The Stoic Idea of the "Inner Castle"

Abstract

The subject matter focuses on the "inner fortress", the erection of which represented the Stoics’ philosophical goal . This involved a radical transformation of consciousness, perceived as a continuous effort to become a free man. For freedom in Stoic philosophy was a matter of internal mindset rather than an outcome of external conditions. The inner fortress secures the domains of human freedom covering three areas of man’s spiritual activity: the freedom of judgement, aspiration and  emotions. The stoic aspires to autarkia  in areas, where it is allowed by destiny and  human nature.