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Real Stoicism is Muscular Calm in The Face of Chaos

Life In the midst of uncertainty

Thomas Oppong
4 min readMay 1, 2023
Photo: Editorial right purchased via Freepik

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that has gained popularity in recent years as a means of coping with life’s challenges.

It’s often associated with the ancient Greeks, notably the philosopher Epictetus, and later with the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.

However, the ideas and principles of Stoicism have been influential throughout history and continue to inspire people today.

Stoicism offers a powerful framework for navigating life’s challenges gracefully and resilience.

In a chaotic and unpredictable world, cultivating a Stoic mindset can help us develop a sense of clarity, purpose, and resilience.

“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment,” says Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor and a Stoic philosopher.

At its core, Stoicism is about developing inner strength and tenacity in the face of trying circumstances.

Real Stoicism is not just about suppressing emotions or pretending to be unaffected by difficult circumstances; rather, it involves developing a kind of “muscular calm” that allows one to face…

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Thomas Oppong
Thomas Oppong

Written by Thomas Oppong

Making the wisdom of great thinkers instantly accessible. As seen on Forbes, Inc. and Business Insider. For my popular essays, go here: https://thomasoppong.com

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