“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”
Seneca, Letters to Lucilius, Letter 78
The Courage to Keep Going
How do we find Stoic courage in everyday life? Seneca’s words remind us that courage is not just for battlefields or heroic deeds. Sometimes, just getting out of bed, showing up for yourself, or facing an uncertain future is an act of courage in itself. This quote should help us be kinder and more compassionate to ourselves and those around us. We are all struggling with something, keep that in mind.
For the Stoics, courage is one of the four cardinal virtues. It is the ability to move forward despite fear, pain, or hardship, knowing that what you have to do is the right action. In moments when life feels overwhelming, choosing to live with virtue and in accordance with nature is a courageous act.
Why This Stoic Wisdom Matters Today
Modern life presents us with challenges that may feel invisible to others; personal loss, chronic illness, anxiety, or burnout. In these moments, even taking the next small step forward requires inner fortitude. But that’s what it is all about, taking that next step and keep moving one at a time. The quality of our life isn’t found in those big moments, it’s in the little ones that connect everything together.
Seneca’s wisdom teaches us that it is okay to acknowledge that life can be hard, and it is a mark of true bravery to continue living well despite adversity. Emphasizing the ‘living well’ part, that’s where we can find Stoic courage in everyday life. For the Stoics, courage is part of living according to nature, facing adversity with acceptance and virtue rather than avoidance.
How to Apply This Stoic Courage Today
- Acknowledge your struggles. Stoicism does not mean suppressing emotions; it means facing them honestly and understanding them.
- Take small but deliberate actions. Even tiny steps forward are proof of courage, focus on the next action you need to take. Don’t worry about the one that follows too much for now.
- Find meaning in the journey. Every difficult day survived is a quiet testament to your resilience and to the path that you’re on.
This isn’t about never feeling fear or sadness. It is about deciding to carry on despite them, with the Stoic courage that resides within.
🔗 Want to explore more Stoic strategies? Book a free consultation with one of our Stoic Coaches or read more on the Seneca Quotes page. Or listen to the Via Stoica Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or watch it on YouTube.
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