The Stoic Magazine Library

Emotional responses are not inevitable. They are a choice we make.

When we feel guilty for something, we need to take it as a signal to analyze our judgments.

It is our judgments that cause anger. Therefore, we can reframe our judgments by viewing the situation from a different angle.

We can learn from the ancient Stoics on mitigating anger, an emotion considered a “temporary madness.”

A philosopher who thinks that anyone who wrongs him is worthhy of forgiveness is better than someone who thinks of defending himself with lawsuits.

Every time we wonder “what if,” every time we choose inaction because it is hard instead of because it is wrong, our strength of character atrophies; our chance of flourishing withers.

We most certainly can cultivate the skill to act in a courageous way over time, and it starts right here, right now.

A reservoir of courage is within us. Acknowledge and harness its power.

In this letter addressed to his friend Lucilius, Seneca describes how our imaginary fears hold us back. Many of our fears are imaginary and we lack the courage to face them. We exaggerate, or imagine, or anticipate sorrow. We do not investigate the things that frighten us. We don’t examine them. We tremble and retreat. However, we can face them, examine them, and get rid of them.

Life is like a ball game – or some other game or sport – wisdom and virtue are like “being a good sport”, or being sportsmanlike and playing the game well.

A real friendship is a major investment, not just of time and efforr, but emotionally. It can be very painful to break up with a friend, so we should take our time before deciding to commit.

We need one another. Just as you would come to the aid of a friend in need, we should be quick to let our friends know when we need their help.

To think that we alone are responsible for the positive aspects of our lives, especially when it comes to good fortune, would be an act of arrogance.

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