That One Should Disdain Hardships

Will we face challenges with serenity and cheerfulness, or add misery to our hardships? Stoicism teaches us to choose the path of reason and virtue.

1. Philosophy as a Guide to Living Well

Philosophy isn't just about pondering life's mysteries – it's a toolkit for living well. Musonius Rufus, a Roman Stoic, believed that understanding the world through philosophy is essential, but even more important is applying those lessons in everyday life. He saw philosophy as a way to navigate life’s difficulties, cultivating a sense of inner peace and clarity.

Musonius argued that many valued things, like wealth or health, lie outside our control. While we can't change external circumstances, we can choose how we respond. This reasoning provides a foundation for virtue, guiding us to align our actions with values such as fairness and self-restraint.

For Musonius, philosophy helps people focus on what truly matters: fostering inner strength and practicing virtue. By analyzing how reasoning protects us from the unpredictability of life, he shows how philosophy turns adversity into an opportunity for growth.

Examples

• Reason helps us stay calm in poverty, viewing it as a state we can face nobly.
• Illness prompts reflection on the difference between external conditions and inner peace.
• Accepting death with grace shows philosophical maturity over fear of what we can’t control.

2. Virtue is Inherent to Human Nature

Living virtuously isn't reserved for sages or philosophers – it's part of who we are. Musonius emphasized that every human possesses the capacity for excellence, calling it aretê, or the practical skills of living a good life. This includes truth-seeking, fairness, bravery, and mastering impulses.

Unlike specialized skills like playing an instrument, the pursuit of virtue is embedded in our nature. Much like an instinct, all humans have an innate drive to live justly, courageously, and wisely. What distinguishes us is the commitment to practicing these virtues.

By framing virtue as central to the human experience, Musonius showed that anyone – regardless of background – could live excellently. The only requirement is the willingness to let values guide actions.

Examples

• Justice develops by prioritizing fairness in our interactions.
• Courage flourishes when we face fears, such as speaking candidly about death.
• Self-control stems from conquering personal cravings, leading to moderation.

3. The Practice of Virtue Matters More than Theory

Musonius Rufus famously compared philosophy to professions like healing or sailing to illustrate a point: practice beats theory every time. A doctor who reads medical books but never treats patients can’t save lives, just as someone who studies virtue without living it fails to embody it.

To Musonius, virtue involves testing our moral skills in real situations, practicing justice, courage, and moderation. Only through action can someone cultivate true excellence. Theoretical knowledge, while helpful, becomes meaningful only when it's applied.

This commitment to practice challenges the idea that intellectual knowledge alone makes someone virtuous, reminding us that living according to morals requires deliberate effort every day.

Examples

• A generous person demonstrates fairness by forgoing greed during tough choices.
• Facing moral dilemmas with honesty builds the courage to prioritize values over excuses.
• Training oneself in moderation by eating simply makes self-restraint tangible.

4. Philosophy Knows No Gender Boundaries

Musonius fiercely championed the equality of men and women in studying philosophy. Contrary to views of his time, he argued that virtue isn’t tied to gender. Both sexes possess reason, and thus both should learn how to live wisely and justly.

Pointing to societal double standards, he criticized men expecting greater self-restraint from women than from themselves. He reasoned that if society benefits from virtuous men, it stands to gain even more by nurturing virtuous women.

By advocating for female education in philosophy, Musonius laid a foundation for equality in moral and intellectual pursuits, insisting that virtue strengthens everyone, regardless of gender.

Examples

• Women and men equally benefit from fairness and self-control in relationships.
• Educating women fosters role models who prioritize community well-being over selfishness.
• Encouraging female philosophers promotes justice in broader societal choices.

5. The Payoff of Virtue Outweighs Its Difficulty

Choosing virtue demands effort, but so does vice, Musonius argued. People often expend remarkable energy on pursuits like wealth or fleeting pleasures, with minimal reward. Instead, that same effort could go toward values that bring lasting happiness.

