In 2008, Coldplay released “Viva la Vida,” a song that captured the imagination of millions. It’s an anthem for a generation grappling with change and uncertainty. Its themes of loss, introspection and redemption are a cri du coeur. The song’s narrative of a fallen king reminiscing about past glories is a poignant metaphor for our era. It’s a stoic anthem; the perfect song for a generation of young men who have embraced with new fervor the ancient Greco-Roman philosophy of life.
Stoicism has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly in the wake of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Facing “unprecedented times,” Americans (especially young men) sought solace and guidance in the writings of stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus. The surge in sales of Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” during the pandemic is a testament to this renewed interest. People were drawn to the stoic principles of resilience, inner peace and self-control as they navigated lockdowns, economic instability and social upheaval.
An anchor as culture and institutions fail
The trend of turning to stoicism continues to gain momentum, especially among men. This philosophical revival can be attributed to a pervasive sense of freefall — a feeling of being unmoored in a rapidly changing world. As traditional structures and institutions falter, men are seeking an anchor in the stoic ideals of personal responsibility and self-mastery. As Epictetus famously writes: “Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions.” Stoicism teaches that while we cannot control external events, we can control our reactions and attitudes toward them.
One of the critical factors driving the appeal of stoicism is the growing distrust in institutions. In recent years, trust in government, media and even religious organizations has eroded. Scandals, political polarization and misinformation have left many feeling disillusioned and skeptical. Stoicism provides an alternative by emphasizing the importance of personal integrity and virtue over reliance on external authorities.
Responding to our culture’s new morality
Young men want to be challenged. They crave excellence. In an era where morality feels weak and fragmented, stoicism presents an alternative framework for ethical living. Its emphasis on virtues such as courage, wisdom, justice and temperance resonates with those seeking a moral compass in a world that often seems morally ambiguous. Stoicism offers a path to personal betterment, a path that leads upward beyond indifference, laxity and vice.
Stoicism offers a cleanse from the excesses of American consumerism. In a society obsessed with material wealth and instant gratification, the stoic philosophy of living simply and valuing what truly matters strikes a chord. The relentless pursuit of success and possessions often leaves people feeling empty and unfulfilled. Stoicism challenges this mindset, encouraging men to find contentment by developing moral character rather than accumulating material goods.
For a Christian, however, stoicism is simply not enough. I see the appeal. Much of what the great stoic minds offer is good, genuinely good, for men. (St. Thomas Aquinas quotes Seneca approvingly quite frequently!) But ultimately, stoicism comes up short. Where is the call to service, to the common good? What about grace and its power to heal sin? Redemptive suffering? The love of God?
We should take seriously why young men are turning their eyes and minds to Stoicism. There’s much there to correct our culture and begin to instill virtue. And we should capitalize on that desire, that curiosity. In the end, it will only be fulfilled in Jesus Christ and his Gospel.
