Mastering Your Mind: Discover the Secrets of Stoicism Philosophy

Everyone has their own struggles that can be overwhelming at times, so having a mindset that subscribes to a stoicism philosophy of becoming more logical and developing self control will serve you well.

There’s a reason books about stoicism have been so popular throughout history and today. For example, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor AD 161-180, contains a series of personal writings on his ideas of the stoic philosophy. His private notes to himself are still valid today and teach individuals about stoicism meaning, including how to deal with life’s circumstances and control your emotions.

He wrote about timeless advice that can help you and anyone in any era of history, but what’s particularly interesting is that he wrote it for himself as a way to live his life; he had no idea people would read it thousands of years later.

This has proven to be a great philosophy that has helped so many people live their best lives. It has helped me navigate my adult life with autism and it can help you too.

Stoicism definition is an ancient Greek philosophy that emphasizes resilience, self-control, and acceptance of one’s circumstances. It teaches that by focusing our thoughts inward, we can gain control over our emotions and achieve an inner calm.

For people with autism, learning about the stoicism philosophy can provide a helpful framework for emotional regulation and self-improvement.

Here are some key reasons why the stoicism meaning may resonate with the autism community.

5 Ways Stoicism Philosophy Can Create Greater Satisfaction with Life

1. Stoicism philosophy promotes logic over emotion.
   People with autism tend to think in a logical, analytical manner. Stoicism also values reason and clear judgment over volatile emotions. By living according to sound principles rather than feelings or passions, stoics develop self-discipline. This can help those with autism manage emotional meltdowns.

   Stoicism definition was founded in the 3rd century BC by Zeno of Citium. The stoics believed that destructive emotions result from errors in judgment. By using logic to correct these false beliefs, individuals can master their feelings.

   This emphasis on level-headedness over knee-jerk reactions to events aligns with the more analytical thinking patterns of autistic individuals. Focusing on logic rather than emotions, which is the very essence of the stoicism meaning, can help reduce distress when confronted with sensory overload or social misunderstandings.

   Applying reason allows stoics to look at upsetting situations more objectively. This prevents exaggerating the severity of problems and making hasty value judgments.

   Autistics similarly analyze events in a detail-oriented way, which may predispose them to a stoic philosophy naturally. Viewing emotions as irrational responses that cloud judgment allows stoics to weather turbulent events with poise. This skill could benefit autistic individuals prone to emotional dysregulation.

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2. Stoicism definition teaches mental discipline.
   A stoic mindset involves practicing presence of mind even in upsetting situations. This constant vigilance and control over one’s thoughts is akin to the mental exercises and repetitive behaviors that can calm people on the spectrum. Stoic meditation and self-reflection may supplement common autism coping strategies.

   A stoicism definition employs several concrete mental exercises to develop self-control. For instance, negative visualization involves imagining worst-case scenarios to humble ambitions and prepare for adversity. Contemplating loss reduces anxiety when misfortunes inevitably arise.

   This technique mentally toughens stoics, allowing them to act calmly in the face of calamity. Autistic people also use imaginative exercises like positive visualization to manage anxiety. Visualizing goals and accomplishments can improve confidence and mood. Stoic training provides more tools to gain mastery over thoughts.

   Another stoic practice is dichotomy of control, which distinguishes what we control from what we don’t. Focusing time and energy solely on controllable things within reach increases tranquility. Autistic individuals can also become preoccupied with elements they can’t influence, like other’s behaviors.

   The mindset of self control helps stoics channel energy productively into changing what they can. This promotes self-efficacy and independence as well as reduces frustration.

   Stoic journaling encourages writing about daily events to glean insights and break unhealthy thinking habits. Recording thoughts makes them more tangible and manageable. Autistic people often benefit from journaling to process emotions and relieve obsessive rumination.

   By integrating stoic principles into writing prompts, autistic journalers can further control runaway worries, a trait that is especially common with individuals with autism.

