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Writer's pictureVanesa Eleonor Vale Mendoza

How Cottagecore Meets Stoicism and Nietzsche

Updated: Jan 6


What does Cottagecore have to do with philosophy? You may be surprised to learn that Cottagecore shares some common themes and values with two influential philosophical schools: Stoicism and Nietzsche's "Amor Fati". Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that teaches how to live a virtuous and happy life by focusing on what you can control and accepting what you can't. Nietzsche's "Amor Fati" is a concept that means "love of fate", and it encourages us to embrace everything that happens to us, good or bad, as part of our destiny. In this article, you will learn how Cottagecore meets Stoicism and Nietzsche, and how you can apply their wisdom to your own life. By combining Cottagecore, Stoicism, and Nietzsche's "Amor Fati", we can transform our lives into a work of art, and find joy and peace in the simple things.


The daily stoic book by Ryan Holyday

Forget yoga retreats and overpriced kombucha. We're talking real-world resilience, the kind brewed in cracked concrete flower pots and sipped between deadlines. This, my friends, is the alchemy of Cottagecore meets Nietzsche and Stoicism: a potent blend for finding peace amidst the urban pandemonium.


...Philosophy often sounds fancy, but it's just about understanding life better.


Imagine Nietzsche, sipping espresso in a rooftop garden, his handlebar mustache twitching with amusement at the city's symphony of sirens and jackhammers. "Amor Fati," he'd grunt, "love your fate, even the burnt toast and overflowing inbox!" Next to him, a Stoic sage like Epictetus might raise a steaming mug of chamomile, muttering, "Control what you can, the rest is smoke and mirrors, my friend."


Nietzsche whispers acceptance – not surrender, mind you, but a fierce embrace of the chaos. The burnt toast? An opportunity to appreciate the simple joy of a good bagel tomorrow.





Stoicism guides your response, teaching you to navigate the storm without getting swept away. The overflowing laundry basket? An opportunity to appreciate the simple joy of slipping into fresh, crisp sheets tomorrow.



This urban oasis isn't a picture in a magazine; it's the rhythmic clatter of coffee cups in your favorite cafe, the fleeting glimpse of a butterfly flitting past your window, and the quiet moment of gratitude for a shared smile, a connection woven into the fabric of the city. Here, the city fades into the background, replaced by the quiet hum of life and the gentle rhythm of your own breath.


This isn't about escaping reality, it's about transforming it. It's about finding your own rooftop sanctuary, tending your inner garden, and embracing the symphony of life, burnt toast and all!


Remember, you are not just a cog in the machine. You are a resilient dandelion pushing through the cracks, a phoenix rising from the ashes of your to-do list. You are an alchemist, brewing serenity in your city slicker's mug, one sip at a time.



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Practical Lessons


Embrace your destiny, just like Nietzsche and focus on what you can control, like the Stoics. Embrace what comes your way, focus on what matters, and enjoy the process. You'll navigate today's challenges with more grace.


Embracing fate and practicing Stoicism leads to a psychological transformation. The shift from resistance to acceptance cultivates inner strength and fosters a healthier approach to challenges. In today's fast-paced world, the combination of "Amor Fati" and Stoic principles offers a practical framework for managing stress, making decisions, and finding purpose.


But be careful… misunderstanding Nietzsche's concept might lead to fatalistic attitudes. Embracing fate should not be mistaken for passive surrender; rather, it's an active engagement with life's challenges. Taken to an extreme, Stoicism might lead to emotional detachment. Overemphasis on control might hinder genuine connections and emotional richness.


Remember, the key is to find the humor, the unexpected beauty, the silver linings woven into the fabric of urban life. Nietzsche and the Stoics wouldn't expect you to conquer every obstacle with a grin, but they'd encourage you to dance with the chaos, find your own rhythm in the concrete jungle, and celebrate the small victories that make city living worth the fight.



So, how does this translate to your daily grind?


