The ALKISTIS Method ® has been particularly inspired by the work of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle as well as the Stoic School. Although over two millennia have passed since ‘The Golden Age’ of Greece, (480 BC-320 BC) the legacy of the Greek philosophers can still inspire, motivate and empower us towards success and happiness, a unique state of being, which the Greeks call Eudaimonia.
- “Eudaimonia” is Human Flourishing - a wonderful Greek word which literally means, “To be filled with positive spirits.”
SOCRATES
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Watch the video about Socrates & do the recommended exercises at the end.
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Like most ancient peoples, the Greeks had a rather pessimistic view of human existence. Happiness was deemed a rare occurrence and reserved only for those whom the gods favored. The idea that one could pursue happiness for oneself was considered hubris, a kind of overreaching pride and was to be met with harsh punishment by the gods. Many Greek myths warned of this horrible fate. Against this fatalistic backdrop, the optimistic Socrates enters the scene. Read more in the book |
PLATO
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Watch the video about Plato &
do the recommended exercises at the end. |
Like his teacher Socrates, Plato thought that the truth could not be reduced to simple formulas, and then just “applied”, whenever it’s convenient. Rather, it had to be discovered by each person for themselves; but not in isolation. Partners and dialogue are indispensable. It requires a process. It’s why all his writings are in the form of dialogues (Greek; dia through and logues words, logic) - imaginary discussions, in which Socrates, his mentor, is always given a starring role in conversing and debating issues. Read more in the book |
ARISTOTLE
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Watch the video about Aristotle & do the recommended exercises at the end.
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"Educating the mind without educating the heart,
is no education at all." – Aristotle Aristotle is one of the greatest thinkers in the history of western science and philosophy, making contributions to logic, metaphysics, mathematics, physics, biology, botany, ethics, politics, agriculture, medicine, dance and theater. He was a student of Plato, who in turn studied under Socrates. Aristotle was born around 384 B.C. in the ancient Greek Kingdom of Macedonia, where his father was the royal doctor. He grew up to be arguably the most influential philosopher who ever lived, with many nicknames like ‘The Master’, or simply ‘The Philosopher’. His first big teaching commission was tutoring Alexander The Great, to whom he taught his leadership skills. Read more in the book |
STOICISM
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Watch the video about Stoicism & then write your most favorite aspects about it.
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“Just keep in mind — the more we value things outside our control, the less control we have” - Epictetus
Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy developed by Zeno of Citium around 300 B.C. It was greatly influenced by the teachings of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and other schools of philosophy that preceded them. Famous philosophers of Stoicism include, Zeno of Citium, a former slave, Epictetus, the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Roman statesman Seneca The Younger, and the arch-enemy of Julius Caesar, Cato the Younger. The wide variety of these, demonstrates that Stoicism is applicable to all walks of life. |
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The term "stoic" was taken from the "stoa poikile", meaning "painted colonnade" (in the ‘Agora’ ie marketplace) where Zeno used to teach, instead of at the more established lyceums and academies. (In modern times, we often use the word ‘stoic’ referring to someone who remains calm under pressure and avoids emotional extremes.)
(See the video where I am walking at the site of the ancient "stoa" ie collonade in the ancient Agora, with best-selling author Donald Robertson.) |
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The ancient Stoics prided themselves on being rational, objective thinkers. They believed that humanity’s greatest asset is a functional mind and to exercise reason is the most virtuous pursuit. Their “physics” i.e. their view of the world, may have some errors in view of what we know today, but it was their attempt to rationally explain the world given the facts they had at the time, without depending on mysticism. They would be the first to adopt today’s scientific insights and adjust their views accordingly. They were what we would call ‘mature, grown-ups’. Stoics take full responsibility for their life, and they base their views on science, logic and reason.
You might ask, where does love fit into this equation? Stoics believe that if we all thought more rationally we would all be less egotistical. There would be alot more love in this world: Love for each other, love for the environment and love for ourselves. Why? Because it makes sense - we all win in a more loving and just society.
The philosophy asserts that only Virtue is capable of bringing true happiness and fulfillment. Virtue (ie ethical and moral well-being), is living in agreement with Nature, and practicing the Four Cardinal Virtues (from Socrates/Plato’s teachings):
You might ask, where does love fit into this equation? Stoics believe that if we all thought more rationally we would all be less egotistical. There would be alot more love in this world: Love for each other, love for the environment and love for ourselves. Why? Because it makes sense - we all win in a more loving and just society.
The philosophy asserts that only Virtue is capable of bringing true happiness and fulfillment. Virtue (ie ethical and moral well-being), is living in agreement with Nature, and practicing the Four Cardinal Virtues (from Socrates/Plato’s teachings):
Sôphrosunê (Temperance - Wise self-discipline in response to our desires.)
Phronêsis (Prudence, Practical Wisdom - knowing good from bad)
Andreia (Fortitude, Wise courage and endurance in response to our pain and anxiety.)
Dikaiosunê (Justice, fairness, and kindness in our relations with others.)
As an ethical doctrine, the goal of Stoicism is freedom from anguish or suffering, through the pursuit of reason and "apatheia" (Greek word meaning dispassionate, objective, unemotional reaction, and clear judgment). It teaches indifference and a "passive" reaction to external events on the grounds that nothing external can be good or evil, because it depends on how we view things . Stoicism therefore gives us back the power, offering equanimity in the face of life's highs and lows.
The ‘Dichotomy of Control’ is a central idea that Stoics hold.
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The ‘Dichotomy of Control’, is a central idea that the Stoics hold and practice. It is also the original concept behind the Christian Serenity Prayer,
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things that I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”. Here is how Epictetus puts it in his Enchiridion (a sort of Stoic manual): “Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing. Not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing.” |
Practical Application: Begin to practice this in your everyday and notice how much more serene you handle situations that arise.
For more Stoic practices, consult the details in the "Fear To Freedom" book.
For more Stoic practices, consult the details in the "Fear To Freedom" book.
