⌘ Stoic Glossary: Self-Leadership & Character Formation
Self-leadership begins where the outside world stops dictating. This category explores how character isn’t born – it’s shaped. With integrity instead of hacks. With clarity instead of control.
Why It Matters:
- Because self-discipline is not coercion – but inner order.
- Because resilience isn’t a talent – but work on the self.
- Because a clear character protects better than any strategy.
What You’ll Discover:
Concepts and frameworks for resilience, mental presence, and moral autonomy. No self-help formulas – but mental scaffolding for a grounded life.
“Those who can lead themselves don’t need to prove themselves.”
Glossary · Self-Leadership & Character Formation – Part 1
Prohairésis (also: Prohairesis · Greek προαίρεσις – “volitional disposition,” “freedom of choice”)
Brief Definition: The ability to choose deliberately – independent of external circumstances.
Stoic Relevance: Prohairésis is the core of Stoic autonomy – the one thing no one can take from us.
Application Note: Central to self-leadership, decision-making, and ethical self-responsibility.
“You can’t control everything – but how you choose, you certainly can.”
Enkráteia (also: Enkrateia · Greek ἐγκράτεια – “self-control,” “inner leadership”)
Brief Definition: The strength to resist one’s impulses – out of freedom, not constraint.
Stoic Relevance: Enkráteia is lived autarky – mastery over oneself as the foundation of freedom.
Application Note: Relevant in discipline, affect regulation, and leadership.
“Those who lead themselves don’t remain dependent.”
Askēsis (also: Askesis · Greek ἄσκησις – “practice,” “mental discipline”)
Brief Definition: The practice of intentional living – through repeated mental training.
Stoic Relevance: Askēsis is the means by which one grows toward virtue.
Application Note: Essential for inner development, self-correction, and character formation.
“Philosophy isn’t knowledge – it’s a training ground.”
Diorthōsis (also: Diorthosis · Greek διόρθωσις – “inner correction,” “self-adjustment”)
Brief Definition: The deliberate correction of inner attitudes – not a flaw, but a sign of mental maturity.
Stoic Relevance: Diorthōsis is active philosophizing – the willingness to improve.
Application Note: Significant in reflection, error culture, and virtue ethics.
“To correct oneself is not to lose – but to gain in integrity.”
Autárkeia (also: Autarkeia · Greek αὐτάρκεια – “self-sufficiency”)
Brief Definition: Independence from external things – not isolation, but inner abundance.
Stoic Relevance: Autárkeia frees one from neediness – it is the wealth of reduction.
Application Note: Central in ethics of need, critique of consumerism, and resilience.
“Those who need little are hardly vulnerable.”
Philautía (also: Philautia · Greek φιλαυτία – “healthy self-love”)
Brief Definition: The affirmative care for oneself – without narcissism, but with respect.
Stoic Relevance: Philautía is the basis of every ethical relationship – those who respect themselves act respectfully.
Application Note: Relevant in self-worth, self-care, and relational capacity.
“Self-love isn’t a luxury – it’s a measure.”
Euthymía (also: Euthymia · Greek εὐθυμία – “equanimity,” “peace of mind”)
Brief Definition: The state of inner calm – regardless of the world’s noise.
Stoic Relevance: Euthymía isn’t indifference – but equanimity guided by an inner compass.
Application Note: Effective against distraction, restlessness, and external pressure.
“The world rages – you don’t have to.”
Spoudḗ (also: Spoude · Greek σπουδή – “seriousness,” “decisive attitude”)
Brief Definition: The determined seriousness of action – not rigidity, but clarity in doing.
Stoic Relevance: Spoudḗ gives life direction – those who act seriously stay the course.
Application Note: Relevant for goal clarity, commitment, and self-obligation.
“Serious doesn’t mean heavy – it means sincere.”
Synkritēsis (also: Synkritesis · Greek συγκρίσις – “ethical examination and selection”)
Brief Definition: Weighing and comparing ethical options – as a practice of judgment.
Stoic Relevance: Synkritēsis strengthens decision-making – not through rules, but through insight.
