Practical Stoicism: A Guide to Living Virtuously in Complex Times
Episode #343
In recent years, the term "Practical Stoicism" has gained traction. It suggests a philosophy rooted in real-world application rather than abstract ideals. While Stoicism itself is inherently practical, emphasizing values that anyone can apply to life’s ups and downs, the renewed focus on "practical" Stoicism reflects a shift. It bridges ancient Stoic thought with modern life, which is steeped in complexity, ambiguity, and moral gray areas. Practical Stoicism is not about adhering rigidly to ideals but learning to navigate life’s intricate terrain with a flexible, thoughtful approach to virtue.
Stoicism in a Complex World
Stoicism, like any philosophy, contains abstract principles meant to guide us in making good decisions. For example, Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus emphasize virtues like courage, justice, and wisdom. However, these virtues are meant to be applied practically. Stoicism today appeals to a society that is moving away from traditional religion, seeking guidance that aligns with science and modern challenges.
One can see this practical Stoicism play out through fictional narratives, such as Game of Thrones. The honorable character of Ned Stark serves as an example: he is virtuous and stoic but falls victim to his uncompromising adherence to honesty and justice. In the world of Westeros, honor alone does not ensure survival. Stark’s refusal to adapt ultimately costs him his life, highlighting a tension in Stoicism between virtue and practicality. This raises a fundamental question: does being virtuous require us to disregard outcomes, or is there value in adapting our approach to complex situations?
Flexibility and Virtue
One of the primary lessons in practical Stoicism is flexibility. Stoicism values virtues like courage, temperance, and wisdom, but practical Stoicism encourages us to apply these with situational awareness. Being virtuous does not mean being rigid. Rather, it means being discerning. In Ned Stark’s case, he acted honorably but failed to navigate the political landscape of King’s Landing. Practical Stoicism suggests that Ned’s actions could have been both virtuous and strategic, allowing him to live another day to influence change.
To be practically Stoic, one must adapt virtues to the circumstances at hand. Honesty, for instance, is a key Stoic value, but practical Stoicism teaches us that there are times to exercise discretion. For example, if a friend is going through a difficult time, brutal honesty may not be what they need. Instead, practical Stoicism encourages us to balance honesty with compassion. Knowing when to speak up and when to remain silent is wisdom in action.
Outcome Consideration
Another cornerstone of practical Stoicism is considering outcomes without becoming attached to them. Traditional Stoicism teaches us not to tie our happiness to results. Yet, in practice, Stoicism requires us to be mindful of the impact of our actions. Practical Stoicism does not promote a disregard for consequences but rather an awareness of them as a factor in decision-making. In other words, one might avoid attaching one’s self-worth or happiness to an outcome, but one should still consider the ripple effects of their actions.
In Ned Stark’s case, if he had considered the likely outcomes of his actions in King’s Landing, he might have been able to avoid his tragic fate. This approach doesn't diminish his virtue but reframes it to be more practical. Practical Stoicism is about finding the balance between idealism and pragmatism, between moral principles and worldly wisdom.
The Dichotomy of Control
One of Stoicism’s most significant teachings is the dichotomy of control. This principle, while discussed extensively, is essential to practical Stoicism. Focusing on what we can control helps us avoid becoming overwhelmed by the complexities of life. In situations where we face a series of unknowns, Stoicism guides us to determine what is in our power and let go of what is not. This practical approach prevents us from becoming paralyzed by overthinking or fear of failure.
However, in a complex environment, discerning what is within our control and what is not can be challenging. Practical Stoicism encourages a systematic focus on what we can influence while ignoring unnecessary distractions. By staying centered on our sphere of control, we can act effectively without becoming lost in endless variables.
Balancing Compassion with Principles
Practical Stoicism requires balancing compassion with principles. It asks us to consider not just our commitment to virtues but also the context and needs of others. Sometimes, the “right” thing to do might involve setting aside strict honesty or a rigid moral code in favor of kindness or understanding. Stoicism encourages us to hold compassion and empathy within the framework of our values.
For instance, if someone we love is going through a difficult time, practical Stoicism might suggest holding back from hard truths if those would do more harm than good. Compassion, in this sense, becomes part of wisdom and justice. By tempering our honesty with understanding, we act in alignment with Stoic values while recognizing the humanity of those around us.
Timeliness: The Right Moment for Action
Practical Stoicism teaches the importance of timing, or knowing when to act. Just because a certain action is virtuous doesn’t mean it’s always the right moment to pursue it. Waiting for the right opportunity to offer constructive criticism, for instance, can be more Stoic than offering it hastily. Timeliness is part of wisdom, enabling us to balance assertiveness with patience.
Caring Without Overwhelm
Finally, one of the hardest lessons in practical Stoicism is caring without becoming overwhelmed. Stoicism encourages us to care deeply but to avoid letting our care cloud our judgment. This principle helps us approach loved ones and difficult situations with a clear mind. In life, we often face situations where we want to help but realize that our efforts are limited. Practical Stoicism encourages us to acknowledge our limitations and to continue acting from a place of love and support without losing our balance.
Conclusion: Practical Wisdom for a Complex Life
Practical Stoicism is about engaging with the world realistically, honoring both virtue and the realities of life’s complexities. It does not dilute the Stoic virtues of justice, wisdom, courage, and temperance but enriches them. By adapting these principles to real-world situations, we cultivate a Stoic mindset that is both virtuous and flexible. Through practical Stoicism, we aim to navigate life’s inevitable challenges with resilience and a clear, centered approach, balancing ideals with pragmatism and honoring the depth of both virtue and reality.
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Brandon Tumblin is most well-known for his podcast, The Strong Stoic Podcast, where he discusses philosophical ideas (solo and guest episodes).
Brandon is also a writer for THE STOIC, the official journal of The Stoic Gym.