Intro to Stoicism
Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy that was founded by Zeno of Citium (modern day Cyprus) in the early 3rd century BCE. The word stoic comes from the Greek stoikos, meaning "stoa"which refers to the stoa poikile or "painted stoa" (painted porch), a public market in Athens where the Stoics met and engaged in philosophical discussions with anyone interested. Stoicism was one of the four principal schools of philosophy in ancient Athens alongside Plato's Academy, Aristotle's Lyceum and Epicurus' Garden. Upon the death of Socrates and the break up of Greek culture as a result of the Peloponnesian war Socratic philosophy fragmented. The fragments of Socratic philosophy make up the body of Hellenistic philosophy. The 3 main fragments of Socratic philosophy break into Stoicism, Epicureanism and Skepticism. Stoicism many would argue is one of the most important and greatest achievements developed by the Hellenistic philosophers flourishing for nearly 500 years becoming the preeminent philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. During the Renaissance Period Stoicism reemerged as a popular philosophy as people searched and turned to reason rather than faith to find answers on how to live their best life.
Stoicism is founded on the belief that virtue is the only true good and that we should live a life in accordance with nature and in achievement of our highest moral virtue. That we can't control external events, but only our responses and judgements of events. At its core Stoicism is a wisdom philosophy on how to live life and live it well. To focus on what is within your dichotomy of control and not focus on a desired result for which you have no determinable degree of control. Stoicism helps us to respond with equanimity when faced with adversity and overcome destructive emotions acting on what can be acted upon. It takes the position that the wise and good human being lives in accordance with nature only fearing that he or she does not live up to their highest moral virtue. They are not afraid of death, poverty, pain or any of the vicissitudes of the human condition, but only that they again should not live up to their highest moral virtue.
While many philosophies of antiquity ruminated over theory, analyzing arguments of debate the ancient Stoics believed in being a "Warrior of The Mind". To be mindful in every moment training your mind to be relentless in exercising the four cardinal virtues of Wisdom, Courage, Justice and Temperance.
Ancient Stoicism cultivated over 3 major time periods, The Early Stoa, the Middle Stoa and the Late Stoa (For a more detailed look into a timeline of ancient Stoicism please see the History section) The 3 central figures - Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca forming the biggest collective teachings of ancient Stoicism come from the Late period Stoa. Here's a look into these Stoic legends:
CENTRAL STOIC FIGURES
Marcus Aurelius (April 26, 121 CE - March 17, 180 CE)
The "Philosopher King" was Roman Emperor from 161 to 180. He ruled with Lucius Verus as co-emperor from 161 until Verus’ death in 169. He was the last of the Five Good Emperors, and is also considered one of the most important Stoic philosophers. Marcus Aurelius’ Stoic tome Meditations, written in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180, is still revered as a literary monument to a philosophy of service and duty, describing how to find and preserve equanimity in the midst of conflict by following nature as a source of guidance and inspiration.
Marcus Tee’sEpictetus (55 CE - 135 CE)
Epictetus born a slave at about 55 A.D. in Hierapolis, Phrygia, (modern day Pamukkale, Turkey) which was located in the eastern borders of the Roman Empire. "Epictetus" who's name literally means "acquired" was brought to Rome, to the court of the emperor Nero. His actual birth name is not known. Early in his life he had a passion for philosophy, and with permission from his owner a freed slave of Nero, he studied Stoic philosophy under the master Gaius Musonious Rufus. After Nero's death, Epictetus began to teach philosophy in Rome and then later founded a philosophical school in Greece where he taught Stoicism to the young noblemen of the time. The tone of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations echoes the teachings of Epictetus who heavily influenced the future emperor of Rome. Although Epictetus never actually wrote anything down it is thru his devoted student Arrian that we have a written account of his lessons.
EPICTETUS TEE’S
Seneca (4 BCE - April 12, 65 CE)
Seneca was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesmen, dramatist, billionaire play-write, and in one work humorist, of the Silver Age of Latin Literature. He was the brilliant son of a noble Spanish family whose influence, in addition to his exceptional skill as an orator, gave him access to the inner circle of Roman power at an early age. He was also a prolific writer even while accumulating one of the greatest fortunes in the ancient world. He was a tutor and later advisor to the emperor Nero where he amassed much of his wealth. When questioned how he could be a Stoic and attract such great wealth, he simply replied that a wise man used money while a fool was used by it. Sadly even with the instruction and wisdom of Seneca Nero became the tyrant and depraved hedonist the world still knows him to be. Eventually Nero accused Seneca of treason for alleged complicity in the Pisonian conspiracy to assassinate Nero and he was forced to commit suicide. Seneca's wisdom lives on from his most famously written Moral Letters to Lucilius, On Mercy, On Anger and On Shortness of Life.
SENECA TEE’SFeatured collection
MARCUS POWERS OF MAN TEE
$48.00
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This passage from The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius challenges us to level up. Our capacity to achieve greatness, exercise resolve and face adversity with equanimity is powerful beyond measure. Invoke the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius with The Powers Of Man Tee by WARRIOR OF THE MIND.
- Super Soft Tee
- Soft Print
- Fabrication: 4.3 oz., 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
- All inks used are water-based and eco-friendly. If you notice a slight new shirt scent, due to our eco-friendly printing process don't worry it will disappear after the first wash.
SENECA GROUNDLESS FEARS TEE
$48.00
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Groundless Fears by Seneca distills timeless wisdom in that there are more things likely to frighten us than to crush us and that we suffer more often in imagination than in reality. Although fortune may have tested our powers and gotten the upper hand in the past we stood up more eagerly awaiting the next challenge with definance and courage. Invoke the wisdom of Seneca with The Groundless Fears Tee by WARRIOR OF THE MIND.
