Is the serenity prayer stoic? “Grant me the serenity…”

--Reinhold Niebuhr,
1930s

Mike's Takeaway:

Just like the Serenity Prayer Stoicism focuses on the Dichotomy of Control within the "good intent-good results" framework. The good intent, such as a thoughtful actions, lead to virtue and moral. There are elements beyond one's control, like stormy weather, rolling dice, and a cosmic landscape. The central and only focus is on things that can control.

That’s the bottom line.

Now, let’s explore this quote a bit more…

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 thoughts, I am better able to navigate the forks in the road, giving me maximum control over my future. 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.

These short pieces do the quiet work of verification, ensuring that ideas remain grounded in reliable scholarship rather than repetition or assumption.

This project separates research, synthesis, and reflection so that each can be improved independently without breaking coherence.

The end!