Are People Born Stoic: Can Anyone Develop a Stoic Mindset?
Are People Born Stoic? Understanding the Nature of Stoicism
The Essence of Stoicism: Nature vs. Nurture
Honestly, when I first started diving into Stoicism, I thought it was all about suppressing emotions, being cold and detached, or just constantly "keeping it together." But, as I read more and reflected on it, I began to realize that Stoicism is far deeper. It’s about accepting what we cannot change, focusing on our reactions, and practicing wisdom in the face of adversity. So, are people born with a natural tendency to be stoic? Let’s break this down.
Stoicism: A Brief Overview
Well, let’s start with a quick refresher on what Stoicism actually is. Stoicism is a philosophy that teaches resilience, self-control, and virtue. It’s about focusing on the things we can control (our actions, reactions, and thoughts) and accepting the things we can’t (like external events or other people’s actions). Famous Stoics like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca all emphasized that peace comes from mastering your emotions and focusing on rational thought.
But here’s the thing: does being stoic come naturally to some people, or is it something that we can all learn and cultivate?
Are Some People Naturally Stoic?
Well, after reflecting on this question, I’m leaning towards the idea that some people might be more inclined toward Stoicism due to their personality traits. It’s not that they are born with Stoic philosophies in their minds, but some characteristics—like emotional resilience or a calm demeanor—might make them more naturally disposed to practice the principles of Stoicism.
The Role of Personality in Stoicism
Think about it: some people are just naturally calm in stressful situations, while others get overwhelmed by the smallest of issues. I’ve had conversations with friends about how some people seem "naturally stoic," almost as if they’re built for calmness. It’s as if they have an internal balance that prevents them from being consumed by anger, anxiety, or sadness. This could be linked to personality traits like emotional stability, which research suggests may have a genetic component.
However, being naturally calm doesn’t automatically make someone a Stoic. It's about the deliberate choice to focus on what you can control and embrace acceptance. So, while some people might be predisposed to handle challenges better, they still need to actively choose to embody Stoicism.
Can Anyone Learn to Be Stoic?
Actually, I used to think that only certain people could be "stoic," almost like a superpower that only a few had access to. But after digging deeper into the philosophy, I’ve come to realize that Stoicism isn’t an innate trait—it’s a skill that can be developed.
The Power of Practice in Stoicism
One of the core principles of Stoicism is that we can control our thoughts and actions, and this is something that anyone can practice. Take the time I spent journaling through difficult experiences. I started writing down my emotions and identifying what I could control in my life. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but over time, I became much better at focusing on what I could influence rather than stressing over the uncontrollable.
Just like learning any new skill, Stoicism takes practice and consistency. You might not have the natural temperament of a Marcus Aurelius, but with deliberate effort, you can start embracing Stoic principles more and more each day.
How Stoicism Influences Modern Life
Honestly, there’s something incredibly appealing about Stoicism in today’s world. With everything going on—global crises, personal struggles, financial instability—learning to accept what we can’t control and focusing on our own actions feels empowering.
Practicing Stoicism in Daily Life
A few months ago, I was talking to a colleague about how Stoicism has helped me in tough situations. We both agreed that Stoic principles, like practicing gratitude, recognizing what’s in our control, and letting go of what we can’t change, have given us tools to cope with stress. For example, when something goes wrong at work or in a relationship, instead of getting frustrated, I now ask myself, "What can I control here?" This simple question helps me focus on solutions rather than spiraling into negative emotions.
Conclusion: Stoicism is a Choice, Not a Birthright
Well, the short answer to the question is no, people aren’t born stoic. While some may have a natural inclination toward calmness or resilience, Stoicism is a philosophy that anyone can adopt with practice. It’s about consciously choosing to focus on the present moment, controlling your reactions, and accepting what you can’t change.
If you’re wondering if you could ever be a Stoic, the answer is absolutely yes. It’s about learning to embrace life’s challenges, focusing on what’s in your control, and practicing emotional resilience. The more you apply Stoic principles, the more they’ll become second nature. So, why not start practicing today?
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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.