Is Stoicism and Hedonism Compatible? Stoics believe that the only things you can control absolutely are your own thoughts & volition. Everything else is outside of your complete control and can be taken from you by fate. This includes your life, your health or even your limbs. While a stoic would prefer not to lose a limb, a stoic needs nothing external to be happy. As a stoic you seek to live a virtuous life. This is completely w...