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r/Stoicism subreddit introduction, rules, and resource guide
The r/Stoicism subreddit is a forum for discussion of Stoicism, the school of philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in the 3rd century BC.
Please:
- Review the subreddit rules.
- Submitting posts on r/Stoicism requires a minimum of 10 karma earned in the subreddit. Please participate meaningfully in existing threads.
- Familiarize yourself with the basics of Stoicism. Good ways of doing this include reading one of the introductory articles (or watching one of the lectures) in the recommended on-line resources entry of the resources section (below) and reading at least the first few sections of the FAQ (below).
- Before posting, check the lists of Frequently Asked Questions and Frequently Discussed Topics below, and read those that are relevant. Posts that duplicate these questions are allowed, but the poster should demonstrate an awareness of what has been said already in the FAQ.
Resources
- Ordered reading list
- Recommended on-line resources about Stoicism
- Recommended books for newcomers to Stoicism
- Other useful classical sources
- Descriptions of Stoic exercises
- Predecessors and Successors
- Advanced and scholarly works
- Older introductory overviews
- Translations of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations
Frequently Asked Questions (with answers)
- Why study Stoicism?
- Is Stoicism something I have to believe in, or commit my life to?
- What is Stoicism, considered as a philosophy of life in modern times?
- What was Stoicism, historically?
- Virtue and Nature
- What did the Stoics mean by "virtue?"
- What does it mean to live in accordance with nature?
- What is meant by a "preferred" or "unpreferred" indifferent?
- How can Stoicism help me with my problem?
- How would a Stoic help me with my problem?
- How might a student of Stoicism cope with my problem?
- What would a student of Stoicism do in my situation?
- How would a Stoic sage react to my problem?
- Is it true that Stoics repress their emotions and feelings?
- Does Stoicism encourage passively accepting your fate?
- Does Stoicism advocate obedience to tradition and authority?
- Is avoiding pain the goal of Stoicism?
- Is enjoyment of life's pleasures a goal advocated in Stoicism?
- Is Stoicism a selfish or individualistic philosophy?
- Is it Stoic to be hard-hearted or callous toward others?
- Can Stoics appreciate life?
- Is Stoicism pessimistic?
- Do Stoics believe in God, or gods?
- If modern Stoics do not adopt the classical Stoic theology, what do they believe?
- Were the classical Stoics determinists?
- If Stoics believed in determinism, what is "in our control?"
- How did the Stoics reconcile determinism with moral responsibility?
- If everything is determined, what is the point of trying to do anything?
- How did the Stoics reconcile determinism with the asserted "freedom" of the sage?
- What resources are there for further exploration of Stoic determinism and free will?
- Other philosophies
- What are some similarities and differences between Stoicism and Cynicism?
- What are similarities between Stoicism and Buddhism, in terms of mindfulness?
- What are the differences between Stoicism and Buddhism, in terms of mindfulness?
- What about things that are partially under our control?
- What was the Stoic attitude toward suicide?
- It's not that easy!
- Isn't anger sometimes useful?
- What is the best translation of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations?
- How should I read Marcus Aurelius's Meditations?
Frequently Discussed Topics
- What is "modern Stoicism"?
- Who is "Stoic"?
- Why is virtue the only good?
- Stoic journaling
- What does Stoicism say about politics?
- Stoicism and mental illness
- "Modern Stoics" are too dogmatic!
- "Modern Stoics" are not Stoic enough!
- Stoicism vs. Epicureanism
- Symbols for Stoicism
- Stoicism is a "sour grapes" philosophy!
- Stoicism only works for the privileged!
- Nietzsche's criticism of the Stoics
- Examples of Stoic women
- Seneca was a hypocrite!
- Marcus Aurelius persecuted Christians!
- Marcus Aurelius invaded Germany!
- Marcus Aurelius was an opium addict!
- Flaws in Stoicism
- Sex & Relationships
- William B. Irvine's A Guide to the Good Life
- Jordan Peterson
- Does Stoic ethics depend on the Stoic theology?