The Stoic Magazine Library

“What can we do to better understand our role in the world once we realize how illogical it is, and how little we can influence and shape events? How can we move forward while refusing to give up or give in?”

“As a Stoic, that spark comes in the everyday opportunities for virtue: kindness, apologizing, and courage”

“The goal of Stoicism is to live a flourishing, satisfying, and joyful life.”

Marcus Fronto, the tutor of Marcus Aurelius, talks about the pandemic that has been devastating the country. He says that death would be preferable under these circumsannces. Marcus Aurelius points out that death is a human experience common to every one of us and therefore cannot be good or bad.

“Stoicism is the key to unlocking wisdom. It helps us to deal with the stresses of modern life” Stoicism for a better you

“I still grieve for my cat companion, to the point of feeling sadness and shedding tears, but I can also deliberately choose to shift my mind’s focus to the wonderful memories of the life we shared together."

“To maximize your ability to do good in the world, don’t find motivation through anger or bitterness. Allow yourself to be happy, and share your happiness with others.”

“The Stoics have offered us invaluable lessons in the dangers of failing to discipline our passions.”

“We accept that we in fact control far less than our predecessors believed they could. We accept that we “lose” control of some mental territory.”

“While the Stoics encourage us to allow for a natural release of emotion in the form of grief, they also remind us that in our mourning we should not become so overwhelmed that it prevents us from flourishing.”

“Give all your attention to the task, and don’t look back. Ask yourself in moments of contemplation, ‘how could I be better? How could I serve better?’ ”

“In plain English, we might say that a Stoic must balance the following: what is useful to the world and society, and what your strengths and interests are.”

“All virtues can be thought of as a habit, and the virtues of courage and strength are no exception. Life provides you opportunities every day to practice strength and courage.”

“How many of us can say with certainty that all our present thoughts, actions and attitudes are virtuous?”

“Each occasion of failing offers an opportunity to exercise those dimensions of the virtue of courage that the Stoics called perseverance and industriousness.”