What Does the New Popularity of Stoicism Mean?

Stoicism is a philosophical school — one with a long and complicated history — and which, for some reason has, after becoming increasingly popular over the last few years, attracted an even larger audience during the pandemic. Vice reports a significant increase in sales of stoic-related

When I was growing up, I always thought that calling someone “stoic” was more or less a compliment. It meant that they were in control of their emotions, and that they could deprioritize them in favor of more lofty aims. I no longer hold this view to the same degree, but there did at the time seem to be something heroic about having a stoic mindset or personality.

This perspective was based on a popular idea of what “stoic” meant — someone who has, as the British say, a stiff upper lip, who can endure pain and suffering, and who is not motivated by self-interest. But, of course, stoic describes a philosophical school — one with a long and complicated history — and which, for some reason has, after becoming increasingly popular over the last few years, has attracted an even larger audience during the pandemic. Vice reports a significant increase in sales of stoic-related literature in 2020, including a staggering 356% increase in sales of ebooks for Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic.

In our discussion this week, Nicholas Gruen and I discuss this trend and possible explanations for it. We also compare ancient approaches to ethics and morality to modern notions of altruism.

CONNECT. If you're forging ahead with intellectual projects or have the urge to dive into artistic inquiry with the Protoclassic community, please reach out. 🚀 Drop a line at hey@protoclassic.com. We're here for the real work. 🔥

"Protoclassic helped me both refine my writing and thinking on substantial intellectual projects all the while keeping an eye to the rapidly evolving online scene. It helped refine and then amplify my message while significantly broadening audience reach and impact." — Nicholas Gruen