Application Note: Useful in complex dilemmas, leadership questions, and values clarification.
“To examine is already to succeed.”
Héxis Ēthikḗ (also: Hexis Ethike · Greek ἕξις ἠθική – “established ethical disposition”)
Brief Definition: A stable, internalized ethical orientation – not spontaneous, but cultivated.
Stoic Relevance: Héxis Ēthikḗ is the result of steady practice – virtue as a state, not a goal.
Application Note: Important for self-leadership, consistency, and inner integrity.
“Disposition doesn’t arise – it is shaped.”
Glossary · Self-Leadership & Character Formation – Part 2
Échō (also: Echo · Greek ἔχω – “I have,” in the sense of mental disposition)
Brief Definition: Inner possession – not material, but of character.
Stoic Relevance: Échō points to what we truly own: our disposition, not our belongings.
Application Note: Central to the practice of inner growth and ethical responsibility.
“What you have is who you are – as long as it can’t be lost.”
Sōphrosýnē (also: Sophrosyne · Greek σωφροσύνη – “moderation,” “prudence”)
Brief Definition: The inner balance between impulse and insight.
Stoic Relevance: Sōphrosýnē is the measure of all things – not out of fear, but out of clarity.
Application Note: Relevant in self-regulation, ethics, and equanimity.
“The prudent want less – and receive more.”
Parrhēsía (also: Parrhesia · Greek παρρησία – “frank truthfulness”)
Brief Definition: The courageous art of speaking truth – with backbone, not volume.
Stoic Relevance: Parrhēsía is lived integrity – it makes character audible.
Application Note: Important in dialogue, critical thinking, and ethical courage.
“Truth begins where comfort ends.”
Apheleia (also: Apheleia · Greek ἀφέλεια – “unpretentiousness,” “simplicity”)
Brief Definition: Authenticity without adornment – the dignity of simplicity.
Stoic Relevance: Apheleia stands for what remains when the superfluous is let go.
Application Note: Ideal in communication, presence, lifestyle.
“Simplicity is the soul’s highest elegance.”
Idía Pragmateía (also: Idia Pragmateia · Greek ἰδία πραγματεία – “work on oneself”)
Brief Definition: The conscious engagement with one’s own character – not vanity, but self-education.
Stoic Relevance: Idía Pragmateía is the foundation of all Stoic practice.
Application Note: Fundamental for personal growth, reflection, and ethics.
“Become your own concern.”
Charaktḗr (also: Character · Greek χαρακτήρ – “inner imprint,” “lived signature”)
Brief Definition: The expression of a person in their actions – not a mask, but an engraving.
Stoic Relevance: Charaktḗr reveals what remains when no one is watching.
Application Note: Central to authenticity, conscience, and self-image.
“Your character speaks – even when you don’t.”
Prokópē (also: Prokope · Greek πρόκοπη – “mental progress”)
Brief Definition: The movement toward improvement – slow, steady, unwavering.
Stoic Relevance: Prokópē is the path of philosophy – not to be perfect, but to be better.
Application Note: Applies to virtue practice, learning, and life design.
“Progress is the new arrival.”
Krâsis (also: Krasis · Greek κράσις – “inner mixture,” “temperamental balance”)
Brief Definition: The harmonious composition of one’s inner forces.
Stoic Relevance: Krâsis is inner harmony – not given, but cultivated.
Application Note: Relevant in affect theory, personality modeling, soul care.
“The mix defines the tone of your disposition.”
Diáthesis Ēthikḗ (also: Diathesis Ethike · Greek διάθεσις ἠθική – “ethical disposition”)
Brief Definition: The internal state from which action arises.
Stoic Relevance: Diáthesis Ēthikḗ is the quiet source of deeds – shaping you before you decide.
Application Note: Central in virtue ethics, personality diagnosis, role awareness.
“Your state resonates – long before your actions.”
Hēsychía (also: Hesychia · Greek ἡσυχία – “serenity of the soul”)
Brief Definition: The quiet equilibrium of the mind – not absence of noise, but presence of clarity.
Stoic Relevance: Hēsychía isn’t withdrawal from the world, but reconnection with what matters.
