[hpoe]

See that is an interesting point I've discovered while learning about stocism, and I find the same line of thought from what I understand of Buddhism.

It seems that they are focused on taking away desires, just stop wanting things so much, stop trying to avoid pain and seek after pleasure. Which I agree in large part much of the misery we encounter in our daily life seems to stem from failure to adequately control our more reptilian impulses, but it also seems like the whole philosophy is about completely detaching from things, and as a wise man recently said "The only way to take the grief out of death is to take the love out of life."

I get that it can be less painful, but why optimize for avoiding pain instead of maximizing joy?

[tugberkk]

Stoicism is actually similar to Buddhism in some ways. However, it is about being content. Rich means that you don't want anything else other than you own. This is being content. Stoics say that you have your mind and "reason"; which is the most important thing you can own. Therefore, why do you want some other things? Especially, if its not in your control.