“Enable my mind to adapt itself to whatever comes to pass.” Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 2.21 Life rarely follows the script we hoped for. That’s why we need a Stoic mindset for unexpected events. Plans fall through. People change. Unexpected events knock us off balance. But Epictetus offers Read more
In Stoicism, arete (Greek: ἀρετή) is one of the most important central concepts to know. Often translated as virtue or excellence, it describes the highest good in Stoic philosophy: living in full alignment with reason, nature, and moral integrity. But why should a modern reader care about an ancient Greek Read more
“The first essential is not to become angry, the second to cease being angry, the third to cure also anger in other.” Seneca, On Anger, Book 3, Section 5 Anger is one of the most reactive emotions we face. It burns quickly, clouds our judgment, and often causes more damage Read more
“There are more things, Lucilius, likely to frighten us than there are to crush us; we suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius, Book 2, Letter 13.4 We’ve all been there. Lying in bed at night, thoughts racing. What if I said the wrong Read more
“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 Read more
How much of your life have you let slip through your fingers without even realizing it? Here are ten quotes by Seneca on Time. Seneca, the Stoic philosopher, warned us about one of humanity’s greatest mistakes: wasting time. In a world full of distractions, endless scrolling, and busy schedules, we Read more
“To stand up straight – not straightened.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 3.5 What Does “Stand Up Straight Not Straightened” Mean? Marcus Aurelius delivers a sharp and timeless reminder: true strength comes from within. If you are wondering how to practice stoic self-reliance, this quote is a key answer. Stoicism, speaks Read more
Stoicism by John Sellars is an academic yet accessible introduction to Stoic philosophy that provides great insights to both the novice and the seasoned student of Stoicism. Summary As part of the Ancient Philosophies series by Routledge, Stoicism dives deep into Stoic philosophy. Sellars starts with a comprehensive yet clear Read more
“It does not matter what you bear, but how you bear it.” Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, On Providence, 2 The quality of our lives is in part determined by how we handle adversity and Stoicism can help us. We all experience these difficulties. We can all recognize these hardships, like Read more
“Do not ask things to happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and your life will go smoothly.” Epictetus, The Handbook, 8 How can we learn to accept life as it happens? This quote from Epictetus cuts straight to the heart of Stoicism and Read more