The mindset of any one individual is often based on a prior set of circumstances, that can lead to assumptions and behavioural patterns being formulated and held in an established manner, which then becomes a fixed view on their outlook on life.
One such mindset takes the form of stoicism. To define the define stoic mindset requires an understanding of the basic philosophy of what the stoic stands for. They ultimately believe in the maximization of positivity and total gratitude to living and therefore, minimizing any negativity, either emotionally or practically. Basically they do not let matters for which they have no control, affect their contented outlook on their life experience.
A stoic attitude is one that has an unflinching determination to rise up against adversity and refrain from any kind of complaint, accompanied by a resoluteness to hide any feelings of disinclination. Irrespective of what challenges are thrown in their direction, the stoic will always see it as an opportunity to grow as an individual. Events to which external circumstances mean they cannot be halted, or indeed altered, are where stoicism comes through in the form of an attitude shift, where acceptance is swift and reaction is always to search for the positive.
Whilst a stoic can still have ambition, they are comfortable in their endeavour to accept less, where upon their desire to keep up decreases and consequently, they become satisfied with what they already have and learn to appreciate it so much more. That said, a stoic person pulls away from materialistic things, placing less necessity on anything, with a realization that they may not always be there.
In today’s fast paced world, it is very easy to take everything for granted and if a person with maybe a slightly selfish mindset were to define stoic mindset, they probably would be quite cynical. They certainly would have little or no understanding and might even describe them as unemotional, non-enterprising and frankly dull; but that would be to completely miss the point. They promote accepting that we cannot change what already is and adapting to whatever happens, and rationally it is hard to put up a valid argument against that.
The stoic outlook on life is actually refreshing, in that it calls for a good deal of personal responsibility and appreciation of the fact that each decision taken throughout any one particular day will include certain moral attributes. The fact of the matter is that stoics live by a high moral code and that should be applauded and certainly not receive any criticism.
