When Zeno of Citium first introduced Stoic philosophy, he discussed three fundamental areas of study known as the pillars or topos: Logic, Physics, and Ethics. By studying these three areas, one can develop a comprehensive understanding of both humanity and the universe, ultimately leading to the cultivation of virtue.

Logic and physics are more philosophical and scientific than ethics, which surprisingly has a practical focus. Logic and physics are crucial for comprehension as they form the basis of reasoning. Stoics perceive the ability to reason as the defining characteristic of human beings, and they believe that through the use of reason, one possesses all the necessary tools to lead a good life.

Logic

Logic, within the context of Stoicism, encompasses more than just the study of reasoning. It entails a broader understanding of knowledge and the processes by which it is acquired. This includes the use of reason and argumentation and an emphasis on clear and critical thinking, enabling individuals to differentiate between true and false beliefs. This branch of Stoic philosophy is essential because it equips individuals with the means to comprehend the world and themselves. By cultivating a disciplined and logical mind, one is better prepared to confront life’s challenges with clarity and composure. Stoic logic includes the study of formal reasoning, epistemology, rhetoric, and psychology.

Zeno believed that the subject of logic can be divided into four parts that lead to knowledge:

• Perception: Deals with one’s initial impression of a given matter.
• Assent: Occurs when one becomes comfortable with the current state of affairs.
• Comprehension: Takes place when one truly understands what is happening and can logically choose the appropriate response.
• Knowledge: Involves internalizing one’s perception.

Or in Cicero’s words describing Zeno’s explanation: “Zenon used to demonstrate by gesture: for he would display his hand in front of one with the fingers stretched out and say ‘A visual appearance is like this’; next he closed his fingers a little and said, ‘An act of assent is like this’; then he pressed his fingers closely together and made a fist, and said that that was comprehension (and from this illustration he gave to that process the actual name of catalepsis, which it had not had before); but then he used to apply his left hand to his right fist and squeeze it tightly and forcibly, and then say that such was knowledge.”

Physics

As understood by the Stoics, physics extends beyond the modern concept of physical science. It refers to their study of the natural world and its principles, including the nature of the universe and humanity’s role within it. Stoic physics involves understanding how the world operates.

In contemporary terms, it combines natural sciences, metaphysics, cosmology, theology, and the recognition that the universe is a rational and interconnected whole governed by divine reason (logos). The Stoic perspective on physics promotes acceptance of natural processes and events, fostering an attitude of harmony with the natural order of the world.

Ethics

Ethics, the third pillar, is perhaps the most practical aspect of Stoicism. It revolves around the development of virtues and the idea of living in accordance with nature. Stoic ethics emphasizes self-control, courage, justice, and wisdom, advocating for a life led virtuously as the path to true happiness.

This branch is deeply intertwined with the other two; logical understanding assists in discerning what is virtuous, while an understanding of physics grounds ethical behavior within a broader context of the natural world. Stoic ethics teaches that external events are beyond our control, but our responses to them are within our control. This guidance directs individuals toward personal tranquility and moral integrity.

Ethics is where practical tactics and strategies for achieving eudaimonia or flourishing are found. Some later Stoics, such as Marcus Aurelius, focused primarily on ethics.

The Stoic understanding of ethics differs from our contemporary usage. It is not solely concerned with moral acceptability or right and wrong; rather, it centers around cultivating a virtuous spirit and living a good and joyful life.

Ethics assists us in transforming unhealthy emotions and desires into healthier ones. It involves replacing negative desires or lust with positive willpower, negative paralyzing fear with positive caution, and negative excessive pleasure with positive joy.

Living In Accordance With Nature

According to the Stoics, humans have an innate inclination to develop morally and in accordance with nature, as it is rooted in our instincts. As we grow older and begin to use reason, this inclination becomes even more apparent. This aligns with the modern perspective of evolutionary and cognitive science.

Even today, we can interpret or reinterpret some of the teachings of ancient Stoics in a way that aligns with our understanding of the universe. We naturally behave in a manner that helps us advance our interests and goals. We recognize the interests of others and provide assistance while also finding ways to navigate the complex world in which we live.

For the Stoics, the world and everyone in it are part of the same universal community, where all human beings are considered brothers and sisters. The universe is governed by nature, providence, divine reason, destiny, or even gods. It is our duty to live in accordance with nature and to accept our fate or circumstances. However, this does not mean we should be passive.

Living in accordance with nature has a slightly different meaning today than it did two thousand years ago. The Stoic philosophy was not driven by environmentalism but rather by an attempt to understand the nature of things. Although one could argue that sustainability and the environmental movement would also align with Stoic philosophy.

George Tanner illustrates this concept using a seed. What is the nature of a seed? The Stoics would answer that its nature is to develop from an embryonic state and become a tree, assuming it receives proper nurturing. Living in accordance with nature then means understanding the nature of things and allowing them to flourish. This includes ourselves. What is the nature of a human being? When you deeply contemplate this question, you will likely conclude that it does not involve accumulating worldly possessions.

In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius writes that nothing can prevent you from living according to your inherent nature as a rational being. Likewise, nothing can happen to you externally that is not in accordance with the laws of nature, which you should accept and, therefore, not be disturbed by. Donald Robertson then comments in Stoicism and the Art of Happiness that living in accordance with nature has three dimensions: Living in harmony with self, in harmony with nature as a whole, and social harmony with other human beings.

Become The Best Version Of Yourself

Epictetus and subsequent Stoics believed that the true key to philosophy and a good life is self-knowledge, which entails self-examination. According to the Stoics, a person is considered good when they are well-developed, possess a strong character, exhibit stability and endurance, and are virtuous. Such an individual is capable of confronting life’s challenges with composure and rationality.

As George Tanner points out, acting virtuously requires reasoned deliberation. For instance, if you act courageously because you are unaware of the danger, it does not mean that you possess courage or exercise your strong character. True courage is demonstrated when you are aware of the danger yet still choose to do what is right and act bravely, thereby revealing that courage is an integral part of your character.

Together with the Roman philosopher Epictetus, let us envision life as a play, with yourself as an actor. Regardless of your assigned role, you must always strive to deliver an outstanding performance. If you portray a millionaire, embody the epitome of a millionaire, and wisely utilize your wealth to find happiness. If you portray a beggar, be the most authentic beggar possible and find contentment in your role within the play. You may discover that you can derive equal happiness from both circumstances in life.

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