Ψ Stoic Glossary: Passions, Emotion & Calm
Emotional control is not emotional numbness. This category shows how Stoic thought doesn’t suppress, but structures. How emotions aren’t fought – but transformed.
Why This Matters:
- Because emotions aren’t enemies, but signals.
- Because calm is not the goal, but the condition for clarity.
- Because passions guide you – if you don’t guide them.
What You’ll Discover:
Concepts and ideas for inner balance, affective self-awareness, and Stoic serenity. No emotional suppression – but a clear relationship with your inner world.
“Calm is not the absence of feeling – but its form.”
Glossary · Emotions, Affect & Tranquility – Part 1
Apátheia (also: Apatheia · Greek ἀπάθεια – “freedom from passions”)
Brief Definition: A state of inner freedom – not emotional numbness, but freedom from irrational disturbances.
Stoic Relevance: Apátheia is the ideal of emotional resilience arising from insight and self-discipline.
Application Note: Central tenet in Stoic affect theory. Significant for crisis management, emotional resilience, and equanimity.
“Those free from passion act – rather than being driven.”
Ataraxía (also: Ataraxia · Greek ἀταραξία – “unshakability,” “serenity”)
Brief Definition: A state of mental calm where external disturbances lose their weight.
Stoic Relevance: Ataraxía forms the foundational attitude of clarity and detachment – closely related to Apátheia, but more receptive.
Application Note: Relevant in meditation, Stoic virtue cultivation, and stress management.
“Calm is not feeling nothing – but not being shaken by it.”
Páthos (also: Pathos · Greek πάθος – “passion,” “emotional disturbance”)
Brief Definition: A soul state not governed by reason – the root of many errors and sufferings.
Stoic Relevance: Páthos is the state to be overcome in Stoic psychology – the opposite of Apátheia.
Application Note: Essential in emotion critique, affective awareness, and ethical philosophy.
“The problem isn’t feeling – it’s being ruled by it.”
Eupatheiai (also: Eupatheiai · Greek εὐπάθειαι – “healthy emotions”)
Brief Definition: The rational, virtue-guided counterparts to irrational passions.
Stoic Relevance: Eupatheiai show that emotion in Stoicism is not suppressed but refined.
Application Note: Relevant in emotional differentiation, value alignment, and virtue ethics.
“Healthy emotion isn’t a luxury – it’s a sign of inner order.”
Thymós (also: Thymos · Greek θυμός – “anger,” “irritated will”)
Brief Definition: The surging impulse of the ego – intense, energetic, often destructive.
Stoic Relevance: Thymós represents a primal force that Stoicism seeks to temper and redirect.
Application Note: Important for affect analysis, conflict behavior, and self-discipline.
“Anger is a poor helmsman – even if it rows fast.”
Lypḗ (also: Lype · Greek λύπη – “grief,” “sorrow”)
Brief Definition: The inner disturbance caused by loss, futility, or separation.
Stoic Relevance: Lypḗ is not seen as weakness but as a reaction to misguided judgments.
Application Note: Significant in grief work, loss processing, and emotional distancing.
“True mourning doesn’t double the suffering.”
Phóbos (also: Phobos · Greek φόβος – “fear”)
Brief Definition: The projection of an evil into the future – often greater than the reality itself.
Stoic Relevance: Phóbos is an irrational distortion countered only by sound judgment.
Application Note: Relevant in courage training, rational reflection, and cognitive reframing.
“What you fear often lives only in your imagination.”
Epithymía (also: Epithymia · Greek ἐπιθυμία – “desire,” “craving”)
Brief Definition: A wish aimed at pleasure or possession – losing the sense of proportion.
Stoic Relevance: Epithymía tests our inner freedom – where measure is lost, craving reigns.
Application Note: Important in asceticism, equanimity training, and consumer critique.
“Desire is like hunger – that never gets full.”
Orgḗ (also: Orge · Greek ὀργή – “rage,” “anger”)
Brief Definition: A form of passion for justice – easily prone to self-righteousness.
Stoic Relevance: Orgḗ isn’t glorified in Stoicism – even righteous anger needs temperance.
Application Note: Key for ethical discernment, emotion regulation, and civic moderation.
“Even righteous fury needs restraint.”
Metriopatheia (also: Metriopatheia · Greek μετριοπάθεια – “measured feeling”)
Brief Definition: The art of not avoiding emotions, but wisely regulating them.
