The Stoic Magazine Library

“You have all the raw material to become wise, courageous, self-controlled, fair, and benevolent toward others.”

“Holding to our true aspirations no matter what is going on around us is an endeavour that naturally arises from courage, moderation, justice, and wisdom.”

“"Nature" is what's out there, beyond our cities and suburbs. Nature is the wilderness, plains and hills, jungles and oceans of the Earth.”

This an excerpt form David Fideler’s new book Breakfast with Seneca, published by W. W. Norton, 2021. 265 pages. Excerpts published by permission.

“Stoic joy is a product of a deep dive into what it means to progress along the path of human flourishing and the peace of mind that comes when the superficial slips away.”

“This is the genius of Stoicism: removing the factors that eclipse joy.”

“After all, showing off is never just about doing or having something. It’s also not just bragging, but it brings a certain fact about them and puts it right in front of our eyes. ”

“Stoicism reminds us that beneficial, sustained improvement tends to grow incrementally. ”

“Regardless of how mistaken you believe someone else to be, mocking or abusing them (as Epictetus once said) is not the way to lead them back to the proper path; that will usually just turn them against you even more. ”

“Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be carried, the other by which it cannot. If your brother acts unjustly, don't lay hold on the action by the handle of his injustice, for by that it cannot be carried; but by the opposite, that he is your brother, that he was brought up with you; and thus you will lay hold on it, as it is to be carried.” - Epictetus, Enchiridion, 43

“As a follower of Stoicism, we are not immune from the urge to boast or from placing too much importance on our reputation.”

“Separating yourself from negative experiences can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed, it can help you to stay in control and can remind you that how you respond to adverse moments determines the trajectory of your life.”

“Stoic virtue should be the blade we use to sculpt our character into an excellent one.”

Three concepts of Stoic thinking that we can apply in everyday practices – approaches that anyone could implement.

“If you struggle with disorder in your actions and environment – if your life is a bit chaotic or unorganized – remind yourself that orderliness starts on the inside.”