How to Stay Calm in Chaos - 5 Stoic Principles for Modern Living

"Excess Everything is bad" - an old saying, lost in the rush of the modern world. Hyperentertainment, hypergratification, hyperconsumption and other hyper-related terms have made the world impulsive today. The reason staying calm is really difficult in modern life. Stoicism, an ancient philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE in Athens and later flourishing in civilisations like Greece and Rome, influencing leaders like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus and others. The core principle of this philosophy is that virtue is the highest good and the four cardinal virtues are wisdom, courage, justice and temperance. This article explores how one can remain calm in tough situations, learning principles from Stoicism, so here are 5 Stoic principles.


A key pillar of Stoicism is the dichotomy of control, which states focus your energy only on what you can influence. We cannot control external events other than our judgment and actions. The cloud of anxiety often covers our heads when we try to control the uncontrollable. The Stoics believed in living in accordance with nature, which is governed by reason (logos), and they practised to align their lives with it by accepting whatever comes on way.

Stonic principles foster amazing self-discipline and emotional maturity. Stonic didn't suppress their feelings but they sought ways to seek freedom from destructive emotions. To avoid uncertain chaos, it is important to take a pause before speaking or acting. This habit can prevent impulsive reactions and keep you centred.


Negative Visualisation means imagining obstacles before they occur, which can prepare the mind and reduce shock when the challenges come. For example, you can rehearse responses before having a stressful conversation.

It means cognitive reframing, seeing events from a rational and wider viewpoint. If challenges come on the way, take them as an opportunity for virtue. For example, if you are stuck at a traffic light, instead of losing your mind, you can take the moment as patience training. This is how reframing one's perspective or mindset determines internal calmness.

Famous Roman emperors like Marcus Aurelius used journaling as a tool for daily reflection. Reflection helps one to identify their triggering points, and it helps them to work on those points and frame a way to improve their emotional stability. Know that consistent reflection builds long-term calmness.

One doesn't get born with calmness, it's a skill one learn to develop over a period of time. Stoicism helped people to live life wisely, act justly and remain unshaken in the time of unexpected life's turbulence.

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Q1. Is stoicism a religion?
Ans: No, Stoicism is not a religion.

Q2. What does the bible say about Stoicism?
Ans: The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often encourages believers to maintain inner strength and contentment regardless of external circumstances.

Q3. Is Stoicism ok with God?
Ans: they believe in “God” but only very loosely in the pandeist sense that God is the universe.