the stoic path to happiness
It has been eight years since I embarked on the epic journey of philosophy and Stoicism when I picked up the landmark book, The Daily Stoic, on the day of its release. Needless to say, the book has made a profound impact on me and my thinking. It paved the way for me to learn from Stoic giants, both ancient and contemporary, and incorporate their teachings into my day-to-day life, helping me embrace and embody my highest self. I feel the journey has just started, and there’s still a lot to learn and implement, but I am grateful that I was able to begin this spiritual and philosophical adventure and make good progress in it.
For the unversed, Stoicism is a school of philosophy that was founded nearly 2,500 years ago, in ancient Greece, by a man named Zeno, who, after losing his fortune in shipwreck, moved to Athens and became a philosopher.
A significant portion of Stoic teachings have come down to us through three historical figures: Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor who kept a private journal that was later published as Meditations; Seneca the Younger, a statesman and playwright known for his classic work, Moral Letters; and Epictetus, a formerly enslaved philosopher teacher whose lectures were captured by a student in a book called the Enchiridion.
For me personally, October 18th has become a special date, a day dedicated to honoring and celebrating Stoicism. And so, today I’ll dive into one of the key aspects of Stoic philosophy and discuss it with you in depth.
“Keep this thought at the ready at daybreak, and through the day and night—there is only one path to happiness, and that is in giving up all outside of your sphere of choice, regarding nothing else as your possession, surrendering all else to God and Fortune.”
— Epictetus, Discourses, 4.4.39
“However, the majority of people mistakenly judge external things to be ‘good’ and therefore experience feelings of desire for things beyond their control, leading to frustration and suffering.”
― Donald Robertson, Stoicism and the Art of Happiness
The Stoic philosophy, rooted in ancient wisdom, offers a timeless guide to navigating life’s uncertainties. One of its central insights is the distinction between what we can control and what we cannot. This concept, introduced by Epictetus and echoed throughout Stoic teachings, encourages us to focus exclusively on what falls under our agency: our thoughts, decisions, and actions. Everything else—the outcomes, the opinions of others, or the whims of fate—rests beyond our control. To cultivate inner peace and happiness, we must let go of these uncontrollable elements and direct our energy toward what we can influence.
At its core, the Stoic philosophy is not about passivity but about living virtuously with intention and purpose. When we act in alignment with our values, using the best information and tools at our disposal, and give our very best effort, we fulfill our duty as rational beings. We should take solace in knowing that once we've acted with integrity and wisdom, our role is complete. The results, which often lie outside our grasp, should not concern us. Instead, Stoicism encourages us to view favorable outcomes as a "cherry on top of the cake"—a pleasant bonus, but not the ultimate goal.
This mindset liberates us from the anxiety of constantly worrying about outcomes. When we detach from results, we shift our focus toward the process and the quality of our actions. And when we act from a place of meaning and alignment, even in the face of suffering or adversity, we are on the right track to success—whether or not external success follows.
The subtle art of happiness, then, lies not in chasing after results or external markers of success, but in finding alignment between our inner values and our actions. When we act virtuously, guided by Stoic principles, we tap into an inner tranquility that remains steady despite the chaos or obstacles around us. In this way, we become beacons of hope and happiness, not only for ourselves but also for others.
As Stoics, we are reminded that happiness is always within our reach. It is not something that comes from the outside or from achieving particular outcomes. Rather, it is a state of mind that we cultivate by aligning our actions with our deepest values and virtues. To make others happy, we must first generate happiness within ourselves. As Gretchen Rubin insightfully remarked in The Happiness Project, “The belief that unhappiness is selfless and happiness is selfish is misguided. It’s more selfless to act happy.” When we radiate happiness from within, we become a source of joy and inspiration for those around us.
Moreover, the practice of letting go of outcomes and accepting circumstances beyond our control is a powerful path to contentment. In times of difficulty or darkness, this inner light of happiness can be a source of strength, both for ourselves and for others. When we cultivate inner joy and share it with the world, brightness soon follows. Acceptance of the present, combined with the pursuit of meaningful action, leads us to a deeper, more sustainable sense of happiness.
Ultimately, learning the art of being happy, as the Stoics advise, is one of the most selfless acts we can do. When we embrace tranquility within ourselves, regardless of external circumstances, we are better equipped to help others and spread joy. Happiness, then, is not about achieving perfect results but about aligning ourselves with the principles of virtue and acting with purpose and meaning. By accepting what we cannot control, and focusing on what we can, we unlock the profound wisdom of the Stoic way—leading not just to happiness for ourselves, but for those around us as well.
Grab your copy of "Daily Stoicism" here: https://books2read.com/daily-stoicism
Coming soon: “The Virtue of Wisdom” (Book 4 of “Handbooks for Stoics” Series)
