Can insights from the Stoic tradition – founded in Greece around 300 B.C.E. – offer us relevant advice on happiness today?
In “Stoicism and the Art of Happiness,” author Donald Robertson argues, yes.
According to Robertson, the philosophy of the Stoics was meant “to provide a rational, healthy way of living in harmony with the nature of the universe and in respect of our relationships with each other.”
Robertson opines that Stoicism was a precursor to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as both provide strategies and techniques for developing psychological resilience while celebrating what’s beautiful and important in life.
“By learning what Stoicism is, you can revolutionize your life and learn how to seize the day, live happily and be a better person,” Roberston says.
We mark International Day of Happiness as the world faces increased uncertainty and conflict. But business leaders can draw inspiration from some of these ancient Stoic principles and practices that have stood the test of time.
1. Redefine happiness as a deeper state of being.
Author and professor of philosophy John Sellars explains that the Greek word for happiness, eudaimonia, goes beyond just how you are feeling. “The way the Stoics understood eudaimonia was closer to the idea that life is going well as a whole.”
Sellars adds that the Stoics used the word to describe “a smooth flow of life,” while acknowledging that people will suffer adversity. “The goal of Stoicism is to enable you to live a happy life, ride the wave, weather the storm. See yourself as part of a larger whole, not an isolated individual; part of the human race, part of nature.”
2. Practice improving your character — every day.
Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who was born into slavery, famously said, “Just as one person delights in improving his farm, and another his horse, so I delight in attention to my own improvement day by day.”
According to Sellars, this idea of improving yourself by developing positive character traits, including the four main virtues of wisdom, justice, courage and moderation, was critical to the Stoics. “If you can cultivate these positive traits, you can use them in various situations. They will help you appreciate when things are going well and cope when things don’t go well.”
He adds, “Stoic attitude is not negative but realist. Some things will go wrong. Our loved ones will die. These are the harsh realities of life, so be prepared. Accept that bad things are bound to happen to you from time to time and think of everything you have as not your own, but simply on loan, that one day will be taken back.”
3. Apply this strategy to all aspects of your life.
For YPO member Justin Stead, founder of the Aurelius Foundation, Stoicism is all encompassing and has guided him across all spectrums of his life. “Unlike common perception, Stoicism is not about suppression of emotions, but about living a harmonious and fulfilled and peaceful life. Developing good character flows into all aspects of your life, including your relationships in business, with your wife and children.” He adds, “As a business leader and in my personal life, cultivating gratitude, contentment, and a positive outlook has allowed me to find happiness and fulfillment.”
Stead draws inspiration from Emperor Marcus Aurelius who he describes as “the chairman of the board and CEO of Rome, the last decision maker. None of us has that level of responsibility, and he offers an inspiration of how to conduct yourself as a business leader and as a person despite all the responsibility and obstacles.”
4. Focus on what you can control.
For Stead, an aspiring Stoic practitioner for most of his life, the philosophy has given him an opportunity to “unpack the past in a very healthy and meaningful way.” It does that while letting him focus on the present, not wasting time and energy on things outside his control.
He cites Epictetus, who describes this “dichotomy of control” principle. “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.” Sellars adds that Stoics also “acknowledged that you can’t control much of what goes on in your life.”
Modern Stoics include other practical strategies like taking outdoor walks, journaling, connecting with others, and applying discipline as steps toward a life of happiness or smooth flow. But in the end, the path is essentially a mindset — a product of how you think about the world, independent of external possession or circumstances.
As Marcus Aurelius in his “Meditations” put it, “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”
Learn more about the Aurelius Foundation, which is lead by YPO member Justin Stead.
