The Stoics often summarized their main principles in succinct statements such as 

Live with aretê.
(Always try to express your best self.) 

Of things, some are in our power, and others are not.
(Focus on what you control.) 

If this is the will of nature, then so be it.
(Accept, rather than fight everything that happens.) 

Today, everybody is familiar with modern maxims such as shit happens, lies don’t travel far, or actions speak louder than words. 

Now, why did the Stoics use aphorisms? 

They knew that our thoughts dye our character. As they wanted to be the best they could be, they tried to counteract irrational thoughts and judgments with opposing, rational beliefs. They observed irrational thoughts popping up in their minds and wanted to be ready so they could replace those irrational thoughts with more positive and helpful ones. Aphorisms are like your emotional first-aid kit, ready for use when you need it. As Marcus Aurelius said well: 

Doctors keep their scalpels and other instruments handy for emergencies. Keep your philosophy ready too. 

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 

That’s where their aphorisms entered the game. In order to have positive beliefs ready at mind, they had to formulate their fundamental principles extremely simply and clearly—precisely so that they were memorable and always remained accessible to the mind. That’s the only way their principles could be applicable to their chaotic and rapidly-changing reality. 

These laconic statements were used as reminders and aids in everyday life to guide behavior when in doubt. They can be thought of as “weapons” of the mind to fight off disturbing thoughts and judgments. 

The model for the application of your principles is the boxer rather than the gladiator. The gladiator puts down or takes up the sword he uses, but the boxer always has his hands, and needs only to clench them into fists. 

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 

Have your principles ready at all times. 

The Stoics were interested in the practice of their principles and applying what they learned in the classroom. So, they tried to compress them into memorable statements that could be used when needed most—out in the real world, when struggling. 

Create your own personal aphorisms. 

If you want to live by your core beliefs even in challenging situations, then create and memorize such easily accessible statements for yourself. They will remind you of how you want to behave in the world, and who you want to be. Ask: What are my core values? What do I want to stand for? Who do I want to be in this world? 

Here are some of my personal aphorisms that help me stay calm and focused: 

Focus on what you control – when I get over-whelmed by all the things I feel I need to get done. 

Buy tranquility instead – when something annoying happens and I want to stay calm. 

Here and now – when I am worried about something that lies in the future. 

Know this: The statements you formulate will be indispensable weapons in the fight between you trying to be the best you can be and the harsh reality that gets in the way. 

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Jonas Salzgeber of NJlifehacks.com is an author. At the core of his actionable philosophy lies the goal of leading a happy life even—and especially—in the face of adversity. He is the author of The Little Book of Stoicism (https://amzn.to/2TfPdl3) 

 

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