My interest in stoicism was recently piqued by a friend’s comment, and he recommended reading “The Art of Living– the Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness.” The book is an interpretation of the main ideas of Stoic philosopher Epictetus (eh-puhk-tee´-tuhs) in his work, the “Enchiridion.” Epictetus was born a slave about 50 A.D. in the household of a wealthy Roman, who was Nero’s administrative secretary, in Phrygia, which is modern-day Turkey. He gained his freedom after 30 years, teaching philosophy and writing until he died in 135 A.D. 

That isn’t a path we would usually associate with a life of slavery, but his owner, Epaphroditus, recognized his superior intellectual talent and sent Epictetus to Rome to study with a famous Stoic teacher, Gaius Musonius Rufus, whose works included arguments in favor of equal education for women and against the double standard in marriage. Epictetus reflected these egalitarian attitudes. 

He is acknowledged as a major influence on Marcus Aurelius, Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor from 161 to 180 A.D., and his works have influenced leading thinkers on the art of living for almost 2,000 years.

I would venture to guess that most of us Americans don’t know a lot about philosophy in general or Stoicism in particular, since a classic education in the humanities is not sought after as it was in older times. In the quest for “practical” courses that will lead to big incomes, philosophy and other arts have plummeted in the curriculum priorities and graduation requirements. Over the last 50 years or so, interest in Eastern traditions for wisdom has also deflected interest from Western philosophy. Lebell points out that “while Western philosophy has been criticized as being too cerebral and inadequate in addressing the non-rational dimensions of life, in actuality it is packed with action-wisdom.” She states that Epictetus’ “Discourses” are comparable to Buddhism’s “Dhammapada” or Lao Tzu’s “Tao Te Ching.”

We might just think of Stoicism as simply “keeping a stiff upper lip” or having a controlled, cynical attitude with little relevance to life today. But Epictetus believed that the primary job of philosophy was quite practical: to help ordinary people meet the challenges in life and to weather the storms of losses, disappointments, and grief that are a part of living. Author/interpreter Sharon Lebell states that “his was a moral teaching stripped of sentimentality, piousness, and metaphysical mumbo-jumbo. What remains is the West’s first and best primer for living the best possible life,” adding that his teachings rank with the greatest wisdom literature of human civilization. I’m looking for all the wisdom I can find in these chaotic times, so, I’d say that’s worth giving some of my attention.

Epictetus regarded a happy life and a virtuous life as synonymous, feeling that doing the right thing will naturally lead to happiness and personal fulfillment. His prescription for the good life centered on three main themes: “mastering your desires, performing your duties, and learning to think clearly about yourself and your relations within the larger community of humanity.” He felt that while wealth, power, fame, and achievement were desirable and admirable, he saw them as incidental and irrelevant to true happiness. He felt that to achieve happiness, fulfillment, and tranquility, we need to bring our actions and desires in harmony with nature. 

Epictetus spoke to and about ordinary people leading ordinary lives, not just the elite, highly educated, or spiritually elevated. Lebell comments that “part of his genius was his emphasis on moral progress over the seeking of moral perfection,” meaning he recognized humans are fallible and that living a philosophical life meant working towards our ideals in small steps. Modern-day T-shirts and bumper stickers reflect similar thoughts like “I’m a work in progress” and “Be patient. God’s not done with me yet.”

People familiar with the Twelve Step philosophy might be surprised to see the underpinnings laid out 1,900 years ago. The Daily Stoic, available daily online, states that “Epictetus came to see that the most powerful empire is ruling over ourselves, in living a life of virtue even in a world of corruption, darkness, or misfortune. He taught that true freedom comes from recognizing what lies beyond our control and focusing only on what is up to us.” You can hear the echo in the Serenity Prayer, which lies in the heart of Twelve Step philosophy: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

As one of a tribe of people who has the irrational feeling that we can fix everything that’s wrong in the world and should have it done by Tuesday, this is wisdom that I need to hear, consume, and digest along with my morning yogurt. 

Another source of wisdom and hope I was reminded of recently is E.B. White, author of twenty books and hundreds of essays and articles, but perhaps best known as the author of children’s books, “Stuart Little,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and “The Trumpet of the Swan.” He is also renowned for rewriting “The Elements of Style” in 1959, which was originally published in 1918 by his Cornell University professor, who wrote it to use in his classes.

In a letter to Mr. Nadeau, a man concerned about the state of the world, E.B. White said, “As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us, in a bad time. I shall get up Sunday morning and wind the clock, as a contribution to order and steadfastness.”

And then, “It is quite obvious that the human race has made a queer mess of life on this planet. But as a people we probably harbor seeds of goodness that have lain for a long time waiting to sprout when the conditions are right. Man’s curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out. Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.”

Next time you’re feeling annoyed or disappointed with yourself or others, take a breath and remember we’re all just being human, which hasn’t changed all that much over the centuries. Do what you can to bring lightness and tranquility into your life, then shine it out a bit. And maybe give some support to leaders who have a clue about being enlightened humans and citizens.