The Stoic principle of living in agreement with nature from "summary" of Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald Robertson
The Stoics believed that the key to a good life was to live in harmony with nature. But what does this really mean? According to Stoic philosophy, nature refers to the rational and moral order of the universe. This includes both the physical laws that govern the natural world and the ethical principles that guide human behavior.
Living in agreement with nature means recognizing and accepting the reality of the world as it is, rather than fighting against it. This doesn't mean being passive or resigned to fate. Instead, it involves embracing our own rationality and moral sense to navigate the challenges and opportunities that life presents us.
For the Stoics, living in agreement with nature also means cultivating virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control. These virtues are not inherent traits that we are born with, but rather skills that we can develop through practice and discipline. By honing these virtues, we can better align ourselves with the natural order of the universe and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
One of the central tenets of Stoic philosophy is the idea that we should focus on what is within our control and let go of what is beyond our control. This means not getting caught up in worrying about things that we cannot change, but instead directing our energy towards making the most of the present moment and acting with virtue and wisdom.
Living in agreement with nature also involves accepting the impermanence of life and the inevitability of change. We cannot control the circumstances that we find ourselves in, but we can control how we respond to them. By cultivating a mindset of resilience and adaptability, we can learn to embrace the ebb and flow of life with equanimity and grace.
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