Part 13/16:
While eudaimonia (flourishing or well-being) is a common goal in many philosophies, for Stoics, it is achieved through the cultivation of virtue. External factors might contribute to comfort but are not essential.
Achieving ataraxia—a tranquil, undisturbed mind—is the result of this virtuous living, free from passions that distort judgment.
Influence and Legacy
Ancient and Medieval Impact
Stoicism's influence extends far beyond its Hellenistic origins. The Roman Stoics—Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius—popularized and adapted its doctrines for personal and political ethics. Their writings emphasize practical virtue, resilience, and serenity amidst chaos.