Read Stoic Philosophy

Just a little stoic philosophy everyday will gear your mind into better interpreting the stresses of life.

“Objective judgment, now at this very moment. Unselfish action, now at this very moment. Willing acceptance—now at this very moment—of all external events. That’s all you need.”
Marcus Aurelius

Choose rather to punish your appetites than to be punished through them.
Epictetus, Enchiridion CXIII

No man is free who is not master of himself.
Epictetus, Enchiridion CXIV

Born only a few years after Jesus, Paul the Apostle was a Pharisaic Jew who was steeped in the philosophical teachings of the Stoics. Paul was born in Tarsus, Cilici, the birthplace of Stoic thinkers like Chrysippus and Athenodorus. Therefore, as Paul moved across the Mediterranean developing his message, he was constantly in dialogue with Stoicism. (DAILY STOIC)

WHY?

Timeless wisdom and a helpful perspective for life

10 Reasons Why You Should Read Stoic Philosophy

Learn how to deal with adversity: Stoic philosophy teaches that we cannot control external events, but we can control our reactions to them.
Develop emotional resilience: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of maintaining emotional equilibrium in the face of difficult circumstances.
Cultivate gratitude: Stoics believe that we should be grateful for what we have, rather than always striving for more.
Improve relationships: By practicing Stoic principles like empathy, forgiveness, and compassion, we can improve our relationships with others.
Foster inner peace: Stoicism encourages us to find peace within ourselves, rather than seeking external validation or approval.
Find meaning and purpose: Stoicism helps us focus on what is truly important in life, and find meaning and purpose in even the most challenging situations.
Practice self-discipline: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and self-control in all aspects of life.
Develop wisdom: Stoicism teaches us to seek wisdom and knowledge, and to live our lives in accordance with our values.
Reduce anxiety and stress: By practicing Stoic principles like mindfulness and detachment, we can reduce anxiety and stress in our lives.
Live a fulfilling life: Ultimately, Stoicism offers a path to living a fulfilling, meaningful, and virtuous life.

Practicality

Stoicism is a philosophy centered around self-improvement. Unlike most philosophies, Stoics are not concerned with changing the world, nor imagining an ideal society. Instead, they seek to thrive within the world as it is. Stoics pursue personal development through 4 key virtues:

Prudence / Wisdom: The ability to navigate complex situations, in a calm. Logical, and informed manner.

Temperance: The exercise of self restraint and moderation in all aspects of life.

Courage: Facing daily challenges with clarity and integrity.

Justice: Treating others with fairness, even when they’ve done wrong.

Credit: https://stoicreflections.com/blogs/articles/an-introduction-to-stoicism

Stoic Principles

Nature: Nature is rational.
Law of Reason: The universe is governed by the law of reason. Humans can’t actually escape its inexorable force, but they can, uniquely, follow the law deliberately.
Virtue: A life led according to rational nature is virtuous.
Wisdom: Wisdom is the the root virtue. From it spring the cardinal virtues: insight, bravery, self-control, and justice.
Apathea: Since passion is irrational, life should be waged as a battle against it. Intense feeling should be avoided.
Pleasure: Pleasure is neither good nor bad. It is only acceptable if it doesn’t interfere with the quest for virtue.
Evil: Poverty, illness, and death are not evil.
Duty: Virtue should be sought, not for the sake of pleasure, but for duty.