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3. Stoicism meaning focuses on the self, rather than others.
   Autistic individuals often feel different from neurotypical peers. Stoicism emphasizes knowing oneself and aligning expectations and values accordingly.

   Instead of worrying about fitting in, stoics are self-contained and detached from external validation. This independence can help those with autism embrace their unique strengths.

   A core pillar of stoicism philosophy is living in harmony with nature. This means accepting realities of the world while finding one’s inner purpose. Autistic individuals face frequent misunderstanding and prejudice from others.

   Stoicism says we should identify what is within our power to control, and let go of the rest. Social stigma and others’ judgments fall in this latter category.

   Rather than bend to social pressure, stoics set their own standards based on reason and principles. Focusing inward insulates them from the outside world’s volatility. For autistic people, this means realizing they need not conform to neurotypical norms to have worth.

   By defining success and happiness for themselves, they gain confidence despite facing criticism. This frees them from dependence on uncertain external factors.

   Another stoic teaching is to remember we all emanate from the same universal source. This encourages compassion, as we recognize all humanity’s shared struggles.

   Autistic individuals can apply this mindset to counter ostracization. Knowing they are not alone in facing life’s difficulties can temper social isolation. Stoicism’s emphasis on brotherhood and dignity can spur advocating for neurodiversity.

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4. Stoicism philosophy advocates self-sufficiency.
   People with autism often face prejudice and misunderstanding. Stoicism prepares practitioners to handle life’s difficulties on their own terms. By controlling emotions and expectations, stoics can endure pain without becoming distressed. This resilience allows those on the spectrum to overcome obstacles and achieve self-fulfillment.

   The stoics spoke of a sanctuary where individuals can retreat in their mind, even when calamity strikes. This metaphor signifies refusing to let adversity penetrate our essential being.

   For individuals with autism, life’s unexpected noises, interrupted routines, and insensitive remarks can feel like an assault. Adopting an impenetrable stoic fortress in our mind guards against these disturbances. With a strong inner foundation, external events don’t shake us.

   Stoicism also stresses being adaptable to unavoidable misfortunes. Fate permits terrible things to happen, but we retain power over our response. Autistic people prone to rigidity may struggle with such curves in life.

   However, the stoicism meaning is that we while we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we perceive it. This important distinction separates events from our judgments about them.

   By viewing the hand we’re dealt objectively, we need not become upset over perceived slights by an unfair world.

   This self-reliance also manifests in the stoic emphasis on fulfilling one’s societal roles. Stoics believed that we all have duties as citizens, neighbors, and family members. Focusing on our contribution prevents dwelling on perceived mistreatment.

   Though the world may misjudge autistic capabilities, stoicism says not to lose faith in our worth. We control how we respond to unfairness and can still uplift our communities.

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5. A stoicism definition provides perspective.
   Autistics are more likely to reflect, and even obsess, over adverse events. Stoicism philosophy teaches that by zooming out and taking a big picture view, we realize that many daily stresses are unimportant.

   This helps stoics keep things in perspective and not overreact to small frustrations. This perspective could help prevent paralyzing anxiety.

   Marcus Aurelius, the prominent Roman emperor and stoic mentioned earlier, advised stepping back and looking at life’s annoyances from a distance. From afar, negative experiences seem to fade. Sweating small stuff obscures the bigger picture.

   Autistic individuals may fixate and perseverate on unpleasant details at the expense of their overall well-being. Zooming out reinforces that one insult or setback doesn’t define their entire existence. Upholding virtues and principles is what matters most.

   Part of this universal perspective is realizing how brief our time here is. Stoics meditate often on mortality. Recognizing that life is fleeting allows us to live fully in the present.

   Many autistic people also share this trait of immersed focus on the current moment. Their intense interests and passions exemplify this mindful absorption. Contemplating mortality reminds us not to waste time worrying but to pursue what gives life meaning.

   Stoics also believe minute annoyances are trials sent by the gods to test our wisdom. Though modern society is not so fatalistic, this outlook prevents taking adversity personally.

