Pegmata

Fixed doctrines and foundational principles of Stoic philosophy that, through repeated practice and application, become integrated into conscious awareness and reflexive action.

The Greek word literally means 'fixtures' or 'scaffoldings'. In Stoic philosophy, pegmata denotes operative beliefs — not mere intellectual assent, but internalized principles that directly reshape the nervous system and one's actions. A pegma is digested through daily repetition and practical application until it becomes an automatic response, no longer needing to be consciously recalled but simply present. Examples include Epictetus's dichotomy of control and Marcus Aurelius's daily repetition of core principles in the Meditations.