For me .. Why Stoicism and Epicureanism arose AND why they reverberate now.

I am impressed by Stoicism. I like a philosophy that ... well ... this sums it up well.

Stoicism is a philosophy of self-control and virtue that teaches people to live in accordance with reason and nature, focusing on what is within their control to achieve inner peace and happiness. It emphasizes living a virtuous life through wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance, while accepting events outside of one's control with equanimity. 

I am also impressed by Epicureanism.

Epicureanism is a philosophy that defines happiness as a state of tranquility and freedom from fear, achieved through a life of moderation, simplicity, and friendship. While the modern use of "epicurean" often refers to a love of luxury and fine food, the original philosophy, founded by Epicurus, advocates for finding pleasure in simple things and avoiding unnecessary pain.

The difference is minimal to me, although it was a raging battle in Roman times. The difference would be seen in today's world like this: 

-Followers of Epicureanism would withdraw entirely from the political world. 

-Stoics would likely work within the current system and attempt to mitigate the problems they could with justice and courage. 

As I have vacillated between these two solutions, I get the inherent dichotomy. I don't have the answer, but I get it.

I am thinking about this because I have been reading The Swerve, and one part in particular really stood out to me. It is the idea that these arguments emerged during the early Roman times because beliefs were in flux. The old Gods of the Romans and Greeks were honored, but not really believed in. And the new God of Jesus was yet to arrive on the scene. It was a time of questioning the source and purpose of life.

It reverberates now because we no longer believe in the moral good of Capitalism. Capitalism's worst sides of inequality and unfairness have manifested in a way that cannot be ignored. But Communism is even worse for people's health and happiness. And so I am between the two beliefs as the ancient Romans were. Maybe a new system is rising before our eyes and I am missing it. Or it will not resolve in my lifetime (which is only the next 20 - 30 years at most).