How Old Is Stoicism? | Dan Jones

Evolution

The evolution of Stoicism highlights its enduring relevance across centuries. Ryan Holiday reflects on how Stoicism was already ancient philosophy to Marcus Aurelius, likening it to how we perceive Shakespeare today. This perspective fosters empathy, as it shows how historical figures viewed their own past with a sense of wonder and mystery. Dan Jones adds an intriguing comparison, noting that Cleopatra was closer in time to the iPhone than to the construction of the pyramids, illustrating the vast stretches of history we often overlook 1.

The kind of the English medieval version of that is Stonehenge. So, like, you go, oh, Stonehenge is kind of old and castles are made of stone and they're kind of old. So maybe the Middle Ages and Stonehenge are quite close. No, in Henry v's time, Henry II's time, other end of the Plantagenet dynasty, they were looking at Stonehenge the same way we're looking at Stonehenge going, what the hell is that thing? And who put it up?

--- Dan Jones

This analogy underscores the timeless curiosity humans have about their predecessors and the legacies they left behind.

   

Relativity

Philosophical concepts like Stoicism adapt over time, reflecting the relativity of ideas across different eras. Ryan Holiday discusses how Marcus Aurelius viewed Stoicism as an ancient philosophy, similar to how we see classical antiquity today. This relativity creates a bridge between past and present, allowing us to connect with historical figures on a deeper level. Dan Jones illustrates this with the example of Stonehenge, which was as mysterious to people in the Middle Ages as it is to us now 1.

I don't know why it took me so long to realize it, but obviously I talk a lot about the Stoics, and I was thinking. It occurred to me one day that Stoicism was ancient philosophy to Marcus Aurelius. Right. So if Zeno founds the philosophy in the 4th century BC, by the time Marcus Aurelius gets to it, it's like 500 years old.

--- Ryan Holiday

This ongoing adaptation of philosophical ideas underscores their enduring significance and ability to resonate with new generations.