• From A New Stoicism

  [Becker] rejects the popular caricature of the stoic as a grave figure, emotionally detached and capable mainly of endurance, resignation, and coping with pain. To the contrary, he holds that while stoic sages are able to endure the extremes of human suffering, they do not have to sacrifice joy to have that ability….

• From Stoicism lesson materials

  People often think ‘Stoic’ means ‘suppressing your emotions behind a stiff upper lip’. This is not what ancient Stoicism meant. The Stoics thought we could transform emotions by understanding how they’re connected to our beliefs and attitudes.

• From Want An Unconquerable Mind? Try Stoic Philosophy

  In today’s lexicon, say the word “stoic” and you’ll conjure up images of a cold, harsh Scrooge-like figure. But ironically, stoicism can lead to even greater empathy for others who aren’t stoic because they’re not fortunate enough to live a principle-centered life.

Also see Rome truths: why ancient Stoicism is making a comeback

Back in 1970 a Carleton classmate said I was a Stoic. I let it pass at the time. However in the last couple years I have read Nassim Nicholas Taleb‘s Incerto, in which he writes very favorably about Stoicism. So I am now following up on something that was first suggested to me 44 years ago. This has got to be a personal record.