14 ways to tell if you are making progress
Use this check-list to understand how far you’ve come
If you have been studying and practicing Stoicism for a while, you may be wondering how much you have really learnt. At what point can we call ourselves ‘progressing’ as Stoics? When can we be confident we have a grasp of the basics? And what gaps do we need to close before we move on?
Use this check-list to understand how far you’ve come, and where you still have room to improve.
Section 1: The Basics
1. Define Stoicism: Can you explain the fundamental Stoic principle that all we need to be happy is a good character?
2. Understand Virtue: Can you name and define the four cardinal Stoic virtues and explain why the Stoics considered them the only true goods?
3. Dichotomy of Control: Can you clearly distinguish between what is “up to us” versus “not up to us” and provide concrete examples of each category?
4. Read the primary texts: Have you read parts of foundational Stoic texts such as Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations”, Epictetus’ “Discourses,” or Seneca’s “Letters from a Stoic”?
Section 2: Theory
5. Preferred Indifferents: Can you explain what Stoics mean by “preferred indifferents” (health, wealth, reputation) and why they are neither good nor bad in themselves?
6. Emotions and Passions: Can you describe the Stoic view of emotions as judgments?
7. Living in Accordance with Nature: Can you articulate the Stoic concept of living according to nature and our role as rational beings within the larger universe?
8. Memento Mori and Impermanence: Can you explain how contemplating mortality is not morbid, but an important part of Stoic practice?
9. Hellenistic Philosophy: Can you identify and explain at least two other schools of hellenistic philosophy, and explain how they disagreed with the Stoics about how to live?
Section 3: Practice
10. Pausing before Acting: Do you regularly pause between impression and assent in order to examine your judgments, and can you provide examples of times you have successfully reframed situations?
11. Stoicism with Others: Can you demonstrate patience with difficult people by focusing on your own responses rather than trying to change them?
12. Consistent Reflection: Do you have a consistent practice of reflecting (journaling, introspecting, or otherwise) to examine your actions, thoughts, and progress?
13. Voluntary Discomfort: Do you occasionally practice voluntary discomfort to build resilience and reduce attachment to things you might desire but not need?
14. Keep Theory at Hand: Do you have a few Stoic lines that you understand so well that you feel comfortable reciting them by memory when needed?
Progress takes time and there is more to Stoicism than what is listed above. But if you are interested in practicing Stoicism - not just reading about it - then like any other craft improvement requires identifying the gaps in your skillset and practicing to reduce them.
Use this list as a jumping off point to improve your practice and return to it when helpful.