What Does It Mean to Love Your Fate? To practice Amor Fati means to love one’s fate, not just to accept it, but to embrace and love it. To affirm everything that happens as necessary and good for the whole. The phrase, meaning “love of fate,” comes from Friedrich Nietzsche, Read more
To think for yourself like a Stoic means questioning assumptions, testing ideas through reason, and trusting your own judgment rather than blindly following others. “Besides, a man who follows someone else not only does not find anything, he is not even looking.” Seneca, Letters From a Stoic, Letter XXXIII In Read more
The Stoic Archer “The archer ought to do all in his power to aim straight at the target.” Cicero, On Ends, Book 3.6 What does a bow, an arrow, and a target have to do with philosophy? In Stoicism, everything. The image of the Stoic archer reminds us that while Read more
To build self-worth like a Stoic means to measure your value by your character and actions, not by what others think or what you possess. “It starts with knowing yourself, and what value you set upon yourself.” Epictetus, Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 2.11 Modern life constantly pushes us to compare Read more
What is Boulesis? Boulesis in Stoicism is the rational will or moral desire directed toward what is truly good. It reflects the inner movement of the soul that seeks virtue and harmony with nature. While passions pull us toward pleasure and away from pain, boulēsis is guided by reason; it’s Read more
To understand Marcus Aurelius’ view on change means seeing life as a constant flow, everything is in motion, nothing stands still, and peace comes from accepting that truth. “Some things are rushing into existence, others out of it. Some of what now exists is already gone. Change and flux constantly Read more
In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with Becky Schmooke, author of Choose the Handle That Holds and founder of Stoic Edge Consulting. Becky is redefining what leadership means through Stoic philosophy, mindfulness, and practical frameworks that bring calm, clarity, and courage to everyday decisions. Their discussion Read more
Why does Seneca on pleasure and freedom still matter today? To understand Seneca on pleasure and freedom means realizing that the more we depend on pleasures for happiness, the less control we have over our own minds. “The more and greater the pleasures are, the more inferior is that man Read more
What is Askesis? Askesis in Stoicism is the disciplined practice of training one’s mind and character toward virtue. The word describes the process through which Stoics strengthen their reasoning, control impulses, and align daily actions with nature. In modern life, askesis reminds us that wisdom and peace do not come Read more
What Is Voluntary Discomfort? Voluntary discomfort is the Stoic practice of deliberately choosing small hardships to strengthen both body and mind. It teaches freedom from desire and aversion and prepares us to face life’s inevitable challenges with wisdom and courage. Seneca described this training clearly: “Set aside a certain number Read more