The article is devoted to the historical and legal analysis of the development of ideas about human rights and freedoms in the legal systems of antiquity and their impact on the formation of early international legal practices. The authors substantiates the relevance of the topic, emphasizing that antiquity provided the foundation on which the key ideas of the European legal tradition – freedom, equality, human dignity, and justice – emerged. It is shown that in the Greek poleis and the Roman state these notions were of a corporate nature: rights were recognized only for citizens, while the status of slaves, metics, peregrini, and “barbarians” remained restricted. Nevertheless, this model initiated the discussion on the nature of human rights and laid the groundwork for the further evolution of legal concepts. The study examines the specifics of Athenian democracy with its institutions of the popular assembly and courts, which ensured active civic participation in political life and protection against the arbitrariness of power. The Spartan model is analyzed as one that opposed individual rights to collective discipline and the duty of service to the state, demonstrating different ancient approaches to the relationship between freedom and obligation. The role of treaties on isopolity and proxenia is highlighted as precedents for the international recognition of the rights of foreigners in the Greek world. Special attention is paid to Roman law, which evolved from the local jus civile to the universalist concepts of jus gentium and jus naturale. It is shown that jus gentium, based on the customs of various peoples and general principles of justice, laid the foundations for regulating interstate relations, trade, and the protection of the interests of foreigners, while Stoic philosophy and the doctrine of natural law introduced the idea of universal norms inherent in human nature. At the same time, the article underlines the contradictory legacy of antiquity: the seeds of universalism coexisted with slavery and social inequality. The article also highlights the significance of the ancient poleis of the Northern Black Sea region – Olbia, Chersonesus, and the Bosporan Kingdom – as centres of international legal integration, where Greek, Roman, and local traditions interacted and the earliest practices of interstate treaties on security, trade, and the protection of foreigners’ rights were formed. The authors concludes that ancient concepts of human rights and freedoms, despite their elitist and limited character, established the institutional link between law, the political community, and freedom, influenced the formation of early international legal norms, and remain an important intellectual resource for contemporary legal and international studies.

The purpose of this essay is to evaluate whether people can truly withstand all negative circumstances from feeling inferior. In other words, is Roosevelt right in saying that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent? By aligning Stoic philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy in emphasizing individual cognitive appraisal, the essay acknowledges the empowering potential of resisting feelings of inferiority. However, it later argues that the applicability of this kind of resilience is not universal and limited to circumstances of everyday criticism. To be more specific, systemic oppression, marginalization and a traumatic upbringing can compromise an individual’s neurocognitive and psychological agency at a fundamental level. Through analyzing psychological concepts such as stereotype threat and learned helplessness, as well as examining neurobiological evidence on the impact of trauma on brain structures such as the amygdala and hippocampus, the essay shows how feelings of inferiority can become biologically ingrained and involuntary. Therefore, the findings support the paper’s conclusion that although Roosevelt’s maxim has value as an aspirational strategy for cultivating resilience, its moral and psychological force is reduced when systemic oppression or trauma has affected the ability to reappraise.

<p><em>This article examines the integration of Islamic parenting values with the principles of Stoic philosophy, particularly within the framework of developing strong, religious, and rational character in children. Islam, through the concept of hadhanah, emphasizes the importance of parents' role in caring for and educating children by balancing physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and intellectual aspects. On the other hand, Stoicism emphasizes the principles of self-control, wisdom, courage, and justice as moral foundations for facing life. This research uses a qualitative approach based on literature, reviewing various Islamic and Stoic philosophical literature, and analyzing relevant verses from the Quran. The results show that these two value systems have strong convergence in aspects of character education, instilling virtue, and developing emotional resilience in children. Islam emphasizes the importance of role models, advice, habituation, and supervision in educating children, while Stoicism strengthens the mental aspect through emotional control and a focus on controllable matters. The integration of the two offers a parenting approach that is relevant to the challenges of the times, both in the ever-changing digital and social contexts.</em></p>

