The Stoic Magazine Library

The Two Handles is a very effective technique to use when we are in the grip of our emotions and fail to see that we always have options. 

What does a regular, everyday Stoic actually do, every day? Rather than write a theoretical essay on this, I figured it may be helpful to take a closer look at one example of Stoic practice, my own.

The Stoics shared dozens of practical ideas to put their philosophy into action. The following is one of my favorites – I try to keep it ready at mind whenever possible. 

Change is a universal law of nature. 

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

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

June 5, 2021

Journaling is a way of keeping yourself in check, as it can aid in holding you accountable for your thoughts and subsequent actions.

The ancient Stoic practice of reviewing our day could help us, centuries later, keep track of our choices about our most precious resource: time.

Writing in a journal is a gift to your future self. It is an opportunity to commit to your goals, monitor your progress, and spend time alone with your thoughts.

First, you need to know where you want to go. That’s the “goal”. Second, you need an approximation of where you are right now. Third, you need a plan for how to get from where you are to where you wish to be.

My new book, 365 Ways to be More Stoic, aims to be a practical, day-by-day guide to help the reader learn about Stoicism and build a consistent practice.

The practice of philosophy, which is the effort to live life honorably and truthfully, is best nourished by carefully chosen friends

“The fool’s life is empty of gratitude and full of fears; its course lies wholly towards the future,” quotes Roman Stoic Seneca, in a passage he attributes to Epicurus.

By seeking to be citizens of the world, we free ourselves from the tyranny of self-involvement.