“If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill— of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, ‘He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.’”
Epictetus
Why Stoicism? What not other philosophy?
Stoicism began around 304 BC with a merchant named Zeno, has survived the sands of time and helped people from diverse backgrounds to live a resilient, happier, and more virtuous life.
It has been practiced by kings, slaves, statemen, presidents, artists, writers, and entrepreneurs. Great minds of history like George Washington, Walt Whitman, Frederick the Great, Eugène Delacroix, Adam Smith, Immanuel Kant, Thomas Jefferson, Matthew Arnold, Ambrose Bierce, Theodore Roosevelt, William Alexander Percy, and Ralph Waldo Emerson- each read studied, and practiced the Stoic practices in daily life.
How to be Stoic?
Below are five Stoic Practices which will change your life if practiced with their essence:
1. Journal:
“Few care now about the marches and countermarches of the Roman commanders. What the centuries have clung to is a notebook of thoughts by a man whose real life was largely unknown who put down in the midnight dimness not the events of the day or the plans of the morrow, but something of far more permanent interest, the ideals and
aspirations that a rare spirit lived by.”
Brand Blanshard
From Epictetus, the slave to Marcus Aurelius, the emperor, and Seneca, the power broker and
playwright: they had one habit in common i.e Journaling.
Journaling helps in bringing out emotions and thoughts that are hidden in the subconscious level of the mind and organizing them in better fashion. It helps us to take note of the nature of the problem and not fall for similar situations in future. Thus, it helps us to escape karmic cycles and evolve us as better human beings.
Above all it provides us the space to dwell and reflect that forms that core of development.
2. Control :
“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own . . .”
Epictetus
There are two types of situations in life that torments and worries us:
One that we can control or do something about and another which is totally out of our control.
So, as per Stoic wisdom, divide the situations in life in these two categories. Then, start acting out on situations that can be changed. And let down the baggage of worries that we have no control of.
Life will immediately begin to flourish.
3. Patheiai :
“Run down the list of those who felt intense anger at something: the most famous, the most unfortunate, the most hated, the most whatever: Where is all that now? Smoke, dust, legend…or not even a legend. Think of all the examples. And how trivial the things we want so passionately are.”
Marcus Aurelius
As per Stoics, Patheiai means overcoming ‘passions’. Passions, emotions and desires that are irrational, unhealthy and excessive in nature. Excess of anything is bad. Even if it is love.
Excess means sickness.
We may think it is good but the result tells the negative powers of excess. Do you like food with double salt sprinkled?
Once Alexander the Great got into a fight with his dearest friend and filled with unconquerable rage killed him. Then, I became depressed and ceased eating for days.
4. Memento Mori :
“Let us prepare our minds as if we’d come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing.
Let us balance life’s books each day. … The one who puts the finishing touches on their life
each day is never short of time.”
Seneca
It is hard to imagine my own death. But it is one of the most powerful tools of Stoics for transformation. When we psychologically experience death coming, our entire system of functioning changes, our priorities shift and we work on what matters to us most. Imagining end dangling in front does not inspire fear rather more happiness and productivity.
5. Amor Fati :
“To love only what happens, what was destined. No greater harmony.”
Marcus Aurelius
From German philosophers to Chritian religions everyone talks about the acceptance of fate as it is without complaint. Rather cultivate the habit to embrace it. When we embrace it then every obstacle turns into an opportunity of growth. Infact, it is marked by successful people who didn’t know their worth until life knocked them down and they realized their strength in trying to bounce back.
Best Stoic Quotes
By Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius
● Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be One. — Marcus Aurelius
● You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.—Marcus Aurelius
● He who fears death will never do anything worth of a man who is alive.—Seneca
● Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.—Seneca
● How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?—Epictetus
● Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.—Epictetus
● You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.―Marcus Aurelius
● Hang on to your youthful enthusiasms — you’ll be able to use them better when you’re older.―Seneca
● Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.―Epictetus
● If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it. — Marcus Aurelius
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Prerna 🙂
