Many people discover Stoicism through powerful quotes. I did too. But Marcus Aurelius didn't write Meditations to produce memorable quotes. He wrote it as a training notebook—a place to discipline his mind and redirect his actions. For this month, let’s first dive into the etymology of Marcus’s words related to action and daily practice. Then, let’s examine what the masters themselves have to say about this topic.

One of the key Greek ideas in Marcus’s reflections is the hegemonikon ( ἡ γεμονικόν ) — the ruling faculty of the mind. This is the inner command center that judges impressions and decides how we act, regardless of what happens around us. Another word that appears throughout Stoic philosophy is praxis ( πρ ᾶ ξις ) , meaning action or deed. Stoicism is not just about thinking clearly; it’s about acting well in the moment life gives you.

“What’s enough? Three things:

A clear grasp of the present truth.

A present action that helps the human community.

A present attitude that accepts whatever comes from outside.”

- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 9.6

Notice the structure: perception, action, acceptance. Stoic training always returns to these three movements. And the key word here is present. The Stoic does not wait for perfect conditions to practice philosophy.

The exercise happens in the moment in front of you.

A tense conversation. A frustrating delay. A disagreement with someone you love. The classic argument with your spouse over the same topic, over and over again. What’s the point of all this? Well, no one can answer for you, but it can be exercise for the mind.

Marcus also uses another revealing word: ergon ( ἔ ργον ) , meaning a task, a function, the work assigned to something by its nature. For a human being, the Stoic task is simple: to act rationally and socially. Marcus reminds himself of this again and again:

Find rest in one thing: moving from one social act to the next—serving people, helping people, being just.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 6.7

That image has power: Stoicism not as withdrawal from life, but as steady movement through it.

These quotes from Marcus are good, simple, and useful reminders. But Seneca also teaches us that at some point, the Stoic student must stop leaning on reminders— stop leaning on quotes—and he must lean on himself. Sometimes, the direct and raw style of Seneca can be more effective to wake us up:

Here’s what I ask of you, brother: take Stoicism deep into your guts. Don’t test your progress with nice words or pretty writing. Test it with inner strength. With less craving. With clarity. Prove your words with your actions.

Stoicism is not about talking. It’s about living. It demands this: that your life match your philosophy. That your words match your actions. That all parts of your life follow one consistent rhythm. That you be one person—wherever you are, whoever you are with.

"Who can actually live like that?" you ask. Not many. But some can. And even if you don’t walk every step perfectly, you can still walk the right path.

So look at yourself, Lucilius. Ask: Does the way I dress match the way I live? Do I act generous in public but cheap with my own people? Do I eat simple meals while building a mansion like a king?

Choose one way of life, and stick to it. Apply the same rule across everything. Some people are frugal at home but act like emperors when they go out. That kind of split shows a mind that’s not stable. Still lost. Still unsure of itself. - Seneca, Moral Letters, 20

Now, let’s act without second thought. Take good care, fellow Stoics.

Philippe Belanger MD is a practicing physician with a passion for Stoicism. He is a translator of Stoic Classics, including the best-seller Seneca – Letters from a Stoic Master: Complete Letters to Lucilius Adapted for Modern Readers.

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