The Enduring Wisdom of Stoicism

It was Hilty’s essay on Epictetus that first introduced me to the idea that Stoicism could harmonize with Christian thought.

In my university days, the essays of Carl Hilty, a 19th-century Swiss lawyer and philosopher, captured my imagination. His Christian writings offered profound insights into the practical and ethical dimensions of faith, molding my understanding of virtuous living. It was Hilty’s essay on Epictetus that first introduced me to the intriguing idea that Stoicism could harmonize with Christian thought, particularly in approaching life’s challenges such as fate and illness. Hilty himself wrote:

The Stoic philosophy, rightly understood, is not opposed to Christianity, but rather prepares the way for it.” (Hilty, C. “Glück” [Happiness], 1891)

This unexpected intersection of Stoic philosophy and Christian faith ignited my curiosity, prompting me to explore the works of other Christian thinkers who engaged with Stoic ideas. As I read more, I discovered a rich history of dialogue between Stoicism and Christianity, with numerous theologians and philosophers finding common ground between these two seemingly disparate worldviews.

Little did I anticipate that this ancient philosophy, which had so captivated me through the…