Stoicism: Religion Without The God Part
Over the past few months, I have found great comfort and a sense of tranquillity through studying of Stoicism. The questions I have asked of myself, have helped rid my mind of unnecessary concerns and general mental pollution. Aspects of the philosophy such as, what I can and cannot control has helped reduce anxiety and stress. The notion of ‘amor fati’ or loving fate has helped me find new, more optimistic, perspectives on life. Finally, exercises such as Premeditatio Malorum (Premeditation of Adversity), amongst others, have helped me deal with situations in a more rational and agreeable way.
The movement, originating in Zeno’s stoa (porch), carried over into the Roman Empire. The Stoic texts which we rely on today were the product of 1st and 2nd century Romans such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus. Over the past decade Stoicism has gained prominence as a branch of philosophy whose ethical propositions such as the notion of ‘preferred and dispreferred indifferents’ and the idea of control provide us with clearly applicable distinctions and practices for mental calmness and a more fulfilling life. A number of authors such as Donald Robertson and Ryan Holiday have risen to prominence through writing about Stoicism.
What is interesting about Modern Stoicism is the sense of community. From Facebook groups to Reddit pages, people come together to discuss Stoic ideas, scenarios and opinions. These are places of communion for Stoics, similar to places of religious gathering of the past but refreshingly more accessible and modern. In fact, I was inspired to write this article having seen a passage from Epictetus’ discourses being discussed on the r/stoicism page. It immediately bought the idea of a Bible study to my mind, and though the intersection between Stoicism and Christianity has been discussed by many before, in my opinion Stoicism an effective synthesis between modern ideas and the teachings of religions that modern cosmopolitan and educated people do agree with.
Sin and punishment are a common theme in religion. Some religions preach if we don’t abide by certain principles we will be punished by the almighty Deity. Stoicism on the other hand is much more forthright and convincing. In my interpretation of Stoicism, the philosophy suggests that if one does not live in accordance with ‘Nature’ and reason, one is leaving oneself liable to unhappiness. The existence of God is debatable, but the notion of human malcontent and dissatisfaction is not. Individuals can of course test this at their own risk, but as an argument this is a far more convincing reason for living a principled life. Stoicism does contain the notion of an omnipotent God, described by the Stoics as nature itself. But one doesn’t have to believe in this to live a Stoic life. Scrutinising every thought and applying stoic rigour and asking Stoic questions of oneself is enough. While I’m not suggesting modern science or any belief denies the existence of a God, Stoicism is a framework which can be applied without necessarily incorporating its metaphysical aspect, meaning it can easily slot into the modern world view.
Religion has been the source of knowledge and belief for virtually all of civilization. By many especially in the younger generations of the Western World, the notion of a God has been universe, and we are to abide by its sense of morality. A more humanist view of enjoying the life we have been given is subscribed too. This is absolutely fine and understandable. While we don’t seek metaphysical answers from god anymore, the absence of religion does leave a hole in people’s lives leading to suffering. This is the lack of principles. A lack of distinct tests to measure ones actions up against. Stoicism provides these principles, through its pursuit of virtue and indifference to externals. In summary a principled life is a more measured life.
Earthly figures are integral to any religion such as the prophets Muhammad and Jesus. The Stoic teachers themselves are a sort of prophets in themselves. Modern Stoicism espouses that we should have Stoic ‘role models’ whose examples we draw upon to help us live our own stoic lives. We must endeavour to emulate those whose qualities we admire. My own personal hero in this respect is Marcus Aurelius (a sentiment I believe I share with many modern stoics).
Considered to be the last of the ‘Five Good Emperors’ as designated by historian Edward Gibbon, Marcus Aurelius was one of the few Platonic ‘Philosopher Kings’. He was one of the first rulers to articulate his philosophical thoughts in his ‘Meditations’. Marcus Aurelius was criticised in his time, but few can argue of his commitment to both philosophy and to the good of the Empire. During the Antonine plague he sold his own possessions to raise money for relief. During his waning years he personally provided leadership on the unforgiving Danube frontier in the Marcomannic Wars. All in all he was a man undoubtedly committed to the principles of philosophy and the good of his people and the Empire. This is the manner of selflessness which would not go amiss in our own modern democracies.
Where we see anger, division, often absurd leadership and events outside our control such as pandemics and economic crises increasingly making the world a more difficult place, the wisdom of the ancients such as Stoicism can provide a consolation. Philosophy in general be it Plato’s Republic and its ideas of Justice and or Seneca’s letters and their insights on our emotions can provide us with the questions we need to reconsider to find peace both within ourselves and as a society.
