What is stoicism?

To me, stoicism is about three things.

1. Self-accountability

We are all responsible for our own particular situation. This doesn’t mean everything that happens to us is our fault. However, it does mean we are accountable for our own selves.

There is an important difference between being accountable and responsible or at fault.

2. Doing right despite what others do

Stoicism is about doing the right thing, despite what others are doing. It is of especially important to be virtuous when others are not. We don’t want to operate at the lowest common level.

The stoics say, “the best revenge is to not be like your enemy.

3. Letting go of unhealthy attachments

Unhealthy attachments lead us away from how we want to be. The stoics say, “the more we value things outside of our control, the less control we actually have.”

So, take control of your situation by letting go of unhealthy attachments that aren’t working for you.