Describe Stoicism With 1 Word

November 27, 2023

When Epictetus asked Musonius Rufus to define Stoicism, his response was clear: persist and resist.

Ryan Holiday said that "there is no better definition of a Stoic: to have but not want, to enjoy without needing."

These are great attempts, but we're looking for a single word.

What about virtue?

Courage. Temperance.  Justice. Wisdom. 

“If, at some point in your life,” Marcus Aurelius wrote, “you come across anything better than justice, truth, self-control, courage—it must be an extraordinary thing indeed."

This seems closer to what Stoicism really is, but...

Stoicism is known for its acceptance aspect, which many confuse with passivity.

In another email, I explained the difference between acceptance and passivity. Passivity is waiting for God or Luck to make things better for you without lifting a finger. Acceptance is the opposite. Instead of dwelling on everything you can’t control and don’t like, you fixate your mind on everything you can do to improve things.

And it's this 'acceptance' part of Stoicism that encapsulates the dichotomy of control, the proper use of impressions, the ability to focus on your actions, thinking negatively to prepare for the event instead of saying to yourself, "I thought this wouldn't happen," and so on.

It's what differentiates a Stoic from most common people out there.

A Stoic doesn't cry relentlessly or blame God and others for what happens to them.

While they also have feelings and can grieve, get angry, sad, and so on, a Stoic accepts Fortune's games and makes the best out of them.

After all, "not the man with the best cards, but the man who plays his cards the best, wins this game called life," the Stoics said.

But, perhaps, for some people, reason is the first thing that comes to mind when they hear Stoicism.

Because a Stoic, always (ideally) uses their logic to assess situations, guard against false impressions, and act with virtue.

For me, a Stoic is someone a woman wants to have as her husband, a kid wants as their father, and a mother wants as her son. (the same for a feminine Stoic)

A Stoic is someone who is always ready to risk their life for the common good and step in front when the decision matters.

But, of course, this is a whole two sentences—not a mere word.

So how do you define a Stoic? Can you do it with just one word? Is it virtue, acceptance, reason—none of it—all of it?

Reply to this email with your response—I’m curious to see your take on it.

Till next time—Stay Stoic,

Said The Stoic.