Stoicism and Pain: Transcending the Inevitable
Episode #339
Pain is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, no one is immune to it. The Stoics, especially philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, offer a unique approach to pain. Instead of viewing it as something inherently bad, they argue that it is a natural occurrence—something that, while unpleasant, can be transcended by the power of the human spirit.
In a reflection drawn from Epictetus' teachings, we encounter the idea that while certain outcomes are inevitable—death, imprisonment, exile—we have a choice in how we experience these events. Epictetus reminds us that even if the body is in chains, our will remains free. No one, not even the gods, can conquer the human will. This profound insight becomes the foundation for understanding how Stoics approach pain.
Pain as a Natural Focus
Pain demands attention. It is a signal, wired into us through evolution, that alerts us to potential danger. Physical pain often draws our focus because our bodies instinctively fear harm or death. As a result, we become preoccupied with the painful sensations, often magnifying them. Yet, this response, while natural, can lead us into unnecessary suffering.
The Stoic Approach to Pain
"This is unpleasant, but it does not affect my character."
1. Pain is Not Inherently Bad
Stoicism teaches that physical pain does not determine moral goodness. A person’s character is judged by virtue, not by how much they suffer. This idea challenges our natural reaction to label pain as "bad." The Stoic response is to practice reframing our mindset: instead of saying, "This is bad," we might say, "This is unpleasant, but it does not affect my character."
2. Control and Acceptance
What is within our control, and what is not? Pain, in many forms, is not always something we can control. However, how we respond to pain is within our power. The author shares that while stretches and massages can alleviate pain, life circumstances sometimes make pain unavoidable. In these moments, the Stoic practice is to focus on what we can control: our mindset, reactions, and choices. We must decide whether to complain and resist, or endure with grace.
3. Indifference to Pain
The Stoics practice apatheia—not apathy, but indifference to things outside our control. Pain, in this framework, is an indifferent. It is neither inherently good nor bad. The challenge, and indeed the skill, lies in practicing indifference to pain. This does not mean we ignore it, but rather we accept it as an external event that does not disturb our inner peace. Marcus Aurelius emphasized that pain is a temporary sensation, one that the mind can withstand if we remain centered.
4. Resilience and Strength
Pain offers an opportunity to build resilience. The transcript recounts the strength of people who endure immense suffering, such as cancer patients, who can still find joy and express love despite their agony. This reflects the Stoic belief that enduring pain with dignity and grace strengthens our spirit. Pain, then, becomes a test of character—a chance to practice endurance and resilience.
5. Amor Fati: Love of Fate
Stoicism teaches amor fati—the love of fate. This means embracing not only the pleasant parts of life but also the painful ones. Resistance to pain only adds to our suffering. Instead, by accepting pain as part of life’s natural flow, we can transcend it. To resist or resent pain is to fight against reality itself. Instead, we must learn to accept, and even love, the challenges life throws our way, including pain.
Transcending Pain: The Stoic Mindset
Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. With a Stoic mindset, we can transcend pain. This does not mean we do not feel pain, but that it ceases to be a source of inner turmoil. By viewing pain as an opportunity to practice virtue—resilience, patience, strength—we turn adversity into a chance for growth.
In the words of the author, the human spirit is stronger than pain. Those who embrace Stoicism can learn to go through pain with grace, ultimately making it a path to becoming more virtuous and resilient individuals. We cannot control the occurrence of pain, but we can control how we respond to it. Stoicism offers us the tools to transcend the inevitable discomforts of life and emerge stronger on the other side.
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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.