Let's explore how the fusion of embracing “fate and the process” can remarkably transform seemingly mundane moments into extraordinary gems of insight and delight:


1. Rush-hour Traffic

Picture yourself stuck in rush-hour traffic, frustrated by the delay and the seemingly endless line of cars. Your day has barely started, yet stress already sets in.


Embracing Fate and Process approach: Instead of allowing irritation to take over, embrace the situation. Use this time to catch up on an audiobook or podcast that inspires you. Embrace the process of patience, finding solace in the fact that traffic delays are beyond your control. By focusing on the journey, you transform a mundane commute into a chance for personal growth and learning.


2. Hectic Workdays

Your workdays are often a whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and emails. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and lose sight of the bigger picture.


Embracing Fate and Process approach: Rather than fixating on the chaos, adopt an embracing approach. View each task as an opportunity to hone your skills and contribute to your growth. Embrace the process of learning to manage your time and prioritize tasks effectively. By focusing on the process and your efforts, you'll find a renewed sense of purpose and accomplishment in your work.


3. Everyday Chores

Household chores like cleaning, cooking, and laundry can feel like a never-ending cycle, leaving you drained and uninspired.


Embracing Fate and Process approach: Shift your perspective and see these chores as acts of self-care and nurturing your space. Embrace the process of turning mundane tasks into mindful rituals. As you clean, imagine clearing not just physical clutter but mental clutter too. While cooking, relish the aroma of ingredients coming together. Folding laundry can become a moment of reflection. By embracing the present and finding joy in the process, even the most routine tasks can become meaningful and fulfilling experiences.


amor fati notebook

In each of these scenarios, embracing fate and the process entails a shift in perspective - a conscious choice to discover value and growth in the present moment.


So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, don't reach for another latte. Brew yourself a cup of resilience, seasoned with sunshine and a dash of "Amor Fati." You'll be surprised how delicious life can be, even when the world throws you a curveball (or a rogue squirrel).


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About Nietzsche "Amor Fati"

Nietzsche's "Amor Fati" is a concept that he introduced in his book The Gay Science, and that he elaborated in his later works, such as Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Ecce Homo. "Amor Fati" means "love of fate", and it expresses Nietzsche's idea that we should affirm and embrace everything that happens to us, good or bad, as part of our destiny. Nietzsche believed that life is full of suffering, hardship, and contradiction, and that we should not try to escape or deny it, but rather face it and overcome it. Nietzsche also believed that we should not be passive or resigned to our fate, but rather active and creative, and that we should strive to make our own values and meaning in life. Nietzsche's "Amor Fati" is a passionate and optimistic concept that aims to help us transform our lives into a work of art.



About Stoicism

Stoicism is a philosophy that was founded by Zeno of Citium in the 3rd century BC, and developed by later thinkers such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism teaches that the main goal of life is to live according to nature, which means to live according to reason and virtue. Stoics believe that we have the power to choose how we react to external events, and that we should focus on what we can control, such as our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and not worry about what we can't control, such as other people, fate, or fortune. Stoics also believe that we should accept everything that happens to us as part of the divine plan, and that we should be grateful for what we have, rather than complain about what we lack. Stoicism is a practical and rational philosophy that aims to help us overcome our negative emotions, such as anger, fear, or sadness, and cultivate positive emotions, such as joy, peace, or love.


About Cottagecore What is Cottagecore?

Cottagecore is more than just an aesthetic; it's a way of life that celebrates simplicity, nature, and self-care. In the Cottagecore philosophy, we find a roadmap for mindful living, self-love, embracing simplicity, and finding calm and relaxation. Read more.


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About Cottage Corner


Cottage Corner is your virtual haven, dedicated to the enchanting world of Cottagecore. Within our online store, we celebrate the beauty of everyday moments, infusing your life with warmth and a touch of enchantment. Our mission revolves around the art of embracing life's small details and extending an invitation for you to explore and treasure the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary.



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