This article offers a philosophical exploration of two classical concepts of self-control: zuhud in Islamic intellectual tradition and apatheia in Stoic philosophy, within the framework of modern character education. Using a qualitative library research approach, this study employs content analysis and philosophical hermeneutics to examine the works of key thinkers such as Al-Ghazali, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus. The findings indicate that zuhud emphasizes detachment from material desires through spiritual awareness and prioritization of divine values, while apatheia focuses on achieving inner peace and moral clarity by rationally managing emotions and eliminating unnecessary passions. Although rooted in different theological worldviews, both concepts converge in promoting a form of self-control that enhances inner freedom, ethical behavior, and self-discipline. This study argues that the integration of zuhud and apatheia can enrich contemporary character education by balancing rational moral reasoning with spiritual consciousness. The educational model proposed in this research emphasizes the importance of teaching students to reflect critically, regulate their emotions, and cultivate inner balance rooted in universal ethical values. Thus, the synthesis of both traditions contributes to the advancement of character education that is holistic, contemplative, and morally grounded.

This article will try to explore the practical applications of Stoic philosophy, emphasizing its relevance in enriching life and assisting individuals to face real-life challenges. Stoicism, an ancient school of thought, dedicates in putting philosophical knowledge into action to strengthen the inner self and attain emotional resilience. This study explores Stoic teachings on managing emotions, distinguishing between what belongs within our control and what does not. Additionally, the article highlights the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism—wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, which are essential principles for leading a meaningful life. Focusing on scholarly quotes from notable Stoic figures, the discussion has a motivation to face the adversities of life with a resilient mind. A short introduction to the origins and nature of Stoic philosophy is provided herewith, which will help readers to understand the foundational spirit of the Stoic philosophy. Overall, this article is an attempt to present Stoicism as an art of living that promotes resilience along with virtue. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#75-76; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2024 P 145-166

Happiness is a fundamental goal in human life, yet its meaning is often interpreted in various ways. This study aims to examine the concept of happiness in Stoic philosophy and its relevance to Islamic Guidance. This research employs a qualitative approach through library research, analyzing the thoughts of Stoic philosophers such as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, and connecting them with principles of Islamic Guidance derived from the Qur'an and Hadith. The findings reveal that happiness in Stoicism is understood as a state of inner peace attained through rational deliberation, disciplined self-mastery, and equanimous acceptance of the uncontrollable. In contrast, Islamic Guidance views happiness as a harmony between spiritual and social dimensions, realized through faith, worship, and submission to the will of Allah (tawakkul and ridhā). There is a significant convergence between the two, particularly in the aspects of self-mastery, acceptance of destiny, and the search for deeper meaning in life. The study shows that Stoic values can enrich Islamic counseling methods, especially in assisting individuals to achieve inner calm amid the pressures of modern life. The integration of Stoic principles with Islamic spiritual approaches may serve as an effective guidance strategy in shaping individuals who are resilient, patient, and wise.

In the context of Stoic philosophical ethics, this article examines the theory of leadership traits and behaviour, leadership virtues, communication, and life practices. The Stoic philosophical tradition, which originated in ancient antiquity, is gaining popularity and relevance in today’s world of technological change, competition and insecurity. An analysis of the scientific literature reveals that leadership is widely addressed within various disciplines, reflecting its growing role in economics, business, politics, education, the media, and other areas of society. The article demonstrates that although the Stoics did not use the terms ‘leadership’ or ‘communication,’ their philosophy can be related to the theory of personal leadership by providing a broad and comprehensive presentation of the individual’s moral system, practices of self-restraint and self-development in life, behavioural patterns and communication principles. The analysis reveals that the theories of self-regulation, self-direction, intrinsic motivation and other qualities of a leader, as defined by contemporary leadership researchers, have their origins in Stoic philosophy.

This research examines the integration of Stoic philosophy and metaphor in the lyrics of Imagine Dragons’ Evolve album, focusing on the songs “Believer,” “Thunder,” and “Whatever It Takes.” Using a qualitative descriptive method within a structuralism framework, this study explores how conceptual metaphors serve as vehicles for conveying Stoic principles such as emotional resilience, self-discipline, and growth through adversity. The analysis reveals that metaphors like “pain,” “chains,” “lightning,” and “sail” are not just stylistic devices, but cognitive structures that articulate key Stoic ideas. For instance, “pain” is portrayed not as suffering to be avoided, but as a catalyst for inner strength and transformation, reflecting the Stoic view that adversity is necessary for personal growth. Similarly, images of “chains” symbolize psychological constraints, while “lightning” and “sail” represent dynamic energy and purposeful direction in life. These metaphors map abstract philosophical concepts onto concrete, emotionally resonant imagery, allowing listeners to engage with complex ideas in an intuitive and relatable manner. The study demonstrates that the figurative language in Imagine Dragons’ lyrics transforms emotional experiences into philosophical reflections, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary expression. This suggests that popular music, through metaphor, can function as a modern medium for philosophical discourse, particularly for young audiences. In doing so, this research contributes to the broader field of literary and philosophical studies by illustrating how modern song lyrics can reflect and disseminate classical ideas, fostering a deeper appreciation of Stoic values through the lens of popular culture.

