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.
“Think of those who, not by fault of inconsistency but by lack of effort, are too unstable to live as they wish, but only live as they have begun.”
- Seneca, On Tranquility Of Mind, 2.6b
“We cry to God Almighty, how can we escape this agony? Fool, don't you have hands? Or could it be God forgot to give you a pair? Sit and pray your nose doesn't run! Or, rather just wipe your nose and stop seeking a scapegoat.”
- Epictetus, Discourses, 2.16.13
“Why then are we offended? Why do we complain? This is what we're here for.”
- Seneca, On Providence, 5.7b-8
“He can't serve in the military? Let him seek public office. Must he live in the private sector? Let him be a spokesperson. Is he condemned to silence? Let him aid his fellow citizens by silent public witness. Is it dangerous to enter the Forum? Let him display himself, in private homes, at public events and gatherings, as a good associate, faithful friend, and moderate tablemate. Has he lost the duties of a citizen? Let him exercise those of a human being.”
- Seneca, On Tranquility Of Mind, 4.3
“How beautifully Plato put it. Whenever you want to talk about people, it's best to take a bird's-eye view and see everything all at once — of gatherings, armies, farms, weddings and divorces, births and deaths, noisy courtrooms or silent spaces, every foreign people, holidays, memorials, markets — all blended together and arranged in a pairing of opposites.”
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.48
“Indeed, no one can thwart the purposes of your mind — for they can't be touched by fire, steel, tyranny, slander, or anything.”
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.41