Rediscovering Stoicism: Insights from Pierre Hadot's Work
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Chapter 1: Revisiting the Foundations of Stoicism
In the realm of philosophical discourse, Pierre Hadot's seminal work, The Inner Citadel: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, stands out for its profound impact on Stoicism and ancient Greco-Roman thought. This text has played a pivotal role in revitalizing interest in practical Hellenistic philosophy, offering crucial insights into the lives and teachings of both Marcus Aurelius and his mentor, Epictetus.
My series of essays, Philosophy as a Way of Life (PWOL), which has been ongoing since July 2018, now features 388 articles. While recent entries often attract the most attention, I believe that the earlier essays also merit revisiting. Today, we will highlight nine essays that delve into Hadot's influential work, providing key excerpts to illustrate their themes.
Section 1.1: Marcus Aurelius’ Background
Hadot emphasizes that Marcus Aurelius, though born into privilege in Rome in 121 CE, faced a tumultuous reign. Raised in a wealthy family with significant political ties, he was under the protection of Emperor Hadrian, who directed Antoninus Pius to adopt him alongside Lucius Verus. Marcus ascended to the throne in 161 CE but had to navigate the challenges of leadership, especially after Lucius's untimely death in 169 CE.
Section 1.2: The Meditations’ Historical Context
The personal reflections of Marcus, known as Meditations, gained recognition shortly after his demise, as noted by Themistius a couple of centuries later. However, it wasn't until the 10th century that we see evidence of its widespread copying. Interestingly, the first mention in the Western world only appeared in the 16th century, highlighting the precarious survival of this significant work.
Chapter 2: Spiritual Exercises in the Meditations
In his analysis, Hadot asserts that Marcus frequently reminds himself of three essential principles throughout Meditations. These principles stem from a select group of universal concepts, or "dogmas," which serve as guidelines for practical living. An example can be found in a Stoic dogma that suggests viewing challenges not as misfortunes but as opportunities to exercise resilience.
Section 2.1: Epictetus: The Philosopher as a Slave
Epictetus, though not widely known today, was a prominent philosopher of his time and had a significant impact on early Christian thought. Born a slave in Hierapolis, he eventually rose to prominence after being freed, where he began teaching philosophy in Rome before relocating to Nicopolis due to political pressures.
Section 2.2: Coherent Stoicism of Epictetus
Hadot critiques the disconnection between ancient philosophy and contemporary philosophical discourse, arguing that the former was rooted in practical applications rather than abstract theorization. This perspective underscores the importance of Stoicism in addressing real-life challenges.
Section 2.3: The Discipline of Assent
The discipline of assent focuses on enhancing our judgment. Hadot defines this concept as the practice of accepting only objective representations, encouraging a more profound understanding of how our perceptions shape our realities.
Section 2.4: The Discipline of Desire and Amor Fati
Hadot introduces the discipline of desire, which examines the distinction between instinctive reactions and considered emotions. By recognizing that emotions can be altered through cognitive shifts, Stoics advocate for a thoughtful approach to feelings.
Section 2.5: Action for the Greater Good
The discipline of action emphasizes our responsibilities toward humanity, urging individuals to act with the welfare of the human community in mind. Marcus encapsulates this idea by stating that our actions should align with our nature as rational beings.
Section 2.6: Understanding Marcus Aurelius
In his concluding remarks, Hadot cautions against imposing modern interpretations on Marcus Aurelius's life and philosophy. Instead, he advocates for a contextual understanding of Marcus, rooted in the social and political dynamics of his time.