Stoicism Is the New Snake Oil — And You’re Buying It

I used to think Stoicism was the key to life. The ultimate mental hack. The wisdom of emperors and slaves, condensed into neat little packages of resilience, discipline, and self-mastery. I read Meditations, I devoured YouTube videos, I soaked up every modern interpretation of ancient wisdom.

And then, I woke up.

The Stoic Industrial Complex

Stoicism today isn’t a philosophy — it’s an industry. A relentless, content-churning machine designed to sell you self-help in a toga. Everywhere you look, someone is selling you Stoicism as the answer: the secret to success, the antidote to anxiety, the mindset of the ultra-wealthy. Books, courses, newsletters, coaching programs. It’s a billion-dollar market disguised as ancient wisdom.

But here’s the truth: modern Stoicism has been repackaged as a feel-good drug for the productivity-obsessed. It’s not about philosophy anymore; it’s about monetizing your desire for control.

And you’re eating it up.

“Control Your Emotions” Is a Lie

The modern Stoic pitch is simple: control your emotions, control your life. Sounds great in theory. But in reality, it’s a neatly marketed, hyper-intellectualized way to deny your own humanity.