- Super Soft Tee
- Soft Print
- Fabrication: 4.3 oz., 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
- All inks used are water-based and eco-friendly. If you notice a slight new shirt scent, due to our eco-friendly printing process don't worry it will disappear after the first wash.
MARCUS POWERS OF MAN LOGOS TEE
$48.00
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This passage from The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius challenges us to level up. Our capacity to achieve greatness, exercise resolve and face adversity with equanimity is powerful beyond measure. Invoke the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius with The Powers Of Man Logos Tee by WARRIOR OF THE MIND.
- Super Soft Tee
- Soft Print
- Fabrication: 4.3 oz., 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
- All inks used are water-based and eco-friendly. If you notice a slight new shirt scent, due to our eco-friendly printing process don't worry it will disappear after the first wash.
MARCUS AURELIUS MARCOMANNIC WARS CANVAS PRINT 24X36
$300.00
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A Legendary display of equanimity in the face of adversity, Marcus Aurelius while on campaign from 170 to 180 A.D. would lead the Roman army north and claim victory on the icy Danube river. The Marcomannic wars served as proving grounds for the philosopher king as his troops would name him imperator for the 6th time for his symbolic victory on the icy Danube. It was during this period from 170 to 180 A.D. that Marcus would pen his classic tome, "The Meditations". Invoking the wisdom and spirit of the philosopher king world renowned artist Zane has created this powerful one of a kind composition that is now available here at WARRIOR OF THE MIND.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
- Fade-resistant
- 20.5 mil thick poly-cotton blend canvas
- Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
- Matte finish coating
- Size: 24x36, Height 36 inches, Width 24 inches
MARCUS AURELIUS MARCOMANNIC WARS CANVAS PRINT 18X24
$200.00
-
A Legendary display of equanimity in the face of adversity, Marcus Aurelius while on campaign from 170 to 180 A.D. would lead the Roman army north and claim victory on the icy Danube river. The Marcomannic wars served as proving grounds for the philosopher king as his troops would name him imperator for the 6th time for his symbolic victory on the icy Danube. It was during this period from 170 to 180 A.D. that Marcus would pen his classic tome, "The Meditations". Invoking the wisdom and spirit of the philosopher king world renowned artist Zane has created this powerful one of a kind composition that is now available here at WARRIOR OF THE MIND.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
- Fade-resistant
- 20.5 mil thick poly-cotton blend canvas
- Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
- Matte finish coating
- Size: 18x24, Height 24 inches, Width 18 inches
MARCUS AURELIUS MARCOMANNIC WARS CANVAS PRINT 16X20
$100.00
-
A Legendary display of equanimity in the face of adversity, Marcus Aurelius while on campaign from 170 to 180 A.D. would lead the Roman army north and claim victory on the icy Danube river. The Marcomannic wars served as proving grounds for the philosopher king as his troops would name him imperator for the 6th time for his symbolic victory on the icy Danube. It was during this period from 170 to 180 A.D. that Marcus would pen his classic tome, "The Meditations". Invoking the wisdom and spirit of the philosopher king world renowned artist Zane has created this powerful one of a kind composition that is now available here at WARRIOR OF THE MIND.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
- Fade-resistant
- 20.5 mil thick poly-cotton blend canvas
- Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
- Matte finish coating
- Size: 16x20, Height 20 inches, Width 16 inches
SENECA GROUNDLESS FEARS CANVAS PRINT 24X36
$300.00
-
Groundless Fears by Seneca distills timeless wisdom in that there are more things likely to frighten us than to crush us and that we suffer more often in imagination than in reality. Although fortune may have tested our powers and got the upper hand in the past we stood up more eagerly awaiting the next challenge with definance and courage. Invoke the wisdom of Seneca with The Groundless Fears canvas print. A beautiful one of a kind composition created by WARRIOR OF THE MIND.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
- Fade-resistant
- 20.5 mil thick poly-cotton blend canvas
- Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
- Matte finish coating
- Size: 24x36, Height 36 inches, Width 24 inches
SENECA GROUNDLESS FEARS CANVAS PRINT 18X24
$200.00
-
Groundless Fears by Seneca distills timeless wisdom in that there are more things likely to frighten us than to crush us and that we suffer more often in imagination than in reality. Although fortune may have tested our powers and got the upper hand in the past we stood up more eagerly awaiting the next challenge with definance and courage. Invoke the wisdom of Seneca with The Groundless Fears canvas print. A beautiful one of a kind composition created by WARRIOR OF THE MIND.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
- Fade-resistant
- 20.5 mil thick poly-cotton blend canvas
- Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
- Matte finish coating
- Size: 18x24, Height 24 inches, Width 18 inches
SENECA GROUNDLESS FEARS CANVAS PRINT 16X20
$100.00
-
Groundless Fears by Seneca distills timeless wisdom in that there are more things likely to frighten us than to crush us and that we suffer more often in imagination than in reality. Although fortune may have tested our powers and got the upper hand in the past we stood up more eagerly awaiting the next challenge with definance and courage. Invoke the wisdom of Seneca with The Groundless Fears canvas print. A beautiful one of a kind composition created by WARRIOR OF THE MIND.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
- Fade-resistant
- 20.5 mil thick poly-cotton blend canvas
- Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
- Matte finish coating
- Size: 16x20, Height 20 inches, Width 16 inches
Warrior Invocation II
WARRIOR INVOCATION II, RULE YOUR DAY by setting your state to the proper frequency. Invoke and AWAKEN THE WARRIOR WITHIN!!
