Until October of 2020, I hadn’t spent much time with Greek philosophy—at least, not consciously.
Like many people raised in a traditional faith, I once believed that philosophy was an alternative to religion, maybe even a threat to it. I was raised in the Catholic faith and later moved toward non-denominational Christian communities in the late ’80s after settling in Maryland. The thought of diving into Stoic or Epicurean texts seemed like stepping outside the bounds of spiritual “safety.”
But life has a way of reintroducing us to wisdom in unexpected forms.
My entry point was Stoicism—first through a work colleague then modern voices interpreting it (think Ryan Holiday, Daily Stoic emails, and YouTube channels breaking down Marcus Aurelius into bite-sized insights). As with many of my pursuits throughout my life’s journey, I go in with both feet!
What struck me wasn’t how foreign it felt, but how familiar.
- Accept what you cannot control.
- Master your emotions.
- Live with virtue and integrity.
These weren’t ideas pulling me away from faith—they were reinforcing the kind of character my faith had always encouraged.
Shortly afterward, I encountered Epicureanism—another misunderstood school of thought.
It’s often reduced to “pleasure-seeking,” but in truth, Epicurus preached something far richer: that true pleasure is peace, freedom from unnecessary desires, and a life lived among friends. This wasn’t hedonism—it was harmony.
Both schools offered tools I didn’t know I was missing:
- Stoicism gave me steel when the world felt unpredictable.
- Epicureanism reminded me to savor the quiet joys I’d once overlooked.
And together, they added texture and shape to my spiritual life rather than replacing it.
Philosophy and Faith: Not Opponents, But Partners
I’ve come to believe that philosophy and religion can coexist—beautifully. Where religion connects me to the divine, to purpose, and to a broader sense of meaning, philosophy gives me a daily operating manual. It’s not either/or. It’s both/and.
Stoicism doesn’t deny God (and my blog isn’t to promote religion or the existence/nonexistence of God; whatever one believes is up to them. My intent is to simply share information about life from all angles).
It simply teaches that we should act in accordance with nature, with reason, and with virtue.
Epicureanism doesn’t mock faith—it encourages us to remove unnecessary fears (like a wrathful god or the unknown after death) so we can focus on being good humans now. These schools help strip away the cultural baggage that sometimes distorts spiritual truth and leave behind what’s essential: love, temperance, friendship, courage, and clarity.
Living the Wisdom, Not Just Reading It
Since discovering these philosophies, I’ve tried to integrate them—not as some performative daily checklist, but as a mindset shift.
- When I fast (whether for health or spiritual reasons), I think of Epicurus, who found joy in a simple piece of bread and water, teaching that we become wealthier by desiring less.
- When I face frustration—whether on the road, in relationships, or with aging knees—I turn to Epictetus, reminding myself that my power lies in how I respond, not in changing what is.
- And when I reflect on my legacy or mortality, Marcus Aurelius anchors me:
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
That’s not fear—that’s freedom. It’s gratitude sharpened into action.
Final Thoughts
Philosophy didn’t replace my faith. It refined it. It didn’t pull me into isolation—it helped me re-engage with the world on clearer terms. And it’s a journey I’d recommend to anyone, regardless of where they stand spiritually.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between religion and reason, between dogma and doubt, maybe it’s time to read a little Marcus. Or Epicurus. You don’t have to “convert” to philosophy. You just have to listen—and let the wisdom echo where it belongs: in how you live your life.
Because whether you’re kneeling in a church, journaling at sunrise, or grilling with your friends, truth—real truth—tends to show up in the same places.
And if you’re lucky, it’ll make you a better version of whoever you already are.
If you’re interested in ‘dipping your toe in the water’ of Greek philosophy, I recommend:
- ‘The Handbook for New Stoics’ (Massimo Pigliucci)
- ‘The Pocket Epicurean’ (John Sellars)
- ‘Meditations’ (Marcus Arelius) *more advanced
– Brian
Keep readin’ & thinkin’!
