“Examine who you are… For you are capable of understanding the divine governance of the universe, and of reasoning on what follows from that.” Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 10 We often ask, “Who am I?” But the deeper Stoic question is: “What do I belong to?” Epictetus invites Read more
What is Stoic Courage Stoic courage is doing what is virtuous and just, even when it is difficult or requires sacrifice.It is knowing what the just, rational, and natural thing to do is, and then doing it, even when it’s hard, even when it goes against your desires or aversions. Read more
“Not to display anger or other emotions. To be free of passion and yet full of love.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 1.9 What is the Stoic emotional focus? The Stoics focus on the positive emotions, the Eupatheiai, like joy. It’s not suppression, but it’s redirection. Marcus Aurelius hints at this Read more
What is the Hegemonikon? In answering the question, What is the hegemonikon (ἡγεμονικόν) the Stoics refer to your ruling faculty, your inner command center that governs your thoughts, decisions, and reactions. This is where reason, judgment, and self-awareness are housed. While the term may sound abstract or ancient, it represents Read more
“Greed is satisfied by nothing, but nature finds satisfaction even in scant measures.” Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, Consolation to Helvia, 10 Can we choose to be satisfied with less? We often chase satisfaction through the next purchase, the next achievement, the next goal. But Seneca’s words pull us back to Read more
“If you take on a role that is beyond your powers, you not only disgrace yourself in that role, but you neglect the role that you were capable of fulfilling.” Epictetus, The Handbook, 37 What is the importance of taking on our role in life? We hear it often: “You Read more
Introduction What is Stoic discipline?Stoic discipline is the daily practice of aligning your thoughts, actions, and desires with reason and virtue. It means choosing what is right over what is easy, focusing on what you can control, and letting go of distractions that take you away from your purpose. Without Read more
“Choose not to be harmed – and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed – and you haven’t been.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4.7 How can we stop taking things personally? Why do some words hit so hard while others bounce right off? Why do we carry certain comments for Read more
Stoic Empathy is a practical convergence of Empathy and Stoicism by building healthier external relationships while fortifying inner peace. Summary Shermin Kruse manages to combine empathy and Stoicism through an impactful and moving narrative from her own childhood. She begins by unpacking the empathy side of the book, explaining the Read more
“How nice it is to have out-worn one’s desires and left them behind.” Seneca, Letters From a Stoic, Letter XII Freedom comes not from gaining what we want, but from no longer wanting it to begin with. In this quote, Seneca expresses something that goes against most modern societies and Read more