Stoicism

QUOTE

Seneca once said…

“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.”

(Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome.)

CONCEPT

Stoicism

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that teaches the importance of focusing on what we can control and letting go of what we cannot.

It emphasizes rational thinking, self-discipline, and emotional resilience in the face of adversity. Instead of being ruled by emotions or external events, Stoics believe in maintaining inner peace by accepting life’s challenges as opportunities for growth.

STORY

Judgment … of the Last Judgment?

In 1534, Michelangelo Buonarroti, one of the Renaissance’s greatest artists (and better known as simply “Michelangelo”), faced one of the most challenging projects of his life: painting "The Last Judgment" on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel.

He was already a revered artist, having completed the Sistine Chapel ceiling years earlier, but this new commission came with immense pressure.

Not only was the project technically daunting due to its massive scale and intricate detail, but Michelangelo was also working in an era of political and religious turbulence, with the Catholic Church under scrutiny during the Reformation.

Michelangelo, now nearing 60, was dealing with intense personal and external stress. He faced criticism from all sides—some thought his ideas were too radical, while others doubted he could even complete the project given his age. On top of that, the physical strain of painting on scaffolding for long hours was tremendous.

The pressures of time, politics, and his own perfectionism threatened to overwhelm him.

Despite the immense challenges, he remained focused on the work itself, controlling what he could: his effort, his discipline, and his creative vision. He understood that the political and religious chaos around him, the critics’ voices, and even his own aging body were beyond his control.

What mattered was how he responded to these pressures, and he chose to face them with calm perseverance and unrelenting dedication.

For four years, Michelangelo worked tirelessly, often in physical pain and isolation. He once wrote to a friend, “I live in a state of perpetual fatigue,” expressing how taxing the project had been. Yet, his Stoic mindset kept him grounded. He didn’t allow the enormity of the task to paralyze him, nor did he dwell on external expectations.

Instead, he concentrated solely on the present moment and the act of creation—one brushstroke at a time.

When "The Last Judgment" was finally unveiled in 1541, it was a masterpiece that stunned the world. While it initially drew controversy for its bold depictions of the human form and intense emotional expression, it ultimately became one of the most celebrated works of the Renaissance.

Michelangelo’s ability to endure both physical hardship and external pressures, without losing focus on his purpose, exemplified Stoic resilience.