Is Stoicism a Dead Philosophy?

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In a recent episode of The Stoic Handbook, I delved into a 2020 study that questions whether embracing Stoic ideology could negatively affect well-being. The study sparked conversations, especially on social media, where critics of Stoicism, such as Tucker Max, used it to argue against the philosophy's relevance.

But is Stoicism really dead or harmful? The resurgence of interest in Stoic texts, from Marcus Aurelius to Seneca, tells a different story. Stoicism’s influence can be seen not only in self-improvement books but also in therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which draws directly from Stoic principles.

One of the study's key findings was that a "naive endorsement" of Stoic ideas, such as suppressing emotions or avoiding personal discussions, could lead to negative outcomes. However, as I discuss in the podcast, these interpretations stem from a misunderstanding of Stoic philosophy. True Stoicism does not advocate emotional repression but rather the cultivation of wisdom and virtue to navigate life's challenges.

Tucker Max, for example, criticized Stoicism for promoting the idea that we can control our emotions. Yet, his own lessons on self-respect and personal responsibility align closely with Stoic teachings. This contradiction underscores the need for a deeper understanding of Stoicism, not just a surface-level endorsement of its ideas.