A Modern Stoic Perspective on Wars and Finding Peace

In the turbulent world of the 21st century, as an adherent of modern Stoic philosophy, I approach the subjects of war and peace through the lens of reason, virtue, and personal responsibility. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, modern Stoicism emphasizes self-control, rational thought, and aligning actions with ethical principles, regardless of external circumstances.

Stoicism posits that war, at its core, is a manifestation of human passions—greed, fear, ambition, and an insatiable desire for power. These are externalities beyond an individual’s control, yet they often dictate the course of nations. However, the Stoic response is not to be indifferent to war’s horrors but to recognize that while we cannot control the existence of war, we can control our reactions to it.

Amidst chaos, the focus should be on maintaining personal virtue: fostering courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance, even in the face of conflict. In a democratic country, this means raising one’s voice in protest and working through the democratic process to elect leaders who embody these virtues and uphold the rule of law.

Regarding peace, I argue that true peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of inner tranquility. Peace begins within the individual, cultivated through disciplined thought and emotional resilience. I emphasize that societal peace emerges when individuals practice personal responsibility, ethical behavior, and empathy. Instead of seeking peace as an external condition imposed by treaties or governments, the Stoic encourages finding peace through internal harmony, regardless of external disorder.

In essence, I advocate for a dual approach: accepting the inevitability of conflict in human affairs while tirelessly working to embody and promote the virtues that foster genuine, lasting peace within oneself and the broader community.

Yours in Peace,

Paul Yager