New to the forum.
Just introducing myself. I have had a stoic mindset for a number of years, but just recently came to the realization that my personal philosophy is Stoic. It has a reference. So I am new, not new. Re-reading Meditations currently.
Greetings.
WM
Greetings and welcome!
It sounds like you’re one of the lucky ones—having a natural inclination toward Stoicism even before consciously identifying with it. That kind of predisposition likely means you already have a solid foundation of tranquility in your life, which many of us had to work hard to develop.
I personally came to Stoicism after a midlife crisis, when I realized I had been doing life wrong in so many ways. Discovering this philosophy was like finding a missing piece, something that had been there all along but never fully recognized.
Re-reading Meditations is always a great choice—there’s something new in it every time, depending on where we are in life. Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts!
Again, welcome!
Thank you!
A little background for you. I grew up in a very religious community and found myself struggling with it the entire time. Mid-life had a lot to do with it for me as well.
There is tranquility to my life at times (rare) and chaos at others. Stoicism has helped me navigate that dynamic. I am by no means a zen master type. I'm just like everyone else. I do it everyday, there is work for sure and it's ongoing. Apologies if I came across as having the answers, which I don't. Just working on me and now have a name for how I try to operate.
Thank you for the welcome!
WM
Welcome, WarMonk!
I know exactly what you mean by a natural Stoic. I grew up in a very confrontational environment, yet I always found myself calmer than my surroundings. I really liked how you put it: "Working on me and now have a name for how I try to operate." I can relate to that—it’s very similar to my own experience.
I had been operating somewhat Stoically for a long time, and my natural reaction to life’s challenges was often a Stoic one. But my surroundings made me feel like a "fool" for it. Because of the prevailing culture and values, there were times when I genuinely questioned myself. The way I handled situations often clashed with what people expected.
Then I formally discovered the teachings of Stoicism, and it was like a light bulb moment. Welp… I had it right all along.
Welcome! Nice to meet you!
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