniscient being standing outside nature, but rather it is immanent—the divine element is immersed in nature itself. … In one sense the Stoics believed that this is
the best of all possible worlds
. Only God or Nature is good, and Nature is perfectly rational.
What did Stoic philosophers believe?
The Stoics believed that
perception is the basis of true knowledge
. In logic, their comprehensive presentation of the topic is derived from perception, yielding not only the judgment that knowledge is possible but also that certainty is possible, on the analogy of the incorrigibility of perceptual experience.
What were Epictetus beliefs?
Primarily interested in ethics, Epictetus described philosophy as
learning “how it is possible to employ desire and aversion without hindrance
.” True education, he believed, consists in recognizing that there is only one thing that belongs to an individual fully—his will, or purpose.
Can a stoic cry?
“
Neither philosophy nor empire
,” Antoninus said, “takes away natural feeling.” … No matter how much philosophy you’ve read. No matter how much older you’ve gotten or how important your position or how many eyes are on you. It’s OK to cry.
What are the 4 virtues of Stoicism?
The Stoics elaborated a detailed taxonomy of virtue, dividing virtue into four main types:
wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation
.
Are Stoics happy?
Yes
, the Stoics can not only be happy but also feel the full range of emotions. They can be happy, sad, angry, or intense, without the need to hide behind faces emptied of expressions. The Stoics feel emotions as given by Nature but do not get overwhelmed by them.
What is the opposite of a stoic?
Libertinism
is the opposite of stoicism. Libertinism is the embrace of indulgence and a lack of self-restraint and is a radical form of hedonism….
What’s wrong with Stoicism?
The problem with stoicism is that
it talks about focussing only on what we can control like thoughts and actions
. … Stoicism might not be the right philosophy for our modern world. “Reason over passion” is a good philosophy if you live alone and can read or code all day.
Is Epictetus a Stoic?
A Greek philosopher of 1
st
and early 2
nd
centuries C.E., and an
exponent of Stoic ethics
notable for the consistency and power of his ethical thought and for effective methods of teaching.
What does Epictetus say about happiness?
Stephens shows how, for Epictetus,
happiness results from focusing our concern on what is up to us while not worrying about what is beyond our control
. He concludes that the strength of Epictetus’ thought lies in his conception of happiness as freedom from fear, worry, grief, and dependence upon luck.
Is Epicurus a Stoic?
Epicureanism teaches that we should always avoid these. … In summary, a simple heuristic to remember the difference between the Stoics and the Epicureans: The Stoics cared about
virtuous behavior
and living according to nature, while the Epicureans were all about avoiding pain and seeking natural and necessary pleasure.
Does Stoicism mean emotionless?
An under-considered approach to life. Many people think Stoicism is
merely a synonym for “emotionless”
or, at most, a dusty ancient-Greek philosophy. While, yes, Stoicism originated with such ancient illuminati as Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, it’s far beyond “emotionless.”
What does Stoicism say about crying?
“
Let not the eyes be dry when we have lost a friend, nor let them overflow. We may weep, but we must not wail.”
Seneca. / Moral letters to Lucilius.
Is Batman stoic?
Another example of Batman’s dedication to Stoic principles is his approach to preparing for the worst possible scenario, or premeditatio malorum (the premeditation of evils). It’s a
Stoic
exercise that’s meant to bring acceptance for setbacks and to prepare for any fate.