Transforming Prisons with Stoicism: Using Ancient Philosophy to Reduce Violence and Improve Well-Being in Inmates

An interview with Andy Small

Andy Small has worked for HM Prison Service since 1992, serving at HMP Pentonville and HMP Huntercombe. He is currently the gym manager, leading a dedicated team of six highly trained sports coaches. Together, they teach sports and gym qualifications to adult male prisoners, who are serving sentences ranging from 2 years to life.

Since 2016, Andrew has introduced Stoic Philosophy into the curriculum, and the results have been remarkable. Over four evaluations, there has been a noticeable decrease in levels of self-harm, aggression, and violence, while well being among graduates has improved. The 16-session Stoic Philosophy course has now expanded to 12 prisons, with plans for further growth.

Andy will be speaking at our upcoming event, The Philosophy and Psychology of Anger on Stoicism and Anger in Prisons.

How did you first become interested in this area?

I don’t have any formal qualifications in this field, but I became deeply interested in Stoicism as a way to support a friend who was struggling with depression. The Stoic skills seemed so ubiquitous and easily learnt that I thought it would be suitable for incarcerated individuals. I contacted Jeff Traylor, an American Psychologist/Author, Jeff sent me the manual he used in the 1990’s which I adapted for use on our course. I try to emulate Jeff’s kindness and openness towards people trying to do some good.

What are the most important concepts or ideas that you teach others?

Very often it’s the stories we tell ourselves that cause the damage. Getting our internal monologue in order is perhaps the most important task we face as humans.

Do you have a favorite quote that you use?

My all-time favourite:

People are disturbed not by things, but by the views they take of those things

Epictetus, Enchiridion

This quote speaks to the internal monologue.

I have quotes that I mull over for periods of time. This is the current one:

When you’ve done well and another has benefited by it, why like a fool do you look for a third thing on top—credit for the good deed or a favour in return?

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

At first, reading this quote helps me comprehend doing things to receive a ‘slap on the back’ is foolish. When I reflect more deeply, it helps me uncover a sense of meaning and purpose. By removing the dopamine rush that comes from praise, I’m compelled to examine my true motivations for engaging in the activity.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to learn more about what you do?

This is your chance to direct our audience toward your work, such as your website, or any recent or forthcoming books. Say a little, if possible, about the resources you’re sharing. Please include any relevant links.

The UK Ministry of Justice Press Office has recently given permission for this video to be shown publicly

The short film was funded by the Aurelius Foundation Aurelius Foundation | Wisdom, Justice, Temperance, Courage and I think, neatly displays what we are about. I have been an advisor with the foundation since 2019 - we are trying to spread Stoicism to make the world a better place!

Suppose you were able to give a talk or workshop at the original location of Plato’s Academy, in Athens.

I have been lucky enough to talk at Plato’s Academy in a temporary structure with the Aurelius Foundation and it was a thrilling experience, that experience would be multiplied 10x with a conference centre.

What question would you like to leave us to think about?

Unless we exterminate all prisoners or hand them whole life prison sentences, we must release them, ex-prisoners cause havoc to themselves and society.

How can we alter public opinion to understand we must invest in prisoners for the good of all of us?