To the Stoics, eudaimonia is the state of equanimity, happiness, and personal flourishing exhibited by the ideal of the ‘sage’. Excellence and virtue are required to achieve eudaimonia; moral progress and ‘living according to Nature (reason)’ are foundational towards achieving eudemonia (telos).
When practicing virtue (classically wisdom, justice, temperance, and courage), one develops an easier life flow and mental calm. External situations are “indifferents” (to moral character), but can be “preferred” (health, riches, comfort, education) or “dis-preferred” (illness, poverty, ignorance, discomfort). Key to eudemonia is how one assents to an impression about things…minding Epictetus famous dictate “somethings are within our control while others are not. Within our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our actions. ” (Enchiridion)
This pathway attracts Stoics seeking tools for self-mastery, reflection on values, perspective on chaotic life conditions, resilience from distress, or a larger framework for aligning one’s life purpose. We welcome you to explore this table as a start:
| In order to.. | More Specifically… | Consider these sources |
|---|---|---|
| Understand Stoic use of term eudaimonia | Consider how eudaimonia contributes to your ‘living the good life” | Epictetus Handbook (Enchiridion) W. Irving (2009) A Guide to the Good Life |
| Define Stoic approach to virtue ethics | Apply virtue ethics mindsets: wisdom, courage, temperance, justice | The Daily Stoic http://dailystoic.com Marcus Aurelius Meditations P. Hadot Philosophy: A Way of Life (1955) Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy Stoic Ethics https://iep.utm.edu/stoicth/ |
| Develop self-control, self-mastery, resilience, or psychological health | Face more effectively what is within our control and what is external to our control. | K. Whiting & L. Konstantakos (2021) Being Better M. Pigliucci (2018) How to be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life |