Stoic Relevance: Metriopatheia is the middle path between cold suppression and hot affect dominance.
Application Note: Central to emotional education, pedagogical ethics, and Stoic daily life.
“Feelings don’t lose depth – when they gain measure.”
Glossary · Emotions, Affect & Tranquility – Part 2
Aischýnē (also: Aischyne · Greek αἰσχύνη – “sense of shame,” “moral embarrassment”)
Brief Definition: The experience of moral awkwardness in light of one’s own shortcomings.
Stoic Relevance: Aischýnē is viewed as a potentially healing emotion – proof that conscience still speaks.
Application Note: Relevant in self-correction, ethics of remorse, and moral vigilance.
“If you can still feel shame, you are not lost.”
Anupóthētos Thymós (also: Anupothetos Thymos · Greek ἀνυπόθετος θυμός – “irrational passion”)
Brief Definition: An impulsive emotional outburst lacking rational basis.
Stoic Relevance: Irrational anger exemplifies what the Stoic seeks to restrain.
Application Note: Crucial in affect analysis, impulse control, and rational self-dialogue.
“Irrational anger lights fast – and burns blind.”
Eúlogos Thymós (also: Eulogos Thymos · Greek εὔλογος θυμός – “justified anger”)
Brief Definition: Anger based on morally understandable grounds.
Stoic Relevance: Even justified anger must serve reason – not itself.
Application Note: Relevant in justice ethics, boundary-setting, and leadership culture.
“Measured anger protects the measure.”
Pagchēsis (also: Pagchesis · Greek πάγχησις – “emotional paralysis”)
Brief Definition: A state of emotional rigidity often stemming from overwhelm or suppression.
Stoic Relevance: Pagchēsis is the opposite of vibrant self-governance – it signals when nothing flows.
Application Note: Important in trauma healing, resilience work, and psychological hygiene.
“To feel again, one must relearn how to flow.”
Penthētikós (also: Penthetikos · Greek πενθητικός – “mourning,” “emotionally overwhelmed”)
Brief Definition: A form of deep, uncontrollable grief – existential but also transitional.
Stoic Relevance: The Stoic view questions the root cause of grief – not its mere presence.
Application Note: Key in loss integration, spiritual growth, and maturation processes.
“Deep sorrow is not weakness – but it must be examined.”
Kátanoia Pathḗmatos (also: Katanoia Pathematos · Greek κατάνοια παθήματος – “awareness of affect”)
Brief Definition: Consciously penetrating an emotional state – as a path to resolution.
Stoic Relevance: Awareness is the first step toward freedom – even amidst strong emotions.
Application Note: Central in self-reflection, emotion transformation, and philosophical psychology.
“What you understand loses its power over you.”
Alogía (also: Alogia · Greek ἀλογία – “irrationality”)
Brief Definition: The loss of rational standard – the root of many passions.
Stoic Relevance: Alogía is the antithesis of Stoic clarity – a crack in judgment.
Application Note: Pertinent in affect analysis, moral reasoning, and logic training.
“Where reason falls silent, passions speak loudest.”
Apatheia Lypḗs (also: Apatheia Lypes · Greek ἀπάθεια λύπης – “freedom from paralyzing grief”)
Brief Definition: The capacity to experience sorrow without being overwhelmed by it.
Stoic Relevance: Apatheia Lypḗs represents emotional maturity – integrating loss without denial.
Application Note: Important in spiritual resilience, equanimity culture, and meaning work.
“Grief may arrive – but it shouldn’t settle.”
Sunoikía Thymikón (also: Sunoikia Thymikon · Greek συνοικία θυμικόν – “emotional coexistence within the self”)
Brief Definition: The peaceful cohabitation of conflicting feelings within.
Stoic Relevance: Emotional coexistence calls for self-governance – not suppression.
Application Note: Significant in affective balance, holistic personal development, and inner harmony.
“Not all feelings must fight each other.”
Proségeiron Pathḗmaton (also: Prosegeiron Pathematon · Greek προσεγείρων παθημάτων – “readiness to perceive affect”)
Brief Definition: The ability to detect rising emotions early – before they dominate.
Stoic Relevance: Those who sense their emotions early remain capable of action.
Application Note: Central in mindfulness, self-control, and Stoic early recognition of inner motion.
“Sense the wind before it turns to storm.”