Application Note: Important for contemplation, mental hygiene, and life conduct.
“Those who find stillness hear what matters most.”
Glossary · Self-Leadership & Character Formation – Part 3
Eúnoia (also: Eunoia · Greek εὔνοια – “benevolent disposition”)
Brief Definition: The inner posture of wishing others well – without calculation.
Stoic Relevance: Eúnoia is a prerequisite for human connection – to judge with goodwill is to act justly.
Application Note: Valuable in leadership, dialogue, and relational culture.
“Benevolence is strength that doesn’t boast.”
Anexikakía (also: Anexikakia · Greek ἀνεξικακία – “long-suffering,” “not bearing grudges”)
Brief Definition: The ability to leave wrongs unreturned – to let them stand.
Stoic Relevance: Anexikakía preserves inner freedom in the face of outer injustice.
Application Note: Relevant in conflict culture, self-control, and forgiveness.
“Not holding grudges means not burdening yourself.”
Eustathía (also: Eustathia · Greek εὐστάθεια – “inner steadiness”)
Brief Definition: The ability to remain upright within – despite external shocks.
Stoic Relevance: Eustathía embodies the posture of an upright person.
Application Note: Important for crisis resilience, equanimity, and self-respect.
“Steadfast is the one who doesn’t bend inside.”
Synkatáthesis (also: Synkatathesis · Greek συγκατάθεσις – “inner assent”)
Brief Definition: The conscious yes to reality – as an act of self-leadership.
Stoic Relevance: Synkatáthesis is the moment when judgment forms – and responsibility begins.
Application Note: A key concept in judgment, resilience, and equanimity.
“Assent isn’t reflex – it’s choice.”
Neusis (also: Neusis · Greek νεῦσις – “purposeful direction”)
Brief Definition: Mental alignment toward a goal – not frantic, but firm.
Stoic Relevance: Neusis is inner steering – not being driven, but guided.
Application Note: Relevant in decisiveness, life purpose, daily focus.
“Steering begins with inward direction.”
Anthupólepsis (also: Anthypolepsis · Greek ἀνθυπόληψις – “self-perception,” “mental anticipation”)
Brief Definition: The capacity to grasp oneself – before life does.
Stoic Relevance: Anthupólepsis strengthens ethical imagination – a form of mental alertness.
Application Note: Important in preparation, self-assessment, and response capacity.
“Those who anticipate themselves won’t be surprised.”
Sunesis (also: Sunesis · Greek σύνεσις – “intellectual grasp,” “intuitive insight”)
Brief Definition: The ability to grasp essence directly – beyond mere logic.
Stoic Relevance: Sunesis is the quiet sister of wisdom – not loud, but clear.
Application Note: Applies to everyday wisdom, leadership, and complex thinking.
“Understanding doesn’t happen – it penetrates.”
Kartería (also: Karteria · Greek καρτερία – “perseverance,” “tenacity”)
Brief Definition: The tenacious strength to persist – not defiant, but faithful.
Stoic Relevance: Kartería is enduring with posture – inner strength in clarity.
Application Note: Central in perseverance, crisis resilience, life practice.
“Perseverance isn’t never falling – it’s continuing on.”
Syneídēsis (also: Syneidesis · Greek συνείδησις – “conscience,” “co-knowing”)
Brief Definition: The accompanying awareness of right and wrong – an inner voice without words.
Stoic Relevance: Syneídēsis is the seat of inner authority – not a judge, but a companion.
Application Note: Relevant in ethics, decision-making, self-examination.
“Conscience is the memory of what you already know.”
Praxis Aretḗs (also: Praxis Aretes · Greek πρᾶξις ἀρετῆς – “lived virtue practice”)
Brief Definition: The enactment of the good in daily life – not as a goal, but as a habit.
Stoic Relevance: Praxis Aretḗs is philosophy in motion – not thinking, but doing.
Application Note: Essential for self-leadership, morality, and practical wisdom.
“Virtue acts – or it remains theory.”
