How to be a green Stoic
Being a Green Stoic means merging ancient Stoic wisdom with modern climate advocacy. It’s about cultivating resilience, focusing on what you can control, acting with virtue, and inspiring others through example. By embracing green stoicism, you not only contribute to a healthier planet but also achieve personal growth and inner peace. Here are 5 tips on how to practice green stoicism:
Embrace the 5 virtues
Stoicism teaches five key virtues that can guide you in your sustainability journey:
Wisdom: Always seek knowledge before acting or speaking. If you’re advocating for climate action, be informed about the scientific facts, policies, and practical solutions. Epictetus reminds us, "First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak." This helps you speak confidently and persuasively in climate discussions.
Courage: Standing up for sustainability requires bravery. You might face opposition or pushback from others, but Seneca reminds us, “It does not matter what you bear, but how you bear it.” Be courageous when advocating for the planet, even when it’s unpopular or challenging.
Justice: Climate change impacts everyone, but especially the vulnerable. Let justice guide your actions by advocating for policies and practices that are fair and equitable for all—both present and future generations. Marcus Aurelius said, “Just that you do the right thing. The rest does not matter,” which calls for making decisions that prioritize the collective good over short-term gain.
Temperance: Avoid excess. As Epictetus advises, "Curb your desire—don’t set your heart on so many things and you will get what you need." In the context of sustainability, this means consuming mindfully and promoting policies that encourage moderation, both for individuals and industries.
Live in Accordance with Nature: Respect the natural world and your place within it. Stoics believe in aligning our lives with nature’s rhythms and limitations. This means advocating for practices that protect ecosystems and promote harmony between human activity and the environment.
“First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.”
“It does not matter what you bear, but how you bear it.”
“Just that you do the right thing. The rest does not matter.”
“Curb your desire – don’t set your heart on so many things and you will get what you need.”
“Floods will rob us of one thing, fire of another. These are conditions of our existence
which we cannot change. What we can do is adopt a noble spirit, such a spirit as befits a good
person, so that we may bear up bravely under all that fortune sends us and bring our wills into
tune with nature’s”
Apply the dichotomy of control
Epictetus' principle of the dichotomy of control reminds us to focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot. In sustainability, this means controlling your own actions—such as reducing personal waste, supporting sustainable businesses, and influencing policy where you can—while accepting that you can’t single-handedly change global politics or economics.
Don’t waste energy on things beyond your influence. Instead, maximize the impact of what you can control. For example, you can’t stop climate change alone, but you can reduce your carbon footprint and inspire others to do the same.
“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 our body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions”
Practice premeditation of misfortunes
The Stoic practice of Premeditatio Malorum—imagining worst-case scenarios—can strengthen resilience. For a Green Stoic, this means preparing mentally for setbacks, like encountering climate change denial or policy failures. If you expect challenges, you won’t be caught off guard when they arise. You'll stay focused and solution-oriented, ready to adapt to new circumstances.
“Fortune falls heavily on those for whom she is unexpected. The one always on the lookout easily endures”
cultivate gratitude
In the fight for sustainability, it’s easy to become disheartened. However, Stoicism encourages cultivating gratitude for the progress made, even when the journey feels slow. Marcus Aurelius said, "Do not dream of possession of what you do not have; rather, reflect on the greatest blessings in what you do have." Appreciate each small victory—whether it's a policy shift, a conversation that changes someone's mind, or a personal habit you've improved.
“Do not dream of possession of what you do not have: rather reflect on the greatest
blessings in what you do have, and on their account remind yourself how much they would be missed if they were not there.”
maintain inner calmness
Stoicism teaches that inner calm is essential, especially in heated or polarizing discussions about climate issues. Epictetus reminds us that events themselves don’t upset us; it’s our judgment of them that does. In climate debates, staying composed in the face of denial or aggressive skepticism is key to keeping the conversation productive.
“What upsets people is not things themselves, but their judgments about these thing”
Practice patience and active listening
Climate discussions often involve confronting deeply held beliefs and biases. By hearing others out, you build trust and are more likely to foster meaningful conversations about sustainability.
“You become what you give your attention to. If you yourself don’t choose what thoughts and images you expose yourself to, someone else will… and their motives may not be the highest”
build resilience
Resilience is a core Stoic trait. Stoicism teaches us to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities to grow stronger. In climate activism, resilience means continuing to advocate for change, even when the progress is slow or blocked.
“If anyone says that the best life of all is to sail the sea, and then adds that I must not sail upon a sea where shipwrecks are a common occurrence and there are often sudden storms that weep the helmsman in an adverse direction, I conclude that this man, although he lauds navigation, really forbids me to launch my ship”
find common ground
It is important to expose yourself to different perspectives. In sustainability, this means seeking common ground with people who might not fully share your views. Focus on shared goals, like clean air, energy efficiency, or economic (de)growth through green jobs, to unite people across political or ideological lines.
“Associate with those who will make a better person of you. Welcome those whom you yourself can improve. The process is mutual; for people learn while they teach.”
reflect and learn
Stoicism promotes regular self-reflection. After any significant action or conversation, take time to evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Epictetus encouraged reflection as a way to constantly improve. A Green Stoic should reflect on their efforts to promote sustainability, learning from both successes and failures to become more effective.
“To accuse others for one’s own misfortune is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one’s education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one’s education is complete.”
lead by example
Lastly, Stoicism teaches that actions speak louder than words. The stoics lived their philosophy, and so should you. Practice sustainability in your own life—reduce waste, adopt eco-friendly habits, and engage in climate-friendly practices at home or work. By leading by example, you can inspire others to follow.
“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”