A summary of stoicism and pragmatism

Written By H. Pike Oliver

Stoicism and pragmatism are philosophical approaches, yet they differ markedly in their principles and focuses[1].

Stoicism:

  • Origin - Founded by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE.

  • Core Beliefs - Stoicism emphasizes virtue, wisdom, and living in accordance with nature. Stoics assert that happiness is achieved by accepting the present moment and relinquishing the desire for control over external events.

  • Focus - Stoicism emphasizes personal ethics, self-discipline, and resilience in the face of adversity. It advises cultivating inner peace and urges individuals to remain indifferent to external circumstances, whether positive or negative.

  • Philosophical Goal - To achieve tranquility of the mind and harmony with the natural order.

Pragmatism:

  • Origin - Developed in the late 19th century in the United States by philosophers such as Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey.

  • Core Beliefs - Pragmatism stresses the practical application of ideas and the consequences of actions. It maintains that a belief's truth is determined by its practical effects and utility.

  • Focus - The emphasis is on problem-solving, experimentation, and the tangible results of beliefs and actions. Pragmatism fosters flexibility, adaptability, and continuous learning.

  • Philosophical Goal - To enhance human experience and address real-world problems through practical means and empirical methods.

In summary, Stoicism focuses on personal virtue and inner peace, whereas pragmatism emphasizes practical outcomes and problem-solving. Both philosophies offer valuable insights but approach life and its challenges differently but in a somewhat complimentary fashion.

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[1] Drafted by Copilot (Microsoft's AI bot) and lightly edited by H. Pike Oliver on February 10, 2025.

H. Pike Oliver

H. Pike Oliver focuses on master-planned communities. He is co-author of Transforming the Irvine Ranch: Joan Irvine, William Pereira, Ray Watson, and THE BIG PLAN, published by Routledge in 2022.

Early in his career, Pike worked for public agencies, including the California Governor's Office of Planning and Research, where he was a principal contributor to An Urban Strategy for California. For the next three decades, he was involved in master-planned development on the Irvine Ranch in Southern California, as well as other properties in western North America and abroad.

Beginning in 2009, Pike taught real estate development at Cornell University and directed the undergraduate program in Urban and Regional Studies. He relocated to Seattle in 2013 and, from 2016 to 2020, served as a lecturer in the Runstad Department of Real Estate at the University of Washington, where he also served as its chair.

Pike graduated from San Francisco State University's urban studies and planning program and received a master's degree in urban planning from UCLA. He is a member of the American Planning Association and the Urban Land Institute and a founder and emeritus member of the California Planning Roundtable.

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