While I’ve been navigating the COVID-19 and shelter in place experience, I decided to review some of the writings from the Stoic Philosophy. During my inquiry, I was reminded that throughout human history, there has always been adversity. There have been wars, plagues, and natural disasters that have led to challenging times, suffering, and death. The Stoics, who originated in ancient Greece, had more than their fair share of hardship. However, dealing with the difficulties of life was at the core of their philosophy, and during times of considerable uncertainty, many people worry about their lives coming apart. Such concerns are not unwarranted. After all, the prospect of not knowing where a sudden disruption or change can lead to can be nerve-wracking.
The Stoics had simple yet profound approaches as to how to deal with a dramatic change in external circumstances, and how to be at peace despite hardship and a possible troubled future. One of their approaches was...
