Yes, the AA serenity prayer has roots in Stoicism. Stoicism emphasizes moral character and the pursuit of a virtuous life, guided by reason and wisdom.
Although not technically a stoic thing, I use it as the Stoic guiding statement in chapter 13 of “30 Philosophers.”
“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
For stoics, the Serenity Prayer adopted by AA and other 12-step programs, isn’t just inspiration for the down and out, it’s a way of life for all. Stoics believe that the key to a good life lies in cultivating virtue and mastering your emotions and thoughts. Think along the lines of being a good person who mostly has positive thoughts and thinks ahead.
As a self-identified Stoic, I subscribe to the idea that my thoughts have a powerful impact on the trajectory of my life. By shaping the quality and direction of my own thoughts, I am better able to navigate the forks in the road, giving me maximum control over what I can control, over “my” future. I use the ancient Greek word eudaimonia to write about views on the ultimate purpose of life. For Stoics, eudaimonia is defined as inner peace, attainable through the cultivation of wisdom and virtue, and focused on your inner character and mental fortitude.