Seneca’s impact on the Renaissance tragedians is undeniable. His depictions of violence, terror and murder experienced by humans pursuing their passions became a model for the early modern English tragedies. Senecan tragic elements, the ghost, the chorus; and stock characters such as the hag and the tyrant can be found in the works of Thomas Kyd, John Marston, George Chapman, and others, guiding their style in tragic writing. As a Renaissance dramatist, Shakespeare, in Hamlet, refers to Seneca from a different perspective by responding to his stoic philosophy. It is asserted in this study that in the play, Hamlet struggles to be a true stoic and desires to be purified like Horatio as it is apparent in his famous delay. He takes the stoic cure of delaying to deal with anger and pursues this judgement almost until the end of the play. Hamlet fails, while Horatio succeeds, in following the stoic teaching of avoiding human passions. This study argues that through these characters, Shakespeare shows that stoic teachings that block human emotions are not practical with the extreme conditions one faces in life. Hamlet is a human with all the dilemmas, passions and rage that make him real, while Horatio does not seem realistic with his indifference towards all the tragedy around him. Thus, Shakespeare keeps Hamlet within the boundaries of humanity by enabling him to finally decide to take action, no matter the outcome.

While many scholars have challenged the place of animatronics – as a combination of animate and electronics – within traditional definitions of animation, this article engages the relevance of animatronic technology to the medium as a frame-by-frame technique of illusion. While the labour of animatronics might recall techniques of cel-, computer-, or stop-motion animation whereby characters are endowed with the ability to execute any conceivable action, animatronics as a form of digital puppetry introduces new elements rooted in the real-time interaction between animator and animated. To reflect on the compromise position or designation of animatronics between multiple forms of animation, this article stages a multidisciplinary exploration of storytelling, technology and philosophy in the 12-minute short film Song Sparrow (Farzaneh Omidvarnia, 2019). The film blends live-action and recorded ‘live’ puppetry with extensive animatronics in a narrative that portrays the plight of a group of refugees. Song Sparrow ’s application of animatronic technology ultimately prompts a profound reflection on the delicate balance between freedom and limitation, considered here through the philosophical implications of control that dramatize the concealed operations of animatronic mechanisms. By drawing on the principles of Stoic philosophy and the values that it places on the inherent constraints that individuals face in shaping their destinies, this article suggests that philosophical reflections on the limitations that define human existence are well-supported by both Song Sparrow ’s refugee narrative of mobility and the unique creative possibilities engendered by its animatronics as a particular illusion of the animate.

Henry Manampiring’s Filosofi Teras (2018) explores the relevance of Stoicism in addressing the challenges of modern life. This study aims to analyze the book's content using a descriptive qualitative method with the note-taking technique. The book provides practical guidance for readers to manage emotions, overcome anxiety, and enhance mental resilience. Based on the analysis, the book effectively simplifies Stoic concepts for a broader audience, though it has certain limitations, such as a lack of in-depth discussion on original Stoic philosophy. This research offers insights into how this work became a popular self-help book in Indonesia.

Failure is a universal human experience, yet its interpretation varies across cultural and philosophical traditions. In Taoism, failure aligns with the principle of <i>wu wei</i> (effortless action), teaching us to flow with life's natural rhythms. Buddhism interprets failure through <i>dukkha</i> (suffering), advocating mindfulness and detachment as paths to transcend dissatisfaction. Similarly, Stoic philosophy sees failure as an opportunity to cultivate resilience and align with virtue. This article delves into the perspectives of Eastern and Western thinkers, from Laozi and the Buddha to Marcus Aurelius and Alan Watts, exploring how failure can become a source of growth and wisdom. Drawing on Vedantic teachings of <i>maya</i> (illusion) and existential reflections by Albert Camus and Friedrich Nietzsche, it redefines failure as a transformative process rather than an endpoint. By integrating ancient and modern insights, this study positions failure as an art—one that reveals the profound resilience and adaptability inherent in human nature.

