On Living in Accordance with Nature
The pursuit of a flourishing life—a life filled with virtue, tranquility, and purpose—has been a subject of philosophical inquiry since the dawn of human reasoning. The Stoics, whose insights remain persistently relevant, argued that such a life can only be achieved by living “in accordance with nature.” At first glance, this claim may seem abstract or esoteric, yet a careful exploration reveals a powerful and rational foundation for leading a truly fulfilled existence. To have a little fun with this from the Stoic perspective, my purpose here is to prove, using both propositional logic and the Socratic method, that aligning oneself with nature is not merely a preferable course of action, but indeed the optimal one for achieving human flourishing.
To begin, let us clarify what the Stoics mean by “nature.” In the Stoic worldview, “nature” refers to both the cosmos—a universe governed by rational principles—and human nature, which is characterized by reason. The concept implies an ordered system in which all things possess a purpose, and human beings are uniquely endowed with the capacity for rational thought.
There is an excellent example of this in Scott Aikin’s and William O. Stephens’ new book, which I highly recommend, Epictetus’s Enchiridion, A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics. “Living in agreement with nature involves embracing our natural cognitive abilities to think, consider, reflect, evaluate, assent or withhold assent, contemplate, deliberate, decide, intend and attempt. We must use these abilities properly and hone them. Living in agreement with nature means to train ourselves how to reason, in every situation, the best we possibly can.”
Thus, to live in accordance with nature is to exercise reason in harmony with the order of the universe, accept the inevitabilities of fate, and strive to cultivate virtue above all else.
Logic
Because one of the branches of study in Stoicism is Logic, I’m first going to employ propositional logic to break down the premises of why one should live in accordance to nature:
Premise 1: A flourishing life is a life in which one achieves tranquility, fulfillment, and harmony.
Premise 2: Tranquility and fulfillment are attained through aligning one’s actions with reason.
Premise 3: Human beings are rational creatures; therefore, living in accordance with human nature means acting according to reason.
Premise 4: The cosmos is a rational, ordered system; to align with it is to live without internal conflict against the natural order.
Conclusion: Therefore, to achieve a flourishing life, one must live in accordance with nature, aligning both with human reason and the rational order of the cosmos.
If we want to find peace and fulfillment, we need to embrace humans’ unique ability to reason. Letting that guide our decisions is key. Ignoring this part of ourselves is like rejecting our own nature, which only leads to inner conflict and, ultimately, suffering.
The Socratic Method
To back up this point, let’s look at the Socratic method, which was a precursor to Stoic Logic. It is a way of having a conversation where we break down and explore ideas by asking questions. Picture us chatting with someone who isn’t convinced that living in harmony with nature is really necessary:
Interlocutor: Why must we live in accordance with nature to achieve happiness? Is it not possible to find fulfillment in pursuing pleasure or wealth instead?
Stoic Elder: Let us examine what happens when we make pleasure or wealth the sole aim of life. Are these pursuits stable or subject to change?
Interlocutor: They are certainly subject to change. Wealth can be lost, and pleasure can be fleeting.
Stoic Elder: Precisely. If we base our fulfillment on what is inherently unstable, is it not likely that our happiness will also be unstable?
Interlocutor: Yes, I suppose that is true.
Stoic Elder: Now, consider the nature of reason. Is reason not something internal, something that remains with us regardless of external circumstances?
Interlocutor: It is.
Stoic Elder: Then, if we were to ground our sense of fulfillment in the exercise of reason—in something stable and intrinsic—would our happiness not be more enduring?
Interlocutor: It seems likely.
Stoic Elder: And if reason is part of our nature as human beings, would it not be natural to live in a way that emphasizes its use, thereby aligning ourselves with our true essence?
Interlocutor: I cannot argue against that.
Stoic Elder: Then it follows that to live a flourishing life, one must align with what is rational and enduring—in other words, to live in accordance with nature.
Through this Socratic exchange, we come to understand that a life devoted to pleasure or wealth is precarious, dependent on forces beyond our control. The Stoics advocate instead for a life anchored in what we can control: our judgments, intentions, and actions. To live in accordance with nature is to focus on cultivating virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance—qualities that derive from our rational capacity and are, therefore, within our power to develop.
One might contend that living in accordance with nature is overly deterministic, implying a passive acceptance of whatever fate brings. Yet the Stoic doctrine is not one of resignation, but rather of active engagement. To accept nature is to recognize the limits of one’s control, and to understand that flourishing comes not from changing the world to fit our desires, but from changing our desires to fit the world. In this way, Stoicism is both a philosophy of freedom and an antidote to suffering. It frees us from the tyranny of longing for that which lies beyond our grasp and enables us to focus our energies on the cultivation of inner virtue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Stoic claim that a flourishing life is achieved by living in accordance with nature is not merely a lofty ideal—it is a rational and practical guide to human happiness. By aligning ourselves with our nature as rational beings, and by understanding our place within the rational order of the cosmos, we cultivate a tranquility that is impervious to the vicissitudes of fortune. We discover, as Marcus Aurelius wrote, that “you have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Thus, the path to flourishing is not found in the accumulation of transient goods but in the steadfast cultivation of the rational virtues that make us uniquely human.
To live in accordance with nature, then, is to live in accordance with who we truly are—a life untroubled by the ephemeral and dedicated to the enduring pursuit of wisdom and virtue.
The Stoic Elder
Welcome to the Stoic Wisdom Path, a sanctuary for timeless Stoic teachings tailored for the modern mind. At the helm of this voyage is Russell (AKA the Stoic Elder), a seasoned Chief Compliance Officer, a black belt in Krav Maga and avid outdoors enthusiast. With a life journey as rich and varied as the philosophies he espouses, Russell brings a unique perspective to the ancient wisdom of Stoicism. Decades ago, Russell embarked on a spiritual quest, aspiring to become an ordained pastor. However, he soon discovered that his beliefs diverged from the traditional confines of the church. This pivotal realization led him down a different path, one that eventually guided him to the stoic teachings that would resonate deeply with his core values and outlook on life. Russell found in Stoicism the philosophical foundation he had long sought, rooted in virtue, wisdom, and the pursuit of self-mastery. Driven by a deep passion for this timeless school of thought, he devoted himself to its rigorous study, ultimately earning the distinction of Fellow of the College of Stoic Philosophers (F.C.S.P.). The Stoic Wisdom Path blog is Russell's platform for sharing the insights and lessons he has gleaned from his extensive study and personal practice of Stoicism. It is designed to make the rich and practical teachings of Stoicism accessible to all, regardless of their background or beliefs. Through this blog, Russell aims to inspire his readers to embrace a Stoic approach to life, equipping them with the tools to navigate its challenges with grace, resilience, and virtue. Join Russell on this journey of philosophical exploration and self-discovery. Whether you are new to Stoicism or looking to deepen your understanding of this ancient wisdom, the Stoic Wisdom Path offers a compass for living a life of purpose, balance, and profound contentment.
