Oikeiosis is a core idea in Stoic philosophy that’s used to explain the natural process by which we develop an understanding of ourselves and our connection to others and the world around us.
The idea is split into a few stages:
- At first, it refers to our instinct for self-preservation, where we are naturally driven to care for our own well-being.
- As people grow and develop the ability to think more rationally, this sense of care expands to include concern for others, leading to social connections and broader moral responsibilities.
- Ultimately, oikeiosis grows into a recognition of our place within the larger cosmos, promoting a life of virtue, harmony with nature, and the understanding that a person is part of a larger whole.
The term originates from the Greek word “οἰκείωσις,” which can be translated as “affinity,” “appropriation,” or “natural affection.” It is central to the Stoic view of how we develop morally, particularly in terms of society, how we treat others, and how we treat the world around us.
What is Oikeiosis?
The idea is fundamentally a way in which we grow through stages of understanding, compassion, and empathy for things other than ourselves. To the Stoics, this was part of what it means to grow morally.
It starts with taking care of ourselves. Then, it teaches us to think more about others and what is fair and just in a wider context.
Self-Preservation:
- Oikeiosis begins with a basic instinct for our self-preservation. From the moment we’re born, we have an innate tendency to seek what is beneficial, safe, and comfortable for ourselves, and avoid what is harmful. This first form of oikeiosis is primarily about survival and the natural attachment to our body and sense of self.
- For example, a baby will instinctively reach for food when hungry and cries out when in pain. This is a good example of an early form of oikeiosis, which is a natural inclination toward what is perceived as good or necessary for the life of the individual.
Expansion to Others:
- As we grow we develop rationality (hopefully). As this rational thinking develops oikeiosis expands with it. It expands beyond self-preservation to include others. The Stoics believed that as humans become more rational, they recognize that other people are also rational beings with whom they share a common nature. Marcus Aurelius speaks about this in Mediations.
- This recognition leads to a natural affection or concern for others, which is the basis for social relationships and moral behavior such as justice. Stoics argue that our understanding of self-interest should eventually encompass the well-being of others, as the well-being of others contributes to the well-being of the community, of which we are a part.
Universal Oikeiosis:
- Ultimately, the Stoics believe that, as we continue to grow, oikeiosis expands to include the entire universe or cosmos. A fully rational and virtuous person recognizes their connection not only to other people but to all of nature and the universe itself.
- This universal oikeiosis is the basis for the Stoic ideal of “living in accordance with nature.” It involves recognizing that the well-being of the universe as a whole is interconnected with our own well-being, leading to a life of virtue, wisdom, and harmony with nature.
Hierocles’ Circle
The idea of oikeiosis is perhaps best documented by the ancient philosopher Hierocles.
Hierocles was a Stoic philosopher in ancient Greece. Unfortunately, we know very little about the man or his life.
Perhaps more unfortunate is the fact that most of his work has been lost to history. However, in 1901, a few fragments of papyrus were found in Hermopolis, and the Macedonian scribe Joannes Stobaeus transcribed and preserved some of his work around 500 AD.
The most famous of these existing fragments contained the concept known as Hierocles’ Circle and his ideas on cosmopolitanism.
Hierocles wrote that people have concentric circles of concern, beginning with themselves and expanding to their relatives, friends, citizens, countrymen, and finally to mankind as a whole.
As we grow, Hierocles tells us that our task is to draw these circles inward. As the circles are pulled in, we begin to treat strangers as friends, friends as family, and family as if they were ourselves. Eventually, we will make all of humanity part of our concern.
Hierocles believed that which benefits the whole benefits the individual. For him, caring about humanity meant caring about ourselves. This was one of the first accounts of a true cosmopolitan mindset.
“Remember that you are an actor in a play, however the director wants it to be: long or short. If he wants you to act the part of a beggar, act it well.” – Epictetus
Learning about and living by Hierocles’ circles can really change society. We learn to care about everyone and see ourselves as part of a global community. This can truly make our world a better place for all.
