An innovative program that introduces inmates to the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism has led to a dramatic reduction in violence at a British prison, the Daily Mail reports.
This unique initiative at HMP Wayland Prison has seen physical attacks on both staff and other prisoners plummet, establishing the facility as one of the least violent prisons of its kind in the UK.
Inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board lauded the “innovative” effort, noting its success in helping prisoners cultivate “inner resilience.” The Daily Mail reports that it highlighted how staff-led courses, “heavily influenced by the Greek philosophy of Stoicism,” have become exceptionally popular.
Due to high demand, these voluntary sessions on Stoicism, which seem to be effective in reducing violence in the prison, are now “almost continuously scheduled,” signifying a profound shift in inmate engagement.
The approach, as recognized by the Board, “distances [the prison] from punitive and simply educative approaches and, instead, seeks to increase a prisoner’s inner resilience.” This philosophical grounding appears to be the key to the remarkable decline in aggression, with the strategy proving highly effective.
The enduring principles of Stoicism
Founded over 2,300 years ago by Zeno of Citium, Stoicism centers on four cardinal virtues: prudence (wisdom), fortitude (courage), temperance (self-control), and justice. These virtues guide followers toward what is known as a “well-lived life.”
At its core, Stoic philosophy teaches individuals to differentiate between what they can control (their thoughts, reactions, and choices) and what they cannot (external events, other people’s behavior). By focusing solely on the former, adherents learn to cultivate inner tranquility and emotional mastery.
Stoics posit that negative emotions such as anger or envy are not direct responses to events but rather stem from our interpretations of them. By reshaping these, individuals can gain control over their emotional landscape.
Modern applications of Stoicism often involve daily reflection, journaling, and mindfulness practices, all aimed at maintaining perspective, fostering calm under pressure, and making ethical decisions. Renowned historical figures who embraced Stoic thought include the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the statesman Seneca the Younger, and the philosopher Epictetus.
One prison worker at HMP Wayland, a facility with 900 inmates, described the courses as a “great idea” and revealed that “prisoners are known to enjoy a bit of philosophy. The philosophy section of the library is among the most popular.”
This testament from within the prison underscores the intrinsic appeal and practical utility of Stoic principles for those seeking a path to self-improvement and peaceful coexistence, even within a challenging environment.
A prison service spokesperson also maintained: “Education helps reduce prison violence and encourages offenders to turn their backs on a life of crime.” Prisoners can choose from dozens of educational courses to help them overcome their lives of crime.
Related: Stoicism: The Greatest Quotes of Ancient Greek Philosophers
