Ancient Perspectives on Wealth

It’s important to recognize that ancient Stoics hailed from diverse backgrounds. For instance, Epictetus was once a slave, while his mentor, Gaius Musonius Rufus, epitomized extreme minimalism. Conversely, Seneca was a wealthy statesman, and Marcus Aurelius served as Emperor of Rome from 161 to 180 AD. This diversity illustrates that Stoicism does not outright reject or endorse material wealth. Instead, it teaches that while material goods are preferable, they should not be pursued obsessively.

Thus, Stoicism advocates that wealth and health should be regarded as "preferred indifferents." They are beneficial to possess but should not dominate one's life to the detriment of well-being or virtue. Money is undoubtedly necessary to secure basic needs—food, clothing, and shelter—but sacrificing happiness, personal virtues, or family life for the sake of accumulating wealth contradicts the essence of living in accordance with nature.

Stoic writings clarify the distinction between genuine Eudaemonia and superficial happiness, which often relies heavily on material goods. True fulfillment arises from living by one’s virtues, as no amount of wealth or possessions can substitute for inner contentment.

Epictetus advises us to maintain perspective on our belongings. For example, if you cherish a particular ceramic cup, remind yourself that it's merely a cup. This mindset can help mitigate distress should it break.

Shifting from Ownership to Detachment

Since embracing Stoicism, I've gradually shifted my focus from material attachments. Recognizing the transient nature of possessions has alleviated their hold over me, lessening the anxiety tied to acquiring the latest trends. Instead of yearning for what I lack, I found joy in appreciating what I have, channeling my resources into meaningful experiences with loved ones.

As time passes, our cherished items inevitably wear out. The joy they once brought doesn't diminish just because they are no longer functional. For instance, after moving out of my family home at 19, I experienced multiple relocations, prompting me to reconsider the baggage I carried. I realized my emotional ties to items accumulated over the years were clouding my judgment.

To declutter, I created three categories: donate, discard, and keep. I asked myself key questions about the functionality and necessity of each item, allowing me to make informed decisions.

Marcus Aurelius wrote, "Receive without arrogance; and be ready to let it go." This sentiment encapsulates the Stoic approach to possessions.

Final Reflections

Downsizing my material belongings through Stoic principles has fostered a greater sense of presence and mindfulness. It encourages a conscious approach to consumption, steering clear of the relentless pursuit of the latest trends dictated by marketing.

However, it's crucial to note that adopting Stoicism does not require an outright rejection of all possessions. Rather, it encourages introspection about our motivations for desiring material goods, especially when such cravings may stem from unresolved internal issues.

For more insights on Philosophy and Ancient History, consider following my work on Medium:

Brenda Conlon - Medium

Read writing from Brenda Conlon on Medium. A History and Social Anthropology graduate from Ireland. I write mostly…