“To stop talking about what the good man is like, and just be one.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 10.16
How can we be good in Practice? We love to talk about ideals and perfection. What makes someone “good”? What would the Stoic sage do? Marcus Aurelius cuts through the noise. His message is simple, direct, and uncomfortably honest: stop theorizing and start being.
In a world where we’re constantly told to build our “personal brand,” Stoicism pulls us in the other direction. Character is not something to post about, it’s something to live, moment by moment.
The Stoic Shift from Talking to Doing
Philosophy isn’t performance. Marcus knew that the true test of virtue isn’t in how beautifully we speak about courage, temperance, or justice, it’s in how we show up when no one is watching. The Stoics remind us that integrity is quiet. Consistent. Unshakable.
So, what does it mean to be a good man or woman in practice?
Not perfection. But presence. Not preaching. But persistence. It’s choosing self-control when you’re angry, honesty when it’s inconvenient, and patience when you’d rather not.
3 Stoic Ways to Practice Being Good
1. Live Your Values Daily: Write down your core principles and keep them visible. Use them as your filter before making decisions.
2. Cut the Commentary: Before you give advice or explain your views, ask yourself: Am I living this? Let your actions speak first.
3. Do One Quiet Good Deed: Each day, do something helpful without telling anyone. A true Stoic act doesn’t need an audience.
Be the Person You Keep Talking About
If you find yourself endlessly thinking about what the good life should look like, pause. Then act. As Marcus reminds us, it’s time to be that person, not just describe them.
🔗 Want to explore more Stoic strategies? Book a free consultation with one of our Stoic Coaches or read more on the Marcus Aurelius Quotes page. You can also listen to the Via Stoica podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or watch it on YouTube.
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