Stoicism in the contemporary era. Can stoicism improve our lives in today’s technologically dominant world?

Abstract

The aim of this article is to look at how stoicism has been interpreted and applied in different fields, such as psychology, psychotherapy, philosophical practice, and personal development and share the findings with the reader. We will also explore the empirical research on Stoic practices, such as negative visualization, self-reflection, and embracing adversity, and their impact on psychological well-being. In addition we shall be covering practical applications of Stoicism in everyday life, such as managing emotions, developing resilience, and finding purpose and meaning. Ancient Stoicism had a profound influence on the philosophical, ethical, and psychological traditions. Its ideas and practices continue to resonate in modern times and have inspired various fields, including psychology (CBT), ethics, leadership, and personal development. Stoicism's emphasis on accepting what is beyond our control, focusing on personal virtue, and cultivating resilience in the face of adversity remains relevant and offers valuable insights for navigating the complexities of contemporary life. The intention is to showcase the importance of stoicism and how its concepts and practices align themselves with today’s therapy with individuals who may suffer from negative emotions and cognitive dissonances and also individuals who seek to perfect their understanding of the universe and choose to live a more fulfilling life with gratitude and mindfulness. Additionally, we must be aware of the misinterpretation that has also risen along with its popularity. Today’s technological advancement has also created an environment where hedonistic desires are stimulated for the profit of money or for the meaningless purpose of external validation, which the stoics did not see as healthy. Moderation has become just a saying among individuals who only show intention, but no practice. Individuals have fallen into great depths of sadness and are afraid to ask for help. This work aims to present the beauty of stoicism and its ability to supply people with reason and meaning in life and also to showcase the effectiveness of meditation as a stoic practice for a better lifestyle.