Characteristics Of An Ideal Stoic

Maximus Decimus Meridius, the main character in the film Gladiator, exemplifies stoic attributes through his acceptance of his enslavement and what he cannot control. Despite the fact that he is a Roman citizen who should not be a slave under Roman law, Maximus does not object and quietly follows orders. He realizes that the deaths of his family and his capture are beyond his control, so he concentrates his efforts on ending the reign of Commodus, a terrible emperor. This demonstrates his selflessness, as he is more concerned with Rome’s well-being than with his own.

Maximus does not allow his unfavourable circumstances bother him in the film, instead doing what he can for the greater good. Even when Marcus Aurelius, a famous stoic philosopher and a man Maximus adored, dies, Maximus does not despair or allow his grief to engulf him; instead, he concentrates on the immediate problem because it is the only thing he has control over. Maximus, like the Stoics, is unafraid of death and, in the end, sacrifices his life to preserve Rome.

The Stoics emphasized the significance of realizing what you can’t change and instead focusing on the elements you can change, such as figuring out how to modify your response to a given situation. The stoics also believed that reason was the most significant value that a person could have, which Maximus possessed. The portrayal of Maximus as a stoic, fearless fighter in the film Gladiator demonstrates that stoicism is still an important doctrine in modern times.

During one’s journey to fulfillment and happiness, stoicism can immediately resonate. The world we live in can be intimidating, dark and a scary place. Especially when you are faced with failure in a society where failure is seen as a weakness. Stoicism is a philosophy for leadership. It teaches us that, before we try to control events, we have to control ourselves first. Our attempts to exert influence on the world are subject to chance, disappointment, and failure–but control of the self is the only kind that can succeed 100% of the time.

Created by Bobby Taslimi and designed by Nikoleta Pantechou, Stoic Tarot is a deck built around Greco-Roman philosophy and art. The deck is also very inclusive. Whenever you feel the need to explore your inner thoughts and feelings, and have those explained by philosophy, this is the right tarot deck for you. The key characters used in this deck are famous personalities from the dark and middle eras, and the personifications carry a lot of meaning leaving room for interpretation.

With a bit of research on ancient mythology, the great stoics & by using Stoic Tarot’s guidebook, the Stoic Tarot deck can help explain thoughts and situations, and guide you to solve them to feel content, gratified and ultimately wiser with the knowledge of the stoics.