“Freedom is the only goal. Happiness comes as its byproduct.”

— Epictetus

The Stoic’s Paradox: Happiness vs. Virtue

If you ask what the ultimate goal of Stoicism is, you will receive several different answers.

Some would argue that the path of Stoicism leads to happiness (or eudaimonia, in ancient Greek), while others would insist that happiness is a mere side effect of a larger, more important goal: virtue.

But here’s where things get complicated.

At first glance, the Stoic pursuit of virtue seems to run counter to the pursuit of happiness.

One could argue that Stoicism is about seeking happiness indirectly by learning to overcome it.

This is a paradox.

If happiness is the goal, why does Stoicism teach us to focus more on virtue, resilience, and emotional mastery rather than pleasure or satisfaction?

The core of Stoicism suggests that happiness arises not by chasing after it directly, but by cultivating virtue—in essence, becoming the best version of oneself regardless of external circumstances.

This belief leads us to question whether happiness should be the goal, or if striving for virtue is enough on its own.

What does it mean to be virtuous?

Is it simply to live a moral life, or does virtue encompass a deeper understanding of the self and the world?

Is it even possible to be virtuous without achieving happiness, or does the pursuit of happiness inevitably lead to disappointment when you realize that it’s not guaranteed?

The Role of Virtue in Stoicism

Virtue is central to Stoic philosophy, but it is often misunderstood.

When Stoics speak of virtue, they refer not just to conventional moral goodness (honesty, kindness, etc.), but to a profound mastery of oneself—an internal fortitude against the unpredictable nature of life.

For the Stoic, being virtuous means aligning one’s life with the natural world, with reason, and with self-control. The Stoics believed that we must focus on the things we can control, and the greatest of these is our own actions, thoughts, and emotions.

Epictetus, one of the most influential Stoic philosophers, said:

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.”

The Stoic does not fret over circumstances; rather, they adapt and maintain composure regardless of life’s challenges.

This is where the idea of ataraxia—mental calmness or freedom from disturbance—comes into play.

It’s not about happiness in the conventional sense, but rather peace of mind.

But can peace of mind exist without happiness? Can a person reach ataraxia without experiencing pleasure or joy?

Happiness as a Byproduct of Stoic Practice

It’s tempting to say that happiness is the end goal of Stoicism.

After all, Stoicism appears to promise peace, resilience, and the freedom to live well in all circumstances.

But happiness is not an explicit goal of Stoicism—it is a byproduct of virtuous living.

When you live in accordance with virtue, according to Stoic philosophy, happiness finds you.

This is not to suggest that happiness is guaranteed, but that the pursuit of virtue itself provides the tranquility and conditions that make happiness possible.

Take, for instance, Aristotle’s notion of eudaimonia—the flourishing life. Aristotle didn’t see happiness as a fleeting emotional state but as a sustained experience tied to living virtuously.

If we apply this understanding to Stoicism, we could interpret happiness not as a momentary feeling of joy but as a state of deep contentment rooted in virtuous living.

A life lived by Stoic principles may not bring constant joy, but it leads to an enduring sense of peace—a peace that only those who have learned to master their desires and emotions can attain.

The Stoic’s Catch-22

Now, we find ourselves at a crossroads: Is the pursuit of happiness itself a worthy endeavor, or should we abandon it for the sake of pure virtue?

The Stoics would argue that pursuing happiness directly is a mistake because happiness depends on external factors beyond our control.

Pursuing virtue, on the other hand, puts us in control of our responses to the world around us.

But isn’t this a bit of a catch-22?

By focusing entirely on virtue, we might neglect the very thing that motivates us in the first place: our desire for happiness.

Yet, this is exactly the challenge that Stoicism sets before us. You must accept that happiness cannot be forced, manipulated, or pursued with selfish intentions.

Instead, it emerges naturally when you live in accordance with reason and virtue. By focusing on what you can control—your thoughts, actions, and responses—you create the conditions for happiness, even if it doesn’t come in the way you expect.

Many people, particularly those who favor more modern interpretations of Stoicism, find themselves in a tug-of-war between happiness and contentment.

Happiness seems like an all-encompassing goal, one that encompasses joy, pleasure, and satisfaction.

Contentment, on the other hand, seems more modest—a sense of peaceful acceptance, even in the absence of joy.

The Stoics might tell you that contentment is actually a higher, more sustainable state than happiness. But isn’t contentment a bit too passive?

If happiness is unattainable, should we settle for contentment instead?

Let’s compare the two:

Happiness	Contentment
Often tied to external circumstances	Less dependent on external factors
A temporary emotional state	A lasting, stable mindset
Requires pleasurable experiences	Relies on peace and acceptance
Can fluctuate with life’s ups and downs	Maintains even during hardship (at least in theory)

For the Stoic, contentment is the preferred state. Happiness may come and go, but contentment is a constant—a result of living in harmony with nature and reason.

It’s the understanding that we can’t control everything, but we can control how we respond.

By embracing this idea, you free yourself from the burdens of pursuing happiness and instead embrace the quiet satisfaction of living virtuously.

Finding Your Own Path

For me, the essence of Stoicism came to life during a particularly difficult period of my life.

I was caught in a cycle of chasing happiness through external achievements—new jobs, relationships, and possessions. Each time I reached one goal, I found that it didn’t bring the lasting contentment I had expected.

Eventually, I turned to Stoicism as a way of coping with my dissatisfaction. What I discovered was that focusing on virtue—being the best person I could be in each moment—brought a sense of peace. My happiness didn’t depend on what I achieved, but on how I responded to life’s challenges.

It’s a daily practice, not a one-time achievement, though.

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I also have to disclose that I don’t consider myself a “full-time Stoic” as I think that life could put you in a situation where the teachings lose too much practicality despite sounding absolutely great on paper.

Some of you may be surprised to hear this. But in my opinion, stoicism does have downsides/misunderstood parts/semi-flaws that one has to consider.