Is Stoicism the New Religion?

Stoicism, The Religion for Modern Man?

​There’s a crisis brewing in the lives of men all over the world. I discussed this briefly in my last email when I asked why men idolize Tyler Durden. Some men who have found meaning in their lives, have done so by turning to stoicism.

Now, Stoicism isn’t a religion…. or is it? Well, that’s always going to be subjective but let’s take a closer look.

Stoicism is a way of life that is taught by ancient philosophers, most notably Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca.

For brevity sake, the core concept of stoicism is letting go of what is outside of your control and focusing your energy on what is withing your power and ability to effect. Stoicism was founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century. Stoicism is derived from the Greek word, Stoa, meaning porch. As this is where it was initially taught.

OK, so we have an ancient teaching and essentially prophets who have shared their wisdom with people through oral teaching and written word. This sounds an awful lot like a religion, even if it’s not one. And it doesn’t even have to replace religion. The two can coexist, which is more than most ideologies can accomplish. Now why is this ancient teaching seeing a resurgence in popularity?