Abstract

This is an assessment of the value of cognitive techniques from the Stoic school of ancient philosophy for the treatment of mental illness. Focusing on three important Stoic Philosophers; Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. The argument is that much of what Stoics recommend is an unnattainable ideal, but that much can be learnt for the treatment of mental illness on the journey towards this ideal. Hence, Stoicism's ancient wisdom on the human condition should not be overlooked in our quest for a solution to the current mental illness epidemic.