Lessons from Stoicism and Our Founding Fathers

As the fireworks crackle and the barbecue smoke fills the air on the Fourth of July, we celebrate a nation built on the ideals of liberty and self-determination. But amidst the festivities, it's worth considering: what does true independence look like in our daily lives? This pursuit of freedom resonates deeply with Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that offers a practical framework for navigating the complexities of life, both internal and external.

The Stoics, particularly Epictetus, emphasized the concept of "the dichotomy of control." This principle reminds us that there are things within our control – our thoughts, actions, and reactions – and things outside our control – external events, other people's behavior, and the whims of fate. Independence, according to Stoicism, lies not in isolating ourselves from the world, but in mastering our inner world.

Imagine the Founding Fathers facing the uncertainty of revolution. They couldn't control the actions of the British crown, nor could they guarantee victory. Yet, they focused on what they could control: their meticulous planning, their unwavering courage, and their commitment to the ideals they believed in.?

Beyond their revolutionary fervor, the Founding Fathers were also students of philosophy, including Stoicism. Thomas Jefferson was known to recommend books by Epictetus and Seneca, John Adams quoted Stoics and urged self-mastery over emotions, and George Washington drew inspiration from the play, Cato: A Tragedy.” This philosophy informed their actions and shaped their vision for a new nation. Their pursuit of independence wasn't merely a separation from Britain; it was a quest to create a society where individuals could create inner strength and live virtuously. The very ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – strongly align with the Stoic concept of a meaningful life guided by reason and virtue. To illustrate this further, let's examine the lives of some key Founding Fathers and see how Stoic principles played out in their actions

George Washington:?Known for his unwavering leadership during the Revolutionary War, Washington embodied Stoic ideals of reason, duty, and self-control. He faced immense pressure and criticism throughout the war, yet maintained a calm and composed demeanor.? His meticulous planning, focus on the bigger picture, and ability to inspire his troops all stemmed from his Stoic understanding of what he could and couldn't control.?

Thomas Jefferson:?A polymath with a deep interest in classical philosophy, Jefferson's writings are peppered with Stoic references. His focus on reason and individual liberty aligns perfectly with Stoic principles. While some might view his fiery rhetoric as incompatible with Stoicism, we can see it as him channeling his passionate belief in justice into a call to action. Jefferson's pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement, evident in his meticulous record-keeping, reflects the Stoic emphasis on cultivating virtue. His famous quote, "The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government," echoes the Stoic idea of living in accordance with nature and promoting the common good.

Benjamin Franklin: A self-made man known for his pragmatism and wit, Franklin's life exemplified the Stoic emphasis on living virtuously in the present moment.? His creation of "Poor Richard's Almanack" with its emphasis on hard work, frugality, and self-reliance, directly reflects Stoic values. Franklin's meticulous planning and focus on personal improvement, documented in his autobiography, showcase the Stoic pursuit of living a meaningful life. His famous quote, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," aligns with the Stoic idea of anticipating potential problems and acting proactively.

Practicing Stoicism In Our Lives

In our own lives, we can cultivate a sense of inner strength by focusing on our response to external circumstances. Take, for example, a challenging work project. We can't control if a colleague drops the ball or if a deadline gets shifted. However, we can control our own work ethic, our communication with the team, and our ability to adapt to changing situations. By focusing on these internal factors, we empower ourselves to navigate the project with a sense of agency and resilience.

Another key Stoic principle, "amor fati" – love of fate – encourages us to accept what is beyond our control. This doesn't mean passive resignation, but rather a proactive acceptance of the hand we've been dealt. Think of a historical figure like Viktor Frankl, who endured the horrors of the Holocaust. Despite the unimaginable circumstances, Frankl focused on finding meaning within his suffering. He wrote extensively about the importance of inner freedom, the ability to choose our attitude even in the face of brutal circumstances.

This doesn't negate the importance of taking action to improve our external world. Stoicism encourages us to participate actively in society and work towards positive change. The Founding Fathers weren't simply accepting British rule; they were actively fighting for a more just and independent nation. Likewise, we can strive to create a better world by contributing our skills and talents to the causes we believe in. The key is to maintain a sense of inner peace and equanimity, understanding that the ultimate outcome of our actions isn't entirely in our hands.

Stoic philosopher Seneca offers a powerful metaphor in his play, "Hercules Furens." He describes life as a stormy sea, where external events toss us about. However, a skilled sailor doesn't try to control the wind or the waves. Instead, they learn to navigate using their skills and knowledge. Similarly, we can learn to navigate the storms of life with a sense of composure and self-reliance.

Now, this doesn't mean becoming emotionless robots. Stoicism isn't about suppressing emotions; it's about acknowledging them and responding rationally. Think of the Declaration of Independence, a document brimming with passionate language about liberty and justice. The Founding Fathers weren't stoic (lowercase “s”) in the sense of being unemotional; they were driven by a deep sense of outrage against tyranny. However, they channeled their emotions into a powerful call to action.

In our daily lives, we can cultivate this same approach. When faced with anger or frustration, we can take a step back, acknowledge the emotion, and then choose a measured response. This allows us to navigate difficult situations with a clear head and avoid being ruled by our emotions.

The pursuit of independence, then, isn't about achieving complete isolation or indifference. It's about cultivating inner strength, resilience, and a sense of agency. It's about accepting what we can't control and focusing on what we can. By drawing on the wisdom of Stoicism, we can find a kind of freedom that transcends external circumstances and allows us to live a life of meaning and purpose, just as the Founding Fathers envisioned for a free nation. As Marcus Aurelius reminds us, "Our life is what our thoughts make it." Let us choose thoughts that foster independence, resilience, and a spirit of active citizenship, so that every day can be a celebration of liberty, both internal and external.