A new year invites optimism—but if you’re a Stoic, what does that look like? Is it wishful thinking? Blind hope? Or something deeper? I asked our distinguished contributors to share their thoughts, and their answers reveal a powerful truth: Stoic optimism is practical, grounded, and earned.

Focus on what you can control

For Shirley Kwosek Sciacca, optimism begins with honesty. Each day, she focuses on what she can control—work, family, and the choices within her reach. “Don’t wait for things to get better,” she says. “Do the next right thing.” That’s where optimism lives.

Being prepared

Andi Sciacca offers a hard-earned perspective: optimism isn’t hoping everything will turn out fine. It’s preparing for whatever happens, staying rational, and doing what needs to be done. Steady. Practical. Not just hoping for the best.

Being grounded in reality

Glenn Citerony invokes the Stockdale Paradox: face reality as it is while believing you’ll prevail. For him, optimism means courage—the courage to look at things honestly, feel your fears, and keep going anyway. Not fake cheerfulness, but hope rooted in truth.

Building optimism through action

Brandon Tumblin reminds us that optimism isn’t a mood—it’s a muscle. You build it by preparing, practicing, and acting with integrity, even when you don’t feel like it. Optimism comes from self-trust, knowing you’ve done the work. It’s action, not waiting.

Choosing optimism daily

Karen Duffy, who lives with chronic pain, refuses to let it define her. She doesn’t sugarcoat reality, but she also doesn’t surrender to it. Every day she chooses optimism—preparing for the worst, staying open to the best, and giving fear no more space than it deserves.

Seeing us as the source of chaos

John Kuna looks at the bigger picture: what we call chaos is often our own inner turmoil. We may not be able to see it, but the Stoics believed the universe is ordered, even if we can’t always see it. So where does chaos come from? From us. For John, optimism means accepting reality and finding your place in it—not avoiding discomfort.

Treating adversity as strength training

Philippe Belanger, MD, sees hardship as a gym for the soul. The Stoic approach? Use what looks like a setback as an opportunity to grow stronger. Optimism is trusting that you can handle whatever comes.

The essence of Stoic optimism

Taken together, these voices show that Stoic optimism isn’t passive. It’s showing up, doing what you can, and trusting yourself to handle life as it comes. Practical. Grounded. A daily practice.

This issue also features a review of Marcus Aurelius: Philosopher-King by William O. Stephens, along with an excerpt from the book.

In a world that feels uncertain

Many believe the world is in turmoil. How can they be optimistic? Not by assuming everything will turn out to our liking. The Stoic knows the universe runs on its own principles, regardless of our feelings. But here’s the key: no matter what the universe does, we possess the freedom to act—and to come out ahead. Wishing you all the best for the new year.

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