Stoicism For Beginners: Fate, Freedom, And The Path To Happiness

When living in a world full of noise, uncertainty, and constant change we might feel overwhelmed and lost, but Stoicism offers a calm and clear path. Stoicism pushes us to focus on our inner world. Rooted in ancient wisdom, this course is an introduction to the practical ideas of Stoic philosophy—my goal is to make it as easy to understand and as helpful as possible so you can find tools to be used in your daily life to feel better.

Trigger warning : this course talks about death in stoic philosophy

Leçon 1: Fate In Stoicism : Logic, Order And Determinism

How does the Universe function ? This first lesson will focus on understanding the big picture in Stoicism. To understand their philosophy we need to start by discussing fate, nature, order and causality. The physics in Stoicism play a critical role into knowing how to live our life.

Leçon 2: Freedom In Stoicism : Listening To Our Inner Guide

How can we find freedom is everything is determined by fate ? In this lesson we will focus on bringing back our awareness to what we can truly control which is our own behaviour. The life of a free man starts by studying philosophy and listening to our Inner Guide.

Leçon 3: Freedom In Stoicism : The Pursuit Of Virtue

Is freedom only living according to reason ? In this lesson we will focus on the idea of virtue in Stoicism and how mastering our emotions and passions is the path to freedom. Focusing on what we can control starts by focusing on what affects us and what has power over us. The goal is to obtain "apatheia" or inner peace.

Leçon 4: Finding Happiness In Our Inner Peace : Amor Fati And Loving One's Fate

Stoics didn't see happiness as the highest good but rather inner peace as the highest good. Happiness isn't always possible because we have to face difficult situations in life, but inner peace is always possible because we can choose to accept difficult times as they are - yet be able to stay still and grounded.

Leçon 5: Taking Care Of Our Time : Life, Death And Living In The Present Moment

This last lesson will focus on our relationship to time. According to Stoicism the only moment that truly matters in life is the one that is happening now. However, we tend to easily become distracted and hope for the future to finally make us happy.

Reviews

Great! I listened in one early morning sitting this Sunday. I'm going to jump back in.

Loved the idea of logos, of living in the present moment, with care, and loving our own fate. Being modest by not wanting fame after death, and not fearing death. Loved your accent, by the way. Thank you for teaching.

Thank you! This course was very accessible and interesting.

I really enjoyed this course. I have read Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" and this course helped connect "many of the dots" I had from the Meditations. Seneca, is next! Thanks again for a well delivered and wonderful course!

Thank you for this informative course. Gave me a better understanding of stoicism