ABSTRACT
This chapter contains a more in-depth introduction to Stoicism as a philosophical therapy, explaining the core principles of the philosophy and its relevance today, especially in relation to psychotherapy. Pierre Hadot summarizes the major themes of Stoicism as: the All is one, the only good is moral good, the brotherhood of man, and the here and now. However, Stoicism was also based on a core set of philosophical and psychological principles. From the time of Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, onward, the goal of life was defined as “living in agreement with Nature”, both by fulfilling our own (inner) natural potential for wisdom and virtue and by living in harmony with other people and the world around us – which entails accepting the external events that befall us without unnecessary complaints. Epictetus’ division of Stoic training into the disciplines of desire, action, and assent is introduced, in relation to the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and self-discipline.
