The Stoic Magazine Library

Emotions are messengers. They are a source of inner wisdom that provides us with information about our experiences and the actions we need to take.

Seneca tells us that when a fiend dies, “We may weep, but we must not wail.” (Moral Letters, 63). I think for anyone, Stoic or not, grief is inevitable, but I did not let it overwhelm me.

Every time I let myself indulge in revenge theater, I make a donation to the food bank.

I prefer to be an upstander, someone who sticks up for others in the face of injustice, someone who takes action to lessen another’s suffering. The key to being an upstander is self-reliance.

Gratitude grows out of a conscious practice of being thankful, and it is sustained in habitual mindfulness.

If we’re to inspire by example, we must live our lives in an exemplary way.

By acting in service to others, you are acting in service to yourself. In directing your energies outward, you are improving yourself inwardly.

Stoic leadership can be as massive as Marcus Aurelius commanding Roman legions, or as quiet as taking a moment to check in on those we are called to guide.

Rather than saying “Let me know if you need anything,” which puts the burden on the grieving, I’ve learned through my training to suggest specific actions: delivering a meal, walking the dog, offering assistance and support in planning funeral services.