What is Stoicism | Background | Introducing Ubuntu Stoicism

This is an excerpt from the book ‘Introducing Ubuntu Stoicism’. Buy it on Amazon. Order here if in South Africa — or visit your nearest bookstore.

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Stoicism was founded by the philosopher Zeno of Citium in 3rd century BC. It was first named Zenonism but was soon changed to Stoicism.

The name ‘Stoicism’ derives from Stoa Poikile, ancient Greek for ‘painted porch’. It is literally renamed after a type of porch where Zeno and his followers gathered to discuss Zenonism ideas.

As such, it is sometimes referred to as ‘philosophy of the porch.’

It later flourished in the era of the Roman Empire. It was also an important philosophy in the Renaissance era.

The stoics believed in reasoning from logic and morals.

Stoicism, like other ancient philosophies, or even many religions, comes from an era where logic, morals, and science had not evolved like today; thousands of years later, of course.

Logically, there wasn’t arithmetic or calculus math then. Morally, slavery was accepted. Scientifically, bacteria killed.

You can imagine a Stoic’s push for better logic and morals was more of a struggle than today. Back then, you were born into whatever status you born into: slavery, royalty, peasantry, etc. It was more difficult than today to move out of that structure, perhaps even harder without violence. So, you had to contend with your position if you were unfortunate or privileged.

I see Stoicism as a philosophy that helped people to contend with their positions and at the same time try to improve for their self’s sake, even if by a little.

Think of the slave Epictetus saying, “Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems.” Later, when he is freed, he starts a school of philosophy and teaches men how to be virtuous.

Think of Nelson Mandela studying and intellectually also preparing for victory against apartheid while imprisoned for life.

Then, when he was free, he called for an inclusive and democratic nation. This is after twenty-seven years in prison.

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” Nelson Mandela.

These two people suffered and later became free men. Imagine if they succumbed to victim mindsets — for they had been victims. Instead, while enslaved, they managed to envision a world of freedom for others even, and how they would contribute positively.

Imagine if you were sick in the ancient days when there was no cure for your sicknesses like there are cures and antidotes for most sicknesses today. How would you contend with such a position? Maybe your religion would help. Maybe Stoicism to stoics sufficed. Maybe a combination of the two would help.

This is why you are reading this book. You are seeking further perspectives on how to cope and thrive in the world of fortunes and misfortunes.

Think of an emperor who inherited an empire. The empire was gained and defended through war and conquering. He too had to defend his kingdom with violence and war readiness. He could surrender his kingdom to absolute freedom for all; however, his enemies would kill him and capture it for their visioned empire.

His enemies are external and internal. Any sign of weakness and he is dead. So, his humility would have to be measured. Even his citizens would eat each other up if left to their own devices. He had to enforce law and order, with a probable threat of violence. His humility had to operate within such hostile constraints. However, I infer that is how to push humility and virtues further for a better tomorrow for all. Let’s say a stoic emperor ruled imperially but extended humility in laws. The next emperor did the same. So, the standard of humility evolved into the better for the next generations. We have it better today because of that.

Nelson Mandela and Epictetus did this while they were enslaved. They prepared a better tomorrow while they were not free.

All of these people pushed the pedestal.

Imperial times had no democratic governments like today. Even today not all governments are democratic. Even democratic nations want to conquer other nations. Nations that govern with humility also have to maintain military strength and harness allies, or else their sovereignty will be conquered by others.

Do you have individual sovereignty of emotions? Are your emotions easily blackmailed into anger easily? Is that not distraction and susceptibility to being conquered? Are you able to rule over your emotions with discipline to do what is necessary — or to not do what is necessary?

This is where Stoicism comes in. Or at least tries; like you try.

It is for you the individual. You are not condemning society. You are imposing sanctions of humility upon yourself: I.e., harnessing a mindset that won’t torment you, or at least torment you to ruin. Hopefully the mindset will rescue you before you drop beyond a break-even point.

Think of yourself waking up every morning with whatever misfortunes or fortunes and saying, “I should not be entitled. I should be grateful for XYZ. I should ignore those who wronged me so to enjoy and be productive today. I will put my problems in their compartments and apportion their attendance accordingly so that I am effective today.”

Do you think that would work for you today? I think so too.