A Basic Analysis on the Stoic Sphere of Influence

The Stoic Sphere of Influence stems from the philosophy of Stoicism. This diagram of the Sphere of Influence (designed by myself)outlines visually the relationship between "internals" and "externals" and the individual's control over each. To give a brief explanation, Stoicism seeks to define "externals" as objects and events outside of our own influence and control. These "externals" ultimately reside outside of ourselves and therefore are subject to their own function and direction. While we do retain a personal connection with some "externals" (such as our friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc.), they in the end remains outside our complete control due to their own individual make-up. Other "externals" beyond our human associates are even more remotely beyond our control (such as the sun, weather, lifetime wealth, lifelong health, etc.). What is more important to the Stoics is our implementation of our "internals"--namely or opinions and values. What we orient our opinions to shape more importantly our interaction with the "externals". How much value we invest into "externals" and to what degree physically and emotionally we are affected by "externals" is completely up to us. The Stoics, therefore, advocate that we analyze constantly how these "externals" affect us by analyzing our own thoughts. In doing so, the Stoics seek to ultimately motivate the individual to retain a more crafted understanding of the happenings of the world and where we should invest our personal position towards.