What is Redemption in Stoicism?

How Do We Redeem Ourselves Despite Our Flaws

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Redemption is a word that is most often used in religious circles, such as Christianity. It’s used to explain the action of being saved by God from sin. However, redemption is part of any philosophical journey. It doesn’t need to be in relation to a supernatural God. It could entirely be between you and your own conscience.

What is Stoic Redemption?

As far as I can tell, Stoic redemption is when you aim for virtue but you miss the mark because you are not perfect. Sometimes, you miss the mark and you are aware of it. Other times, you miss the mark and you are completely oblivious to it.

“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow.”

Mary Tyler Moore

If you are aware of it, then great! That’s the first step. However, if you are oblivious to it, you need that insufficiency to be made conscious of you. That is done through either deep reflection, the consequences of your actions, or by those around you telling you the truth about yourself. And this is painful because it means that you are not exactly where you thought you were; you’re further behind than you thought. And you have to contend with the fact that you’re not as…