Stoicism 101 | Nancy Sherman

Philosophical Overlap

Nancy Sherman explores the philosophical overlap between Stoicism and Buddhism, highlighting shared values like selflessness and community. She notes that both philosophies emphasize the importance of rationality and emotional intelligence, though they approach these concepts differently. Sherman explains, "They do have this sense of selflessness. It's just not Greek and Roman or stoic. So the stoics think of you don't disappear. Your reason is what's going to be your guide in life" 1. This shared focus on rationality and community underscores a common goal of improving the world through cooperative efforts 2.

   

Distinctive Elements

Sherman differentiates Stoicism from Buddhist philosophy by focusing on their unique approaches to emotions and rationality. She describes Stoicism as a philosophy that encourages reflection on impulsive reactions and emphasizes the cognitive nature of emotions. "The Stoicism are actually saying, we interpret the world, and we interact with that world, and it's through our interpretations, and we control some of those interpretations and change the world," Sherman states 3. This perspective challenges the common Western view of Stoicism as merely a philosophy of resignation, instead highlighting its proactive nature 4.