STOICISM

1. The belief that virtue, the highest good, is based on knowledge, and that the wise live in harmony with the devine reason that governs nature.

Synonyms: 

Patience, Forbearance, Fortitude, Endurance, Acceptance, Tolerance

Quote: 

"He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe." 

-Marcus Aurelius

Modern Interpretation: 

Persistence, Submission, To Natural Order, Discipline, Social Harmony, Responsibility, Spirituality, Simple Living, Non-Materialism, Control Desire/Emotion, Primacy of Team Performance Over Individual Interest.

2. An ancient Greek school of philosophy founded at Athens by Zeno of Citium. The school taught the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. The philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand the universal reason.

A primary aspect of Stoicism involves improving the individual's ethical and moral well-being: "Virtue consists in a will that is in agreement with Nature." This principle also applies to the realm of interpersonal relationships; to be free from anger, envy, and jealousy. Stoic moral theory is also based on the view that the world is a unity.

The name comes from the Stoa Poikile, or painted porch, an open market in Athens, where the original Stoics used to meet and discuss philosophy.