The Stoic Classroom (Wisdom)

Your Child’s Real Homework: Building Character with Epictetus

“The Real” is what’s real to me, and what I see when I’m here in my quiet and able to breathe. And yes I struggle and question and retreat, feeling overwhelm and fear, it can be disabling…but I’m choosing something I can’t always see, wholeheartedly believing it was meant for me, and that is the wisdom of becoming.” -KH 

The wisdom to see past the noise and choose the path meant for you—that is the highest education we can give.

The Bridge: From Why to How

Last week, we challenged the old model by asking: "How does this apply to my life?" This week, we introduce the framework for answering that question. We believe education should be the deliberate act of building character, resilience, and judgment—the only things that truly prepare a child for a world that changes hourly.

We use the lessons of history and literature to teach the Foundational Principles of Life, often called the Four Cardinal Virtues of Stoicism. I teach Stoicism as a foundation of Kairos Learning - it is a beautiful way to link learning to life.

The Four Pillars of an Intentional Life

These virtues are the true skills your child needs to master:

1. Wisdom (Prudence): Knowing what is good, what is bad, and what is indifferent.

2. Justice (Right Action): Treating others fairly and acting for the collective good.

3. Temperance (Self-Control): Exercising moderation and discipline over one's desires and actions.

4. Courage (Endurance): Facing adversity, fear, and pain with dignity and reason.

This week, we focus on Wisdom, often summarized by the core teaching of the philosopher Epictetus: "Some things are up to us and some things are not up to us."

We want our children to have the wisdom to discern the difference, directing their energy only toward what they can control (their effort, their attitude, their choices).

This is beautifully illustrated in Ryan Holiday's children's book, The Girl Who Would Be Free. The story encapsulates the power of inner freedom and self-mastery—the ultimate act of prudence.

Your Weekly Challenge (The Kairos Step)

Your challenge this week is twofold:

1. Read/Discuss The Girl Who Would Be Free (or tell your child the story of Epictetus and his focus on inner freedom).

2. Ask your child the Epictetus Question every time they face a challenge (a bad grade, a difficult classmate, a frustrating chore): "In this situation, what is something that is up to me?"

By consistently focusing on their response, you help them internalize the first great virtue: Wisdom.

What’s Next?

Next week, we will introduce a new philosopher and dive into the second virtue: Justice (Right Action)—how we use our unique education for the good of the world.