stoics on money and eudemonia

In Stoic philosophy, money itself is not considered inherently good or bad—it is classified as an "indifferent" (ἀδιάφορον). This means that while it might be preferable (like health or a good reputation), it is not essential for a virtuous and fulfilling life. The Stoics believed that true happiness (eudaimonia) comes from living in accordance with reason and virtue, not from external possessions.

Key Stoic Views on Money:

1. Wealth is Neutral – Money has no moral value; what matters is how we use it. A virtuous person can use wealth wisely, while a corrupt person may misuse it.

2. Self-Sufficiency Over Wealth – Stoics emphasize autarkeia (self-sufficiency). Seneca, despite being wealthy, often reminded himself that he could be content with little.

3. Freedom from Attachment – Epictetus argued that external things, including money, should not control us. If losing wealth disturbs us, it shows we are dependent on it.

4. Wealth and Virtue are Unrelated – Marcus Aurelius, an emperor, wrote that riches do not make a person wise or just. True value lies in character, not possessions.

5. Wealth is Unstable – Stoics remind us that money is fleeting and beyond our control. Since external fortune can change, relying on it for happiness is foolish.

Conclusion:

Money is not useless in itself, but it is irrelevant to achieving a good life. The Stoic ideal is to remain indifferent to wealth, using it wisely if we have it but never depending on it for well-being.