The plateau experience is one of the least explored areas of Abraham Maslow’s work, a theory he developed in the latter stage of his life. One of the defining areas of the plateau experience is the confrontation with death. This article explores how the anxiety of one’s impermanence can be reduced through different traditions. Approaches from the Stoic philosophers and their influence on mainstream psychological interventions, through to the Samurai and death poetry are examined, with the assertion that several practises ay help individuals to confront, and accept, death as a natural progression of life.

In cyber security, anticipating the worst is not paranoia — it is strategy. This paper introduces creative thinking frameworks designed to help leaders and security teams collaborate with generative AI (GenAI) to stress-test assumptions, identify opportunities, explore edge-case risks and uncover blind spots, often caused by cognitive biases, before they become breaches. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy’s premeditation of evils — the practice of imagining future harms to build resilience — this paper repositions GenAI from its role as an operational efficiency tool to one where it serves as a creative partner in strategic planning. The paper explores how GenAI can enhance strategic imagination through various techniques that will expand security teams’ field of vision and be equipped with actionable tools for improving red teaming, scenario planning and creative problem-solving. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

Abstract: Seneca’s interest in writing about seafood, as he does in the Epistulae Morales ( EM ) and Naturales Quaestiones (among other texts), is not only a product of its clear application to moral philosophy, an example of luxurious food for an individual to avoid, but Stoic natural philosophy. The seafood in the EM and NQ helps explain various aspects of Stoic cosmology, with special attention to concepts of relationality, to a readership familiar with fish from the Roman literary (especially satiric) tradition. Writing about seafood thus presents an opportunity for the Stoic philosopher writing in Latin to connect with his literary audience and to rehabilitate fish, usually considered a symbol of luxury and excess, as part of the Stoic pedagogical project. At the same time, Seneca hereby introduces a creative perspective on Stoic cosmology.

This study examines the influence of applying Stoic philosophy on students' learning motivation and self-discipline in the digital era. Stoicism, which emphasizes self-control and focusing on things that can be controlled, is considered relevant in the context of University, especially in overcoming academic challenges and digital distractions. This research involved 100 students divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=50) that received Stoicism training and a control group (n=50) that did not receive any intervention. The assessed aspects included intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, time management, task completion consistency, and the ability to resist distractions. The results of the study showed that the experimental group experienced significant improvements in all analyzed aspects, with higher average score changes compared to the control group. Regression analysis showed a p-value < 0.001 for most aspects, indicating that the Stoicism intervention had a significant impact on increasing learning motivation and self-discipline. These findings affirm that the application of Stoicism can be an effective approach to enhancing students' academic performance. Therefore, it is recommended that University institutions consider integrating Stoic programs into their curricula or support services to promote students' personal and professional development in the challenging digital era.

This study explores a correspondence between the opening line of Mihai Eminescu’s poem ‟Ode (in Sapphic metre)” — ‟Nu credeam să-nvăț a muri vrodată” [I never thought that I would learn to die] — and Leonardo da Vinci’s laconic aphorism: “Quando io crederò imparare a vivere, e io imparerò a morire” [When I believe I am learning to live, I will learn how to die]. Rejecting the notion of Leonardo’s influence on Eminescu, given the limited accessibility of Leonardo’s writings during the poet’s lifetime, the study investigates a more complex network of possible relationships between these two textual loci. A comparative-genetic methodology is employed, situating both texts within the specific intellectual traditions to which they belong. Leonardo’s aphorism is contextualized within the tradition of ars bene moriendi writings, which proliferated in Europe from the mid-14th century onward. In contrast, Eminescu’s verse emerges as a product of poetic evolution through various stages of the poem’s drafts, spanning a prolonged period. Regarding Schopenhauer’s influence on Eminescu, as well as the transmission of Greco-Roman Stoic philosophy through Schopenhauer, the study highlights both the poet’s exposure to this intellectual tradition and his skepticism toward the applicability of Stoic exercises. Both texts under analysis repurpose formulas with long-standing traditions without adopting the solutions these formulas encapsulate. The subject articulating the formula is distinctly modern, questioning its enduring validity. This conclusion is reached through a close reading analysis, identifying pivotal elements within the two texts, as well as their linguistic and thematic contexts and intersections. The study also delves into the texts’ indeterminacy and the „unsaid”, which undermines a prestigious literalism.

