Stoicism teaches one to be altruistic, helping others without desire for personal gain or recognition. Since we were, in fact, created for it by nature, it is about doing it naturally. It is our function to benefit the species into which we were born.

Stoicism advises us to be altruistic, acting in the service of others without desire for personal gain, recognition, or praise. Since we were, in fact, created for it by nature, it is about doing it naturally. It is our function to benefit the species into which we were born.

What do the Stoics say about kindness?

Showing kindness is not a weakness; it is a strength. In fact, being kind to another person is sometimes even more difficult than doing the opposite. Stoics believe that we should even show kindness to those who are rude to us or who we feel aversion towards.

A couple summers ago, I was reading Marcus Aurelius' Meditations on a plane ride back from Africa.

"What are you reading?" said the man next to me.

"Meditations by Marcus Aurelius," I responded.

"Oh, that is neat. Do you like it? I am not really into all that meditation stuff."

I explained that it was a notebook of the Roman emperor's personal reflections as well as a foundational stoic text.

"Stoicism, huh? Isn't that like being very shut off emotionally?" He pointed to the cover, boasting a marble statue of Marcus Aurelius.

"I do not think I could be like that. Or I don't think I would want to. I have got too much heart."

"Too much heart?"

"Yeah, I am just a pretty caring person. I would not want to change that about myself." It is a philosophy of life that maximises positive emotions, reduces negative emotions, and helps individuals hone their virtues of character.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org