“For universally (and you should not be deceived on this) every living creature is attached to nothing so strongly as it is to its own interest.” Epictetus, The Discourses, Book Two, Chapter 22.12 What does Epictetus mean by saying that we are most attached to our self-interests? At first glance, Read more
“Three relationshipsi. with the body you inhabitii. with the divine, the cause of everything in all thingsiii. with the people around you” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 8.27 How often do we pause to evaluate our relationships, not just with others, but with ourselves and the universe? Marcus Aurelius offers a Read more
“If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person.” Seneca, Letters From a Stoic, Letter CIV How often do we believe that changing our location will change our lives? We move Read more
A deep dive into the true connection between Stoicism and emotions, clearing up the common misconceptions of how Stoics view and understand emotions. Summary Stoicism and Emotion deals with the complex connection the Stoic has with emotions. Piecing together information from the ancient texts, Graver takes the reader on an Read more
“What a man sets his heart on, that he naturally loves. Do men set their heart on evils? – By no means. Or on what does not concern them? – No again. It remains for us to conclude, then, that good things alone are what they set their heart on: Read more
These 10 Seneca quotes on friendship will help you understand what it means to have true friends. For Seneca, friendship wasn’t just about companionship; it was a testing ground for virtue, trust, and mutual growth. In a world where relationships are often built on utility or pleasure, his Stoic wisdom Read more
“Practice really hearing what people say. Do your best to get inside their minds.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 6.53 Listening is a forgotten skill, and it requires attention, something we have long lost in the storm of information. We often hear to reply, not to understand, and to wait for Read more
“How can you wonder your travels do you no good, when you carry yourself around with you? You are saddled with the very thing that drove you away.” Seneca, Letters From a Stoic, Letter XXVIII The excitement or relief of a new place, job, or situation soon settles in, and Read more
What is Propatheia? Propatheia is an involuntary emotional reaction to an impression, shaped by your character and pre-existing beliefs, but occurring before reason has the chance to evaluate or judge what is truly happening. Have you ever flinched at sudden news or felt your heart skip before you caught yourself? Read more
“In the case of everything that delights the mind, or is useful, or is loved with fond affection, remember to tell yourself what sort of thing it is, beginning with the least of things. If you are fond of a jug, say, ‘It is a jug that I am fond Read more