The Untaught Wisdom: Why Stoicism is Absent from Modern University Curricula

During my undergraduate studies in philosophy at a university in Ontario, Canada, one glaring omission caught my attention only after I graduated and began exploring philosophy on my own: Stoicism. This ancient school of thought, founded by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BCE, was conspicuously absent from our curriculum. It wasn’t even offered as an elective.

As I delve deeper into Stoic philosophy today, its principles resonate profoundly, leading me to a striking realization: Stoicism is the antidote to manipulation, teaching individuals to maintain complete control over their minds and emotions. This intrinsic power poses a significant threat to institutions that seek to mold, dictate, and direct their students, pushing them out like robots in a manufacturing plant.

The Core of Stoicism: Self-Mastery

Stoicism emphasizes the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. Unlike many other philosophical schools, it advocates for profound internal resilience. The Stoic sage remains undisturbed by external events, focusing instead on personal virtue and wisdom. As Epictetus, one of the prominent Stoic philosophers, said, “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.” This principle teaches individuals to prioritize their internal state over external chaos, fostering a sense of autonomy and peace.

The Threat to Institutional Control

Universities, by design, aim to educate and shape young minds. However, there is a fine line between education and indoctrination – a fine line that is frequently crossed by Western universities. The modern educational system, previously criticized for its rigid structures and bureaucratic tendencies, now appears more like a manufacturing plant, churning out graduates who think in prescribed ways – “woke ways,” where what is being learned and brought out to the Collective community is often funded by dubious outside sources. Critical thinking is no longer encouraged unless it stays within certain boundaries that align with “institutional and societal norms.” Inclusivism, or egalitarianism, has turned learning into a lifeless and moral-less venture.

Introducing Stoicism into the curriculum could disrupt this process. Students who embrace Stoic principles become less susceptible to external influences – and less likely to have their minds molded by the institution they’re already paying an arm-and-a-leg towards. They learn to question authority, media, and societal pressures critically. This internal strength and independence are precisely what institutions may find threatening. If students were to adopt a Stoic mindset, they might become less pliable, challenging the status quo and resisting the subtle manipulation inherent in many educational and social systems.

The Power of Emotional Sovereignty

One of Stoicism’s most significant teachings is emotional sovereignty. By understanding and managing their emotions, individuals can achieve a state of tranquility regardless of external circumstances. This ability to remain unshaken by fear, anger, or desire is revolutionary. In a world where media and authority figures often use emotional manipulation to control public opinion and behavior, a Stoic individual stands as an unmovable pillar of reason and calm.

The Modern Relevance of Stoicism

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, Stoicism’s teachings are more relevant than ever. With constant media bombardment and the pervasive influence of social networks, maintaining control over one’s thoughts and emotions is increasingly challenging yet crucial. Stoicism provides tools to navigate this landscape, promoting mental clarity and resilience. Stoicism also allows young learners to be hyper-conscious of how their own institution is trying to dictate the kind of person they will become, and to find the strength to shut this down rather than amuse the manipulation.

A Call for Educational Reform

The absence of Stoicism in modern university curricula is not just a missed educational opportunity but a deliberate choice reflecting deeper institutional priorities. By not teaching students about Stoic principles, universities inadvertently maintain a level of control over their students’ intellectual and emotional development. As more individuals discover the empowering philosophy of Stoicism independently, there is hope for a shift towards greater personal autonomy and critical thinking. Integrating Stoicism into educational programs could foster a generation of thinkers who are not only well-educated but also emotionally resilient and intellectually independent, capable of resisting manipulation and contributing to a more thoughtful and autonomous society.

But we all know that Western universities certainly won’t cater to a creating a generation of harmonized, balanced, centered, free-thinkers.