Glossary · Self-Leadership & Character Formation – Part 4
Diathesis Logikḗ (also: Diathesis Logike · Greek διάθεσις λογική – “reason-guided disposition”)
Brief Definition: The soul’s orientation toward what is rational and coherent.
Stoic Relevance: Diathesis Logikḗ is the stance where thought and will are in harmony.
Application Note: Important for judgment, ethics, and self-regulation.
“Those who are rationally aligned don’t need constant correction.”
Thélēma (also: Thelema · Greek θέλημα – “will,” “directed force”)
Brief Definition: The mental impulse that drives action – not a wish, but determination.
Stoic Relevance: Thélēma is the core of every act – the will to align with the good.
Application Note: Central in motivation, decision-making, and goal clarity.
“Will is energy with direction.”
Phronḗsis (also: Phronesis · Greek φρόνησις – “practical wisdom”)
Brief Definition: The ability to do the right thing at the right time – neither too early nor too late.
Stoic Relevance: Phronḗsis is wisdom in action in everyday life.
Application Note: Relevant in decision-making, leadership style, and self-reflection.
“Wise is the one who acts rightly – not just thinks rightly.”
Metríōsis (also: Metriosis · Greek μετρίωσις – “moderation,” “measured application”)
Brief Definition: The art of recognizing enough – and avoiding excess.
Stoic Relevance: Metríōsis is practical asceticism – not from lack, but from measure.
Application Note: Important in savoring, consumption habits, and discipline.
“Moderation is not deprivation – it’s the opposite of waste.”
Apodeíxis (also: Apodeixis · Greek ἀπόδειξις – “demonstration of self”)
Brief Definition: Inner proof through consistent action – not words, but deeds.
Stoic Relevance: Apodeíxis makes posture visible – repetition is the proof.
Application Note: Applies to role modeling, ethics, and self-responsibility.
“Your conduct is your exhibit.”
Eklogḗ (also: Ekloge · Greek ἐκλογή – “choice by insight”)
Brief Definition: The conscious selection of the better – guided by insight, not impulse.
Stoic Relevance: Eklogḗ is the practice of self-formation through wise choice.
Application Note: Important in ethics, daily structure, life decisions.
“To choose is to judge – and to assume responsibility.”
Hormê Êthikê (also: Horme Ethike · Greek ὁρμή ἠθική – “moral drive”)
Brief Definition: The inner impulse toward ethically motivated action – the spark of the good.
Stoic Relevance: Hormê Êthikê sets virtue in motion – refined passion.
Application Note: Relevant in motivation, virtue theory, and reflective practice.
“Wanting the good is more than not doing harm.”
Syntonía (also: Syntonia · Greek συντονία – “harmony of thought and action”)
Brief Definition: The harmonious alignment of conviction and conduct.
Stoic Relevance: Syntonía is coherence – without it, virtue remains theory.
Application Note: Relevant in authenticity, communication, leadership.
“Those who live in harmony echo no contradictions.”
Épitasis (also: Epitasis · Greek ἐπίτασις – “mental exertion,” “summoning of strength”)
Brief Definition: The mental effort toward virtue – tension, not strain.
Stoic Relevance: Épitasis is asceticism in action – not harshness, but directed energy.
Application Note: Relevant in self-discipline, resolve, daily practice.
“Mental strength arises when summoned.”
Philokalía (also: Philokalia · Greek φιλοκαλία – “love of the worthy,” “noble-mindedness”)
Brief Definition: Deep affection for the good, the true, and the beautiful – as an inner compass.
Stoic Relevance: Philokalía ennobles motivation – it not only directs but uplifts.
Application Note: Significant in value orientation, life artistry, aesthetic stance.
“Appreciation is the beginning of dignity.”
📜 Further Reflections
These terms are not dogmas. They are tools. Tools to better understand – and better lead – yourself.
The Stoic path begins within. What happens outside is rarely within our control. But how we respond to it, that is our responsibility.
“Character is what you do when no one is watching.”
What Now?
- Choose a term that intrigues you – and pursue it.
- Write down what strikes you. What bothers you. What lingers.
- Change nothing – except your perspective.
And if you feel something has become quieter within you – then you’ve begun to lead yourself.
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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