Can a stoic be optimistic?

The answer, I say, is with philosophy–practical philosophy. With Stoic optimism, we can be Edison, our factory on fire, not bemoaning our fate but enjoying the spectacular scene. And then starting the recovery effort the very next day—roaring back soon enough.

Is being stoic positive?

Stoic people are resilient which is good. Another tendency is that they don’t show emotions, which is a disadvantage and advantage in different situations. This tendency may work against them in social situations. This tendency may help them in catastrophic situations.

Does Stoicism make you emotionless?

Many people think Stoicism is merely a synonym for “emotionless” or, at most, a dusty ancient-Greek philosophy. While, yes, Stoicism originated with such ancient illuminati as Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, it’s far beyond “emotionless.”

Are Stoics optimistic or pessimistic philosophy?

Stoicism could be considered a pessimistic philosophy except for the fact they argued a path to happiness exists by accepting the pain and suffering of life but acting properly none the less. Their motto was: “virtue is sufficient for happiness” regardless of its ultimate hopelessness.

What is wrong stoicism?

The problem with stoicism is that it talks about focussing only on what we can control like thoughts and actions. Stoicism might not be the right philosophy for our modern world. “Reason over passion” is a good philosophy if you live alone and can read or code all day.

Why is Marcus Aurelius wrong?

Marcus was also allegedly criticized for appearing harsh in his military discipline and life in general because of his adherence to Stoicism. This appears to refer to his personal lifestyle rather than discipline with regard to his troops.

Why is stoicism unhealthy?

The problem with stoicism is that it talks about focussing only on what we can control like thoughts and actions. But we are living in a dynamic world which is full of chaos. Stoicism might not be the right philosophy for our modern world.

Why is stoicism wrong?

So Stoicism is inimical to freedom. It is true that we cannot control everything, but Stoicism is the wrong response. But Stoicism is unable to work the “magic” of emotion, as Sartre says. In his view, people initiate emotions when they are confronted with obstacles they seemingly have no rational way of overcoming.

Is stoicism a cynicism?

In fact, Stoicism descends directly from Cynicism and both of which descend from Socrates. The philosophy of Cynicism, as a way of life and thinking was founded by Diogenes of Sinope circa 380 BC, and like Stoicism later on, emphasized the value in living virtuously and in agreeance with nature.