The Stoic idea of "living according to nature" was key to achieving inner harmony from "summary" of Stoicism by John Sellars
The Stoic idea of "living according to nature" was central to their understanding of how to achieve inner harmony. For the Stoics, living in accordance with nature meant living in accordance with reason. They believed that reason was the defining characteristic of human beings, and that by living in accordance with reason, individuals could achieve inner peace and tranquility. Living in accordance with nature also meant accepting the world as it is, rather than trying to impose one's own desires or expectations onto it. The Stoics believed that the key to inner harmony lay in accepting the things that were outside of one's control, and focusing instead on cultivating one's own virtue and reason. The Stoics saw nature as a rational and ordered system, and believed that human beings were part of this larger system. By living in accordance with nature, individuals could align themselves with the natural order of the universe and achieve a sense of balance and harmony in their lives. The idea of living in accordance with nature was not about rejecting the comforts or conveniences of civilization, but rather about living in a way that was in harmony with the fundamental principles of human nature. The Stoics believed that by living in this way, individuals could cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility that was not dependent on external circumstances.- The Stoic idea of "living according to nature" was a key component of their philosophy of achieving inner harmony. By living in accordance with reason and accepting the world as it is, individuals could cultivate a sense of balance and tranquility that would enable them to navigate the ups and downs of life with equanimity.