Virtue, though challenging, proves worthwhile because it aligns us with our higher purpose. Whether it's enduring temporary hardship to protect friendships or resisting temptations for long-term peace, the rewards justify the initial sacrifice.

Musonius framed the choice between virtue and vice as not just moral but logical. Picking a virtuous path delivers benefits unimaginable to those caught in selfish pursuits.

Examples

• Time spent on meaningful friendships surpasses the short gratification of shallow connections.
• Effort put into resisting envy spares us the stress of acting spitefully.
• Learning to live simply rewards us with clarity and peace over chasing wealth endlessly.

6. Temperance Starts on the Plate

Musonius connected philosophical principles to everyday habits, like eating. He believed our diets shape how we approach life, with simple, nutritious meals fostering moderation and deeper contentment.

Complex or indulgent meals, he claimed, distract us from life's real purpose and weigh us down. Eating simply reflects the Stoic value of aligning with nature’s intent – to nourish and sustain, not overindulge.

This philosophy doesn't condemn pleasure but rather encourages prioritizing substance over fleeting satisfaction, ensuring both physical and moral health.

Examples

• Vegetables and nuts provide energy efficiently, avoiding the lethargy that comes with heavy foods.
• Avoiding overindulgent meals saves time and keeps focus on productive ambitions.
• Simple eating allows space to appreciate life’s larger, non-material joys.

7. Stoicism Bridges Philosophy and Nature

Musonius believed living according to nature meant understanding what humans are meant to be: rational beings guided by wisdom and virtue. Life’s purpose isn’t seeking pleasure but embodying the best of humanity’s traits.

Drawing from animal behavior, Musonius highlighted how each species thrives by embracing its unique nature. Humans, being capable of reason, fulfill their highest purpose when they live morally, reflecting the gods’ wisdom.

For Musonius, this insight transformed daily life into an opportunity to strive for higher alignment with values, fostering a meaningful existence.

Examples

• Pursuing truth connects humans to their reasoning capacity, demonstrating excellence.
• Practicing justice unlocks the uniquely human ability to create equitable societies.
• Embracing self-restraint elevates humans above mere physical urges.

8. Stoicism as a Cure for Hardship

Musonius saw philosophy as a beacon in life's storms. By focusing on what’s truly valuable – our character and choices – Stoics transform hardships into lessons. Adopting this mindset shifts despair to resilience.

Musonius encouraged people to accept adversity with cheerfulness rather than adding suffering through lamentation or anger. This perspective doesn’t erase pain but reduces unnecessary distress.

By training the mind to view challenges as opportunities for virtue, people gain inner freedom and a deeper sense of control over their lives.

Examples

• Facing financial ruin, Stoics focus on gaining humility and wisdom.
• Losing a loved one provides a chance to appreciate the moment’s fragility and build resilience.
• Enduring illness allows reflection on life’s uncontrollable nature and the value of acceptance.

9. Philosophy as Universal Wisdom

Musonius emphasized that age, gender, or status doesn't alter the foundational lessons of philosophy. Wisdom and virtue are universally applicable, shaping anyone willing to commit to them.

Regardless of background, individuals can improve by integrating Stoicism into daily routines. The universality of Stoic lessons ensures their relevance, no matter where or when they’re applied.

Musonius inspired people to see philosophy as a guide not for the elite but for anyone seeking to live meaningfully by mastering their choices.

Examples

• Teaching Stoic principles to children nurtures fairness in future generations.
• Elderly learners use the same teachings to make peace with life’s end.
• Workers apply Stoic lessons to remain ethical while managing professional pressures.

Takeaways

1. Embrace practice over theory by finding ways to live virtues like courage and justice in daily situations.
2. Simplify your diet to enhance focus, health, and moderation, reinforcing physical and mental resilience.
3. Face adversities as moments for growth, reframing challenges as opportunities to strengthen your inner character.