Politics and esthetics in stoicism

Abstract

This article is a reflection on politics and esthetics in stoicism. A brief approximation to the role of philosophy in the Hellenic period is made because this, as a fundamental life choice, implies that man changes his entire manner of thinking and his mode of being and acting. In addition, it is demonstrated that the philosophical system of stoicism consists of acting in accordance with nature, which makes it possible to speak of esthetics in the sense that stoicism is a practical philosophy. It is not only a theory but also a personal practice, and a search for individual moral progress in order to attain autocracy, happiness, true knowledge, and true liberty. Thus, to speak of esthetics in this philosophical system is to try to understand the essence of stoic living; that is, living in accordance with nature is living in accordance with a unique and harmonious rule of life, coherent with itself, with Universal Law, and with the cosmos. It concludes that only the wise man incarnates this esthetic and ethical ideal. Only he leads his life in accordance with nature, happy and self sufficient; embraces his destiny, and conforms to the universal order.