Stoics define philosophy as, “striving after wisdom” (Aurelius, 10), and the aim is to live according to nature and reason (Aurelius, 16-17). Wisdom is the “knowledge of [the] divine and human” (Aurelius, 10) and can be divided into three parts: logic, physics, and ethics. Stoic philosophy is not just a study, it is about using what one learned and applying it to the way one lives his or her life. Maxwell Staniforth describes this application of stoic philosophy into the real world as a stoic code;

“a code which was manly, rational, and temperate, a code which insisted on just a virtuous dealing, self-disciple, unflinching fortitude, and complete freedom from the storms of passion…” (Aurelius, 1

A life lived under the stoic code of nature and reason is rewarded with happiness. Aurelius wrote his Meditations as a daily reminder to live “according to Nature” (Aurelius, 16). Reason dictates that while some things are within the power of man, some are beyond human capability. “Bodily health, wealth, friends, [and] death” (Aurelius, 17) are not within the bounds of human control. Therefore, Aurelius makes several references to keeping these feelings external, where they cannot affect him.

Life is linked with the tenets of nature and reason; Providence is “the source from which all things flow; and allied with it is Necessity, and the welfare of the universe” (Aurelius, XX). Aurelius constantly writes of death and Providence in this fashion. Providence is the creator of life, and, upon death, the elements that are the makeup up life are dispersed and come together again as a new being.

Happiness is as much a personal thing as it is part of Providence. A popular proverb is that “life is what you make of it”. This is echoes Aurelius’ thoughts: “The whole universe is change, and life itself is but what you deem of it,” (Aurelius, IV-3). Stoicism is about taking what life gives one and using it to their advantage.

In infancy, St. Augustine cried for attention and food. He sees this as revengeful (Augustine, 7) and gluttonous (Augustine, 9). The fact that he is baby and has not the ability of language to seek these means with grace is irrelevant: “no one is free from sin in your sight, not even an infant whose span of earthly life is but a single day,” (Augustine, 9). Compared to that of Stoicism, St

Some topics in this essay:
St Augustine, Maxwell Staniforth, St Augustine’s, XX Aurelius, Nature” Aurelius, Meditations Confessions, River Instead, Aurelius IX-, V-8 Happiness, IV-3 Stoicism, st augustine, stoic philosophy, nature reason, aurelius 10, reach happiness, aurelius makes references, living life, views stem, stoic code, happiness life, christian philosophy, living life moment,