After hearing author Ryan Holiday on a podcast, I was intrigued with his knowledge of Stoicism and just how the philosophy aligned with my core values. After purchasing The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living and Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius I decided to document my journey. Here I will share my anecdote while learning and reflecting on Stoicism and how I plan to apply it to my life.
“When the problem arose for us whether habit or theory was better for getting virtue — if by theory is meant what teaches us correct conduct, and by habit we mean being accustomed to act according to this theory — Musonius thought habit to be more effective.”
- Musonius Rufus, Lectures, 5.17.31-32, 5.19.1-2
“We don't abandon our pursuits because we despair of ever perfecting them.”
- Epictetus, Discourses, 1.2.37b
“Don't tell yourself anything more than what the initial impressions report. It's been reported to you that someone is speaking badly about you. This is the report — the report wasn't that you've been harmed. I see that my son is sick — but not that his life is at risk. So always stay within your first impressions, and don't add to them in your head — this way nothing can happen to you.”
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.49
“Do now what nature demands of you. Get right to it if that's in your power. Don't look around to see if people will know about it. Don't await the perfection of Plato's Republic, but be satisfied with even the smallest step forward and regard the outcome as a small thing.”
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 9.29.(4)
“Wherever a person can live, there one can also live well; life is also in the demands of court, there too one can live well.”
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.16
“Apply yourself to thinking through difficulties — hard times can be softened, tight squeezes widened, and heavy loads made lighter for those who can apply the right pressure.”
- Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind, 10.4b