Glossary · Emotions, Affect & Tranquility – Part 3
Katástasis Thymikḗ (also: Katastasis Thymike · Greek κατάστασις θυμική – “emotional state”)
Brief Definition: The current condition of the soul – the emotional undercurrent of our existence.
Stoic Relevance: Katástasis Thymikḗ describes the starting point for self-observation and inner malleability.
Application Note: Relevant in affect assessment, mood cultivation, and daily reflection.
“The soul has weather – but you set the climate.”
Autópatheia (also: Autopatheia · Greek αὐτόπαθεια – “self-induced emotional state”)
Brief Definition: A state of emotional agitation triggered by one’s own misjudgments.
Stoic Relevance: Autópatheia reminds us that many afflictions are self-made.
Application Note: Key for responsibility awareness, self-correction, and Stoic introspection.
“You’re not just affected – you contributed.”
Philanthrōpía Thymikḗ (also: Philanthropia Thymike · Greek φιλανθρωπία θυμική – “affective benevolence”)
Brief Definition: A warm, spontaneous emotional leaning toward others.
Stoic Relevance: This form of benevolence is recognized as a rational eupatheia.
Application Note: Relevant in community ethics, compassion-driven posture, and social Stoicism.
“The wise empathize – without losing themselves.”
Dyskrasía Thymikḗ (also: Dyskrasia Thymike · Greek δυσκρασία θυμική – “emotional imbalance”)
Brief Definition: A persistently disturbed or unbalanced emotional state.
Stoic Relevance: Dyskrasía is a challenge to emotional self-governance.
Application Note: Important in resilience training, equanimity ethics, and affect therapy.
“Losing balance doesn’t mean letting go of the helm.”
Katárresis Thymḗmatos (also: Katarresis Thymematos · Greek κατάρρεσις θυμᾶματος – “unrestrained emotional outburst”)
Brief Definition: An emotional outburst that escapes control.
Stoic Relevance: Katárresis exemplifies what vigilant self-observation seeks to prevent.
Application Note: Essential in affect regulation, crisis management, and self-therapy.
“What breaks out was long confined unnoticed.”
Isopatheia (also: Isopatheia · Greek ἰσοπάθεια – “emotional equilibrium”)
Brief Definition: The harmonious distribution of emotional responses.
Stoic Relevance: Isopatheia is emotional symmetry – not less, but balanced feeling matters.
Application Note: Relevant in emotion regulation, psychological hygiene, and calmness.
“Not less feeling – but more congruence.”
Euthymía (also: Euthymia · Greek εὐθυμία – “cheerful calm”)
Brief Definition: A state of inner composure free from arrogance or dejection.
Stoic Relevance: Euthymía is seen as an ideal of soul tranquility – clear and balanced.
Application Note: Crucial in mental health, self-assurance, and the ethics of balance.
“Cheerfulness is no escape – it is a stance.”
Thymoeidḗs (also: Thymoeides · Greek θυμοειδής – “affective part of the soul”)
Brief Definition: The soul’s region responsible for generating and receiving emotions.
Stoic Relevance: In the Platonic-Stoic view, Thymoeidḗs bridges desire and reason.
Application Note: Key in affect theory, psychology, and philosophical anthropology.
“Every anger holds a part of you – trying to speak.”
Anastrophḗ Pathḗmatos (also: Anastrophe Pathematos · Greek ἀναστροφḗ παθημάτος – “conversion of affect into virtue”)
Brief Definition: The process through which an emotion is productively transformed.
Stoic Relevance: Anastrophḗ Pathḗmatos illustrates how emotions are sublimated, not suppressed.
Application Note: Central to virtue ethics, emotion work, and personal growth.
“What moves you can refine you – if you direct it.”
Epieíkeia (also: Epieikeia · Greek ἔπιείκεια – “gentleness,” “forbearance”)
Brief Definition: The gentle force of understanding and yielding.
Stoic Relevance: Epieíkeia is not weakness, but wise leniency as ethical strength.
Application Note: Relevant in conflict resolution, ethics of leniency, and emotional intelligence.
“Gentleness is not surrender – but composed generosity.”
Glossary · Emotions, Affect & Tranquility – Part 4
Hēmerótes (also: Hemerotes · Greek ἥμερότης – “gentleness”)
Brief Definition: A calm, mild attitude of an inwardly grounded person.
