Key Points Summarised
In Stoic philosophy, the concept of adiaphora refers to things that are ethically neutral—neither good nor bad. For the Stoics, these are external circumstances that do not directly affect our happiness. Instead, true happiness arises from the cultivation of virtue, which is the central focus of Stoic teachings.
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Modern Happiness Research: A Helpful Distinction
Modern happiness research reveals that we have some influence over our happiness, but not complete control. According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, genetic factors account for about 50% of our happiness, a baseline we are born with, regardless of external events. While we can improve our happiness by engaging in certain behaviors and habits, these genetic predispositions still play a significant role in our emotional well-being.
This partly aligns with a fundamental Stoic distinction: there are things we can control, such as our actions, behaviors, and attitudes, and things we cannot, like our genetic predisposition or certain external circumstances. Stoicism encourages us to focus on what is in our control, particularly our thoughts and moral character, while accepting that other factors, like wealth or social status, are indifferent to our happiness.
Adiaphora: Ethically Neutral Things in Stoicism
The Stoics used the Greek term adiaphora (sg. adiaphoron) to describe things that do not inherently contribute to our happiness or misery. These are neutral, external factors like health, wealth, beauty, or fame. For the Stoics, while these external things may seem desirable, they are not the true sources of happiness. What truly matters is how we engage with life and whether we live virtuously.
Diogenes Laertius explained this idea by categorizing things into three groups: goods (virtues), evils (vices), and adiaphora (neither good nor evil). According to the Stoics, true happiness cannot be found in external goods like wealth or fame, because they are subject to change and beyond our control. Instead, happiness comes from living a life of virtue, which is the only thing that is truly within our power.
Examples of Adiaphora and Their Importance
Examples of adiaphora include things like health, beauty, strength, wealth, and even pain, sickness, or death. These are things that we can experience as either positive or negative, depending on how we approach them. The Stoics believed that these things should not be the source of our happiness or suffering. What matters is how we use them and the attitudes we adopt toward them.
The Stoics divided adiaphora into three categories:
- Preferred adiaphora – things we generally desire, like health or wealth, but that are not essential for happiness.
- Rejected adiaphora – things we usually try to avoid, like illness or poverty.
- Indifferent adiaphora – things that do not matter at all, like whether we stretch or curl a finger.
For the Stoics, happiness lies in living virtuously, regardless of whether we experience these preferred or rejected things.
The Stoic View of Happiness and Its Practical Implications
The Stoics believed that happiness was not about accumulating external goods but about living in accordance with reason and virtue. This idea echoes in their definition of happiness as the ultimate good, achieved through a life lived in harmony with one’s nature and reason. Virtue, according to Stoicism, is the highest good because it is entirely within our control.
While modern happiness research identifies factors that contribute to happiness, the Stoic view emphasizes that it is our attitude and response to life’s circumstances, including the indifferent things or adiaphora, that shape our well-being. Stoic happiness is not based on external rewards or pleasures but on cultivating—for example—wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
Stoicism and Control Over Happiness
The Stoics emphasized that we have full control over our happiness, not by controlling external factors but by managing our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This partly aligns with modern psychological insights that suggest we can influence our happiness through intentional action, though they also recognize that some factors, such as genetic predisposition, remain outside our control.
In conclusion, the Stoic understanding of adiaphora provides a valuable perspective on happiness. By focusing on what is truly within our control—our actions, thoughts, and virtuous living—we can cultivate a fulfilling and resilient happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances.
An interesting online resource on adiaphora can be found in the renowned Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Sources and Further Readings
1. Long, A. A. (2006). Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic guide to life. Oxford University Press.
This work provides a detailed exploration of Epictetus‘ teachings on ethics, virtue, and the Stoic approach to happiness, particularly through the lens of the Stoic indifference concept (adiaphora).
2. Seneca, L. A. (2016). Letters from a Stoic. Translated by Robin Campbell. Penguin Classics.
Seneca’s letters offer a practical guide to Stoic philosophy, touching upon topics such as virtue, happiness, and the indifference of external goods, which are essential for understanding the role of adiaphora in Stoicism.
3. Hossenfelder, M. (2015). Antike Glückslehren: Eine Einführung in die Philosophie des Glücks. Springer. (German)
This book provides an introduction to ancient philosophies of happiness, including Stoic views on adiaphora and the relationship between virtue and happiness.
4. Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The how of happiness: A new approach to getting the life you want. Penguin Press.
Lyubomirsky’s work explores modern happiness research, offering valuable insights on how external factors (such as genetic predisposition) and internal factors (like behaviors and attitudes) interact, shedding light on the Stoic view of control over happiness.
5. Diogenes Laertius. (2010). Lives of Eminent Philosophers (R. D. Hicks, Trans.). Harvard University Press.
This ancient text offers insight into the Stoic understanding of adiaphora, providing philosophical background on the ethical neutrality of certain external factors and their role in the Stoic pursuit of happiness.
6. Irvine, W. B. (2008). A guide to the good life: The ancient art of Stoic joy. Oxford University Press.
Irvine’s work is a comprehensive guide to applying Stoic philosophy to modern life. He discusses Stoic principles, including the importance of focusing on virtue and the ethical indifference of external circumstances, which relates directly to the concept of adiaphora.
7. Nussbaum, M. C. (1994). The therapy of desire: Theory and practice in Hellenistic ethics. Princeton University Press.
Nussbaum explores the ethical practices of ancient philosophy, including Stoicism, and the role of virtue and external factors (like adiaphora) in achieving a happy and flourishing life.
Are you interested in more English-language content on the philosophy of happiness? Then simply start here: Epictetus on Happiness: Stoic Wisdom for a Good Life. Or here: Aristotle on Happiness: Exploring Eudaimonia and Virtue.
The original German version of this article can be found here: Was sind Adiaphora? (Definition, Zitate).
Photo: Martens/Canva
