.Glossary of the Stoics.
Dear Reader,
Do you find that certain words are commonly categorized to a group of people? When someone says, “Namaste”, you assume that they are a Yogi. When you hear “dude”, you likely think of surfers or Californians. When you hear someone say, “Eh” you probably think that they are Canadian. When someone discusses “reaching Nirvana”, they must be a Buddhist (or a huge fan of the band).
Similarly, hearing someone mention that they are working to achieve “apatheia” or practicing “memento mori”, you should assume a Stoic. Stoics today may not utilize all the terms common in the traditional Stoic beliefs, but there are a certain phrases which modern Stoics frequently use. Even if you do not follow Stoicism, these terms are worth reviewing. Like most religions or philosophies, there are common truths phrased in unique ways amongst most popular belief systems. Stoic philosophy is not an exception.
Words of Stoicism are Greek (so there are two ways to spell them - bonus if you know the Greek alphabet) or Latin. The glossary of Stoicism being of Greek origin makes sense, since Zeno of Citium founded Stoicism in Greece. Greece is where the philosophy rose to popularity in the 4th century. There are also a few words in Latin. Stoic teachings traveled from Athens onward to Rome, adding phrases such as memento mori to the common Stoic’s tongue.
The list below are the key words in Stoicism that I have heard most often and I believe are wonderful words to introduce into your vernacular. Consider each term and its meaning. Hold close those that resonate with you.
Apatheia - “without suffering or passion”. Apatheia represents a state of mind where you are not overcome by passions of any emotion (elation, lust, rage, anger, hate, etc). This may be confusing - why would lack of passion be the ideal state for Stoics? It is important to note that the goal is not to be overcome by a passionate emotion. That does not equate to complete lack of any emotion. It is the difference between controlling your emotions or allowing them to control you. Achieving this state of mind ensures that you are always in check of your state of mind. (note: not apathy)
Ataraxia - “unperturbedness” or “tranquility”. Achieving ataraxia means you are in a state of serene calmness. This cannot occur before achieving apatheia. According to Stoics, “living in accordance with nature” (see term), will produce ataraxia.
Amor fati - “love of ones fate”. Those who practice amor fati see every impetus as opportunity. Loving your fate, means amor fati is truly the antithesis to the Victim Mentality syndrome, which sadly I find is so many people’s default today.
Living in Accordance with Nature - ‘live according to the way human nature is meant to change and grow’. This can be interpreted various ways, but the quote I found on the site, Modern Stoicism, sums up the meaning of this Stoic motto quite well: ‘live a virtuous life because that is what you have been designed to do. The capacity to do so exists in you, but you ultimately have the choice to express it or not.’ Live in accordance with nature means choosing to live a virtuous life. Living a life of virtue is paramount belief in Stoicism. Living a life of vice would be the closest to the opposition of living according to nature.
Premedatatio Malorum - meaning “the pre-meditation of evils”, this is the act of envisioning the pains, troubles, or evils that lie ahead in the day, month, year. We all know events may not go according to plan, and this particularly useful exercise forces us to consciously deliberate just how and why that may be the case. Also referred to as ‘negative visualization’, it helps me to acknowledge that which I may be able to influence, and the majority of items out of my control which I can smile about now and brace myself for the possibility of the troubles to come. I recommend doing both positive visualizations (define the big promotion or triumph over a health issue!) and premedatatio malorum (be aware of the jerks you may encounter during the day or your favorite pen breaking).
Memento Mori - remember that you must die. This concept is one of the more popular and wide-spread, which not only Stoics acknowledge. Meant to remind the viewer of mortality and the fragility of our lives, Memento Mori is also considered an art term (part of a broader genre vanitas. There are numerous artworks through the ages, typically with a skull (death), flower (life), and watch/hourglass (fleeting time), with this motif. Saying this to yourself or finding an artwork with this theme you appreciate (hey, even VanGogh and Picasso have painted such focus) keeps this reality at top of your mind and hopefully causes you to live with more intention and presence.
Sympatheia - “all things are mutually woven together and therefore have an affinity for each other”. This is one of the words which resonates with me the most. Another way to phrase sympatheia is ‘mutual interdependence’, which I like.
Telos - “goal or objective of life”. I like thinking of our telos as what we were made for, living up to the full potential of our being. Very similar to the word dharma in other beliefs. Actually, both are fantastic to use in place of ‘purpose’. “What’s your purpose?” seems more of a surface-level question, these other words have more meaning and depth to ponder.
One of the most popular paintings with a Memento Mori Motif “Still-Life with a Skull” by Philippe de Champaigne, c. 1671. (Photo: Public domain via Wikipedia)
And there we are, dear reader. Just a few terms that Stoics often utilize. If you truly resonated with certain phrases or words, write them down! Find an item on Etsy or online of the phrase and carry with you (example: the site Daily Stoic actually sells coins and pendants with certain Stoic terms, take a look). Make a memento mori-style painting your phone or computer background to remind you that you could leave life right now… so make the most of it!
In Sympatheia, The Holistic Stoic
resources for this glossary: source1, source2, source3, source4
main image is a painting by Pieter Claesz: a famous 17th century Dutch artist