Stoic Relevance: Hēmerótes is the expression of controlled emotion and ethical refinement.
Application Note: Relevant in communication ethics, affect regulation, and peaceful discourse.
“Gentleness is not weakness – it’s strength without boasting.”
Thymikḗ Krásis (also: Thymike Krasis · Greek θυμική κρᾶσις – “temperamental composition”)
Brief Definition: The interplay of emotional predispositions within the soul.
Stoic Relevance: A harmonious Krásis fosters affect regulation and inner peace.
Application Note: Important in self-analysis, affect dynamics, and balance work.
“Your character isn’t a soloist – it’s a chorus.”
Katástasis Ataráktou (also: Katastasis Ataraktou · Greek κατάστασις ἀταράκτου – “state of imperturbability”)
Brief Definition: A lasting state of mental unshakability and inner clarity.
Stoic Relevance: This state expresses complete freedom from affect.
Application Note: Central to serenity culture, ethical self-shaping, and wisdom ideals.
“The unshakable one remains silent where others tremble.”
Sympátheia Pathḗmatos (also: Sympatheia Pathematos · Greek συμπάθεια παθήματος – “empathetic resonance”)
Brief Definition: The compassionate participation in others’ emotional states.
Stoic Relevance: A borderline case: permitted as long as judgment remains clear.
Application Note: Relevant in relational ethics, empathy practice, and boundary setting.
“To empathize doesn’t mean to be swept away.”
Thymikḗ Díorthōsis (also: Thymike Diorthosis · Greek θυμική διόρθωσις – “emotional correction”)
Brief Definition: The deliberate correction of emotional distortions through rational reflection.
Stoic Relevance: Díorthōsis is a key tool in affect regulation.
Application Note: Vital in self-coaching, fault analysis, and emotional adjustment.
“Not every first impulse deserves a second thought.”
Echontopathḗs (also: Echontopathes · Greek ἔχοντοπαθḗς – “affect-prone individual”)
Brief Definition: An ethically immature person who is quickly led by emotions.
Stoic Relevance: The Echontopathḗs is the Stoic’s antithesis.
Application Note: Relevant in self-awareness, educational ethics, and philosophical diagnosis.
“Those who follow everything, follow nothing of their own.”
Thymikḗ Hēsychía (also: Thymike Hesychia · Greek θυμική ἥσυχία – “emotional tranquility”)
Brief Definition: The inner calm of an emotionally balanced person.
Stoic Relevance: Hēsychía reflects a soul freed from affect, shaped by philosophy.
Application Note: Crucial for spiritual practice, self-care, and philosophical living.
“Calm begins when the uproar goes quiet.”
Apátheia Phóbou (also: Apatheia Phobou · Greek ἀπάθεια φόβου – “freedom from fear”)
Brief Definition: Liberation from fear-based emotions and projections.
Stoic Relevance: Fearlessness is a core goal in overcoming affect.
Application Note: Central to crisis resilience, serenity, and courage.
“Fear is a shadow cast by imagination.”
Thymikḗ Phronḗsis (also: Thymike Phronesis · Greek θυμική φρόνησις – “affect-related prudence”)
Brief Definition: The ability to steer emotional reactions with practical reason.
Stoic Relevance: Phronḗsis is the compass for daily emotional orientation.
Application Note: Significant in ethical decision-making, crisis handling, and virtue ethics.
“Wise is the one who feels – and still acts rightly.”
Apátheia Orgḗs (also: Apatheia Orges · Greek ἀπάθεια ὀργḗς – “immunity to anger”)
Brief Definition: The ability to not respond with rage or hostility.
Stoic Relevance: Apátheia Orgḗs is a benchmark for established serenity.
Application Note: Vital in conflict prevention, power balance, and self-preservation.
“Anger can’t hit you if you don’t make yourself a target.”
📜 Further Reflections
You are not your passions. You are what you make of them. Stoic philosophy offers a space for resonance – not a rulebook.
It’s not about always staying calm. It’s about not drowning in your reactions.
“Feelings come. Character stays.”
What Now?
- Notice which terms resonate with you.
- Ask yourself: What reaction do I recognize in this?
- Learn not to react – but to perceive.
And maybe you’ll come to see: calm is not the end of emotion, but its balance.
Please Note
The content of this post is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It does not constitute personal, psychological, or medical advice. For individual concerns, please consult an expert. Learn more: Disclaimer.
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