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From Vol. 5, Issue 7, July 2023

Practicing Stoicism || Chuck Chakrapani

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Sometimes I call a thing good, and sometimes bad. What is the reason?... Ignorance and inexperience. [Epictetus, D2.3]
You continue to live here, as you are used to; or you go away of your own free will; or you die... What else is there besides these? So be cheerful. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.12]
Those who are careless about their own morality cannot endure seeing the same in others. [Seneca, A1.28]
As human beings, we are born to be faithful to one another ... whoever denies this denies their humanity. [Epictetus, D2.4]
Where you are now is like any other place. All things here are the same as on the mountain top, on the seashore, or wherever you choose to be. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.23]
We have other people’s vices before our eyes, and our own behind our backs. [Seneca, A1.28]
Externals are not in my power. Choice is. [Epictetus, D2.5]
What is my ruling faculty to me? What am I making of it now? What am I using it for? [Marcus Aurelius, M10.24]
Most of us are not angry with sins but only with the sinner. [Seneca, A1.28]
We can be obstructed or compelled only in matters over which we have no control. These are neither good nor bad, because they are not based on our choices. [Epictetus, D2.5]
It is the law [of the universe] which assigns every creature its due. So, to give in to grief, fear, or anger is to become a fugitive. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.25]
The ultimate cure for anger is delay. [Seneca, A1.29]
Whoever has given you food and property can take them back, and your body too. Accept what you are given and work on it. [Epictetus, D2.5]
Bear this in mind always. All the life of today is a repetition of the past, and it will repeat in the future. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.27]
Some things that make us angry, we learn from others...We shouldn’t be quick to believe what others tell us. [Seneca, A1.29]
Don’t you realize that just as a foot is no longer a foot when detached from the body, you are not a human being when you are detached from humanity? [Epictetus, D2.5]
Everything has to submit to what happens, but only rational beings are given the power to follow what happens voluntarily. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.28]
Some people lie to deceive us, and others say things because they themselves are deceived. [Seneca, A1.29]
We are given such a body as ours, in such a universe as ours, and in such a community as ours. Therefore, what happens to us is unavoidable. It is for you to step forward and deal with these things as best as you can. [Epictetus D2.5]
Whatever you do, ask yourself every step of the way, “Am I afraid of death because I might lose this?” [Marcus Aurelius, M10.29]
Do you condemn your friend offhand? Are you angry with him before you hear his story? [Seneca, A1.29]
Life is indifferent; but the use we make of it is not. [Epictetus, D2.5]
When you are offended by someone’s behaviour, turn around and ask why you have acted like that. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.30]
What can be more unjust than to believe a story told in secret, and to be angry about it publicly? [Seneca, A1.29]
If you control your desires and aversions, there is nothing to worry about. This is your opening statement, your case, and your proof. [Epictetus D2.2]
When you see anyone, think of their counterparts. Where are they now? Nowhere. Or no one knows where. [Marcus Aurelius, M10.31]
Maybe it is a good person who has wronged you. Don’t believe it. Maybe it is a bad person. Don’t be surprised. [Seneca, A1.30]
When something involves practical training, don’t pretend you have the skill if you don’t have it yet, but yield to those who do. Be content to remain calm and composed. [Epictetus, D2.5]
Once things change, they cease to exist forever. Then why struggle and strain? Why not be content to live your short life in the right way? [Marcus Aurelius, M10.31]
What is there to wonder if bad people commit harmful acts? [Seneca, A1.31]
Take responsibility for what belongs to you, not for what belongs to others. [Epictetus, D2.5] D: Discourses. M: Meditations. A: On Anger

Vol 6. Issue 7, July 2024

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