This article analyzes frivolous litigation in Brazil in light of the ethics of responsibility and moderation, based on stoicism, and proposes that its application can contribute to a fairer and more balanced procedural practice. The study starts from the analysis of Stoic virtues, such as moderation, which seek to guarantee the emotional and rational balance of the individual in their actions, avoiding excesses or impulses that harm harmonious coexistence. Frivolous litigation is identified as an improper use of the judicial system for delaying or vexatious purposes, harming the effectiveness of Justice and overloading the courts. The 2015 Civil Procedure Code provides specific sanctions for this conduct, seeking to preserve the social function of the process and the dignity of Justice. The article proposes that, by adopting Stoic principles such as moderation and reason, participants in the judicial process can contribute to the integrity of the legal system and the promotion of a democratic rule of law. By applying Stoic philosophy, especially its virtues of self-control, rationality, and consciousness of duty, it is possible to combat frivolous litigation while preserving social justice and trust in legal institutions.

Hard luck theory positions adversity as a potent catalyst for entrepreneurial opportunity, suggesting that hardships, rooted in philosophical reflections from Nietzsche and Stoic thought, foster resilience, creativity, and heightened market awareness. This paper examines how adversity-driven approaches not only shape entrepreneurial practices by sparking frugal innovations and sharpening opportunity recognition, but also align with global imperatives such as ending poverty (SDG 1), promoting decent work (SDG 8), and fostering responsible consumption (SDG 12). The research methodology is based on conceptual and philosophical analysis, combining interpretive inquiry with illustrative reasoning. Drawing on existential thought and Stoic philosophy, the study constructs a theoretical framework that links adversity to entrepreneurial development through mediating traits such as resilience, creativity, and heightened ethical awareness. This qualitative approach prioritizes depth of insight into subjective experiences, enabling the identification of patterns by which adversity fosters adaptive responses and innovative outcomes. The study avoids traditional quantitative generalizations, instead opting for a model that captures the interaction between personal transformation and entrepreneurial action in constrained contexts. Through thematic synthesis, the work outlines how necessity and challenge shape behaviors that contribute to socially constructive enterprise formation. The results reveal that adversity often enhances strategic agility, problem-solving ability, and long-term vision among entrepreneurs. Repeated exposure to constraints cultivates a mindset oriented toward persistence and improvisation. Entrepreneurs in difficult environments tend to reframe limitations as opportunities to repurpose existing resources, build unconventional partnerships, or develop low-cost innovations. Moreover, the moral impact of adversity frequently leads to the creation of ventures that align with broader societal objectives—such as reducing inequality, improving access to basic services, and promoting environmental sustainability. The findings also highlight how hard luck experiences deepen sensitivity to stakeholder needs and ethical obligations, resulting in businesses that prioritize community welfare, transparency, and inclusive growth. Ultimately, the study concludes that adversity can function as a generative force, shaping not only the strategies entrepreneurs use but also the values they embed in their ventures, offering a compelling redefinition of how entrepreneurial success can emerge from hardship.

Cicero’s seminal treatise, De Divinatione, demonstrates a nuanced approach that concurrently affirms and questions the significance and suitableness of divinatory practices. This dialectical perspective finds a parallel when looking at two ancient Confucian scholars, Dong Zhongshu and Xunzi, each of them offering a version of the conundrum highlighted by Cicero’s treatise. A comparative examination of Stoic philosophy, as expounded by Cicero, and of Dong Zhongshu’s The Interactions between Heaven and Humankind underscores the fact that both traditions assert that some form of interconnection between natural and supranatural phenomena is to be found. In parallel the comparison between Cicero and Xunzi (both exponents of classical rationalism) reveals their shared rejection of divinatory speculations, albeit with an acknowledgment of the political and cultural necessity of maintaining and supporting the associated ritualistic practices. Our dual comparison reveals the complex tension that was at play between speculative constructs and practical rationality in the ancient Chinese and Greco-Latin intellectual traditions.