Part 8/14:
The Stoic doctrine emphasizes the dichotomy of control: individuals should focus solely on what they can influence—their thoughts, actions, and intentions—and accept external events with equanimity. The wise person seeks virtue as the only good; wealth, fame, or bodily well-being are indifferent.
Living in harmony with nature involves understanding the natural order and aligning one’s will with it. The onus is on cultivating moral virtues—wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance—to achieve tranquility and resilience. The Stoic hero is the person who suffers hardships with calm acceptance, overlooking external misfortunes and focusing on inner moral strength.