Every animal, therefore, lives conformably to its natural constitution, and, by Jupiter, in a similar manner every plant lives agreeably to the life which is imparted to it. Only there is this difference between the two, that the latter do not employ any reasoning, or a certain enumeration, in the selection of things which they explore; as they make use of nature alone, because they do not participate of soul; but animals are led to investigate what is proper for them by imaginations and exciting desires. To us, however, Nature gave reason, in order that it might survey everything else, and, together with all things, or rather prior to all things, might direct its attention to Nature herself, so as in an orderly manner to tend to her as to a very splendid and stable mark, and choosing every thing which is consonant to her, might cause us to live in a becoming manner.
– Hierocles
Oikeiosis and Ethics
The ethical implications of oikeiosis in Stoic philosophy influence how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world.
Oikeiosis not only explains the development of moral reasoning but also helps us understand the Stoic ideas of virtue, duty, and an ideal way of life. Here’s a more detailed exploration of the ethics behind the concept:
Moral Development and the Growth of Virtue:
- Progression from Self-Interest to Universal Concern:
- Oikeiosis starts with basic, instinctual self-care, but as we develop rationality, we recognize that our well-being is connected to the well-being of others. This progression leads to a broadening of one’s circle of concern, from self to family, community, and ultimately to all humanity and the wider cosmos.
- This growth reflects the Stoic idea that moral development is about recognizing and actioning our ability to think rationally, which aligns us with the universal reason (logos). As this understanding deepens, we begin to develop virtues like justice, courage, and wisdom, which can help guide us in acting not just for personal gain but for the greater good.
- The Role of Virtue in Human Flourishing:
- Stoics believed that living virtuously—acting in accordance with reason and the natural order—leads to eudaimonia, often translated as “flourishing” or “the good life.”
- Virtue becomes not just a personal ideal but a social one, where the flourishing of the individual is ultimately tied to the well-being of others and the harmony of nature.
Social Responsibility and Justice:
- Recognition of Common Humanity:
- As oikeiosis expands beyond us to include others, it begins to grow into a sense of social responsibility. The Stoics argue that recognizing others as rational beings with their own oikeiosis leads naturally to empathy and a sense of fairness or justice. Since all humans share the same rational nature, we have a duty to treat others with fairness and compassion.
- This understanding forms the basis of Stoic cosmopolitanism, the idea that all humans are citizens of the world, bound by common reason and moral duties. This challenges parochial views that prioritize one’s immediate community or nation over others, promoting a universal ethical perspective.
- Duty to the Community:
- Oikeiosis implies that our duties extend beyond self-interest. Stoics believed that, as rational beings, we are inherently social and that our natural impulses should lead us to contribute positively to society.
- Acts of kindness, justice, and cooperation are not just altruistic, they are seen as fulfilling our natural roles within the human community. Fulfilling these roles is essential for the stability and prosperity of society as a whole.
Harmony with Nature and the Cosmos:
- Living According to Nature:
- The ultimate ethical implication of oikeiosis is the Stoic ideal of living in accordance with nature. This means aligning one’s actions with the rational order of the universe, recognizing that individual good is part of a larger, cosmic good.
- By understanding that we are part of a greater whole, we learn to accept events beyond our control and to focus on our own actions, which are within our control. This cosmic perspective leads to a sense of peace and acceptance, which is central to Stoic ethics.
- Interconnectedness of All Things:
- Oikeiosis also helps Stoics understand the interconnectedness of all things. Every action affects the larger system, and living virtuously contributes to the harmony of the cosmos.
- This worldview encourages Stoics to act with the awareness that they are part of a larger, rational order, which gives their actions meaning beyond immediate outcomes.
Application of Oikeiosis in Modern Stoic Practice
As we’ve seen, in modern Stoicism, oikeiosis is a core principle for ethics and personal growth. It helps us live in harmony with ourselves, other people, and nature as a whole. This ultimately leads us to develop virtues for a better life, not only for ourselves but also for others.
Stoic exercises are an important part of the philosophy, and they help take it from theory into practice. For instance, meditating improves our sense of connection with others. It boosts our desire to do good, making ethics central in modern Stoic practice.
Following ancient advice involves creating daily mindful activities. They help us guide our moral choices and behaviours, which, with practice, can become deeply tied to oikeiosis.
Some of these could be:
- Engage in daily reflection to align our personal actions, thoughts, and beliefs with broader ethical practices.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation to behave well in the present moment and develop a deeper sense of connection with nature, ourselves, and society.
- Undertake Stoic exercises, such as the dichotomy of control, and reflecting on what virtues we can display during the day.
