Stoics model courageous citizenship

This past weekend, the world’s largest gathering of Stoics explored a question that feels more urgent than ever: What kind of citizen does this moment require? Between apathy and outrage, the Stoics offer a third way—one grounded in moral courage, civic duty, and thoughtful engagement in public life.

Brittany Polat, editor of Stoicism Today, opened the full day Stoicon 2025 conference and noted the common misperception that Stoicism is a philosophy of quiet withdrawal, sharing that the tradition is filled with examples of active, engaged citizens. The day's program would make that unmistakable. Her co-host, Phil Yanov brought his signature thoughtfulness and good humor to the live conversations on this topic.

I was honored to contribute to the program with my talk, “What Would a Stoic Say? Civil Discourse in an Age of Outrage” (see below), where I explored how the Stoic tradition can guide us back to reasoned, respectful public dialogue as well as historical ways, backed up by modern neuroscience, in which civil discourse renews civic life. Find out how civil discourse is actually a form of soul craft.

James Romm, professor of classics at Bard College, gave a compelling account of Seneca’s public life under the tyranny of Nero. He reminded us that Stoicism never meant retreat from responsibility. Seneca, in fact, wrote:

“To withdraw into private life is equivalent to military desertion. We must keep to our place in public life.” 

Even when you cannot stand at the front lines, he argued, you serve by your “voice, encouragement, example, and spirit.”

Mick Mulroy, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and CIA officer, offered a powerful perspective from the world of national security. For him, Stoicism isn’t abstract, it’s a vital resource for those in high-stakes leadership. He described how Stoic principles have informed training programs in the military, grounding personnel in ethics, emotional discipline, and moral clarity under pressure. For Mulroy, Stoicism isn’t just about personal resilience, it’s about serving with honor.

Lisa Hill, professor of politics at the University of Adelaide, returned us to the civic roots of the tradition. She showed how Stoicism contributed to early ideas of equality, democratic responsibility, and global citizenship.

“We are citizens of two cities,” she reminded us—“our place of birth, and the city of humankind.” 

From this perspective, the Stoic call is clear: we have duties not only to our own communities, but to the wider human family.

The Inner Life That Serves the City

As I closed my talk, I introduced a brief Stoic Oath for Civil Discourse—a modern echo of the Athenian pledge to “leave the city greater and more beautiful than we received it.” It includes three guiding principles that reflect the heart of Stoic citizenship:

• See opponents as partners in reason, not enemies to defeat

• Aim for the common good, not personal victory

• Lead by example, not by coercion.

“To keep this oath,” I said, “is to make every conversation a small act of public service.”

Courageous Citizenship in Action

And that, in the end, is what Stoicon 2025 revealed so clearly: Stoicism is not an inward escape, but an ethical orientation toward the world.

Self-mastery is practiced to enhance our contribution, to make us fit for citizenship; to help us respond to the challenges of our time not with apathy or outrage, but with calm, grounded, civic courage.

The Stoics weren’t spectators of history. They were engaged citizens—active, imperfect, but courageously committed to service.

And that tradition continues.

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To access the full day Stoicon 2025 conference recordings, click here.