   Autistic individuals prone to resentment may benefit from letting go of grudges. Viewing insults as divinely ordained exercises in restraint defuses their power to hurt us. Nothing can shake the stoic sage.

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How Stoicism Meaning and Application Can Enhance Autistics’ Life

An important aspect of stoicism that can benefit autistic individuals is its emphasis on living virtuously. Stoics believed that human excellence and moral uprightness were the sole conditions within our control that can bring true happiness.

By taking each day as an opportunity to exemplify virtues like wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation, stoics maintain tranquility no matter what obstacles arise.

Many autistic people possess laudable qualities that epitomize these stoic ideals. Their tendency for honest directness represents the virtue of truthfulness. Their avoidance of vices and harms manifests the virtue of temperance. Their intense interests reflect love of learning and curiosity. Their adherence to rules embodies the virtue of justice. By recognizing their existing virtues and consciously practicing them, autistic individuals can grow in excellence after the stoic model.

I relate to the qualities of directness, honesty, and intense interests, as I believe most of us on the spectrum do as well. Relating our individualism to stoicism is something I have found quite fascinating.

I am also intrigued about how the philosophy indicates that the need of perfecting virtue directs energy away from resenting mistreatment or setbacks. Stoics understood the wisdom in disregarding insults and false perceptions of others, since these cannot hurt our character.

Individuals on the spectrum (or ones who are neurodiverse in general) can boost resilience by cherishing their principles despite stigma. And stigma is something that most people who are “different” than the neurotypical community must constantly battle in an effort to achieve understanding and acceptance.

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Stoicism Meaning and Becoming The Best Possible You

This virtue-based outlook balances the self-reliance of stoicism with concern for humanity. Though stoics control only their own thoughts and actions, they believe they have a social duty to live with wisdom and spread goodwill. Autistic individuals similarly have gifts to contribute by being authentic ambassadors for neurodiversity. Their community needs their talents.

Just as is the case with so many differences in thinking from the “norm,” for centuries, stoicism was misconstrued as promoting repression over emotion. However, I believe the philosophy simply has the goal of turning destructive emotions into more positive ones to improve decision-making.

Autistic alexithymia and struggles interpreting emotions can be enhanced by seeking stoic clarity. While stoicism won’t eliminate emotional difficulties, it can provide cognitive strategies to respond to emotions with reason and composure.

There is some debate in the neurodiverse universe that aspects of stoicism seem at odds with the openness and sensitivity of autistic culture. However, I disagree. I don’t think that individuals with autism need to put aside their uniqueness to benefit from stoic teachings. Rather, I think stoic principles can serve to empower those of us on the spectrum to navigate life’s unpredictability with wisdom.

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Stoicism Definition Can Be Summed Up As Keeping Your Cool

Stoicism meaning is about self-control, reason, and level-headedness even during turmoil. Given the amount of emotional and social challenges that autistic individuals face, myself included, this centuries-old philosophy may offer empowering lessons for personal growth and stability.

By adopting stoic practices, at least in a general sense, individuals with autism can learn to navigate an often-misunderstanding world. Rather than bend to others’ expectations, they can live by their own principles while still seeking acceptance.

By understanding who they truly are, and isn’t that something we all struggle with at times, it helps individuals from relying on outside validation and self-worth. Stoicism provides cognitive tools to endure inevitable setbacks that come in life with grace.

In the end, I believe that stoicism is simply telling us not to sweat the small stuff and to remember that most of our frustrations and setbacks are indeed “the small stuff.”  If we can keep our mind on the bigger picture, we can get past small daily frustrations with more ease.

Nothing keeps a person from having stress or anxiety at times, and to feel challenged with life in general. Life is hard for us all, regardless of who we are inside or out. However, by training our minds, many individuals with high functioning autism can gain remarkable poise and self-control, as in the mold of the ancient stoics.

I know that the stoicism philosophy can be controversial for some, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and beliefs about it as well. Feel free to reach out by contacting me at any time at [email protected]. 

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Learn more about other stigmas and stereotypes that autistics face:

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