The Stoics believed in rising early to meet the day with intention and purpose. As Marcus Aurelius struggled with, it can be tempting to stay cozy under the covers. But the Stoics saw this as a waste of the precious gift of another day. By winning the morning, you've already won a good chunk of the day.
2. Focus on What's in Your Control
The Stoics drew a clear distinction between what is up to us and what is not. We have control over our opinions, emotions, and actions - but not the actions of others or the events that have already occurred. Focusing energy on what we can influence is the path to Stoic tranquility.
Anxiety and worry about the future are a misuse of our creativity, says the Stoics. While it's wise to plan for potential challenges, dwelling on imagined catastrophes only serves to make us suffer more than necessary. The Stoics advocated staying grounded in the present moment.
4. Do One Thing Every Day
Seneca encouraged his friend Lucilius to acquire one new insight, quote, or idea each day - a modest but consistent practice of self-improvement. Stoicism is not about grand epiphanies, but a gradual, day-to-day process of growth.
Stoicism is a philosophy of virtue and doing the right thing. The Stoics believed we should look for opportunities to be kind, generous, and helpful to others each day, no matter how small the gesture. Virtue is an active practice, not a passive state.
6. Ask "Is This Essential?"
Epictetus urged asking ourselves if each action, word, or thought is truly essential. The Stoics recognized that much of what we do is extraneous or driven by social pressures, not our own values. Eliminating the inessential allows us to focus on what truly matters.
The Stoics saw reading the great philosophical and literary works of the past as a form of dialogue with the wisdom of those who came before. Spending time with these "dead" thinkers was a way to draw on their insights and be inspired.
8. Be Tough on Yourself, Tolerant of Others
The Stoics believed in rigorous self-discipline, but recognized that we cannot hold others to the same high standards. Remembering our own flaws and the different circumstances people face allows for more understanding and compassion.
The Stoics saw virtue and integrity as the true source of beauty. Making the hard, right choice - even when it's difficult - is more admirable than pursuing immediate pleasure or convenience. Hercules' choice at the crossroads exemplifies this Stoic ideal.
10. Listen More Than You Speak
The Stoics valued the wisdom in silence and humility. Zeno observed that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason - to listen more than we talk. This openness to learning from others is essential to Stoic growth.
11. Turn Every Obstacle into an Opportunity
The Stoics saw challenges not as impediments, but as chances to practice virtue and become stronger. Whatever life throws at us, we can choose to respond with resilience, creativity, and a commitment to doing good.
The Stoics were acutely aware that we are dying a little bit each day. Keeping our own mortality in mind was a way to stay focused on the present and make the most of the time we have. This "remembrance of death" was a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy.
Part 1/6:
12 Stoic Rules for Life
1. Own the Morning
The Stoics believed in rising early to meet the day with intention and purpose. As Marcus Aurelius struggled with, it can be tempting to stay cozy under the covers. But the Stoics saw this as a waste of the precious gift of another day. By winning the morning, you've already won a good chunk of the day.
2. Focus on What's in Your Control
The Stoics drew a clear distinction between what is up to us and what is not. We have control over our opinions, emotions, and actions - but not the actions of others or the events that have already occurred. Focusing energy on what we can influence is the path to Stoic tranquility.
3. Be Present, Don't Suffer Imagined Troubles
Part 2/6:
Anxiety and worry about the future are a misuse of our creativity, says the Stoics. While it's wise to plan for potential challenges, dwelling on imagined catastrophes only serves to make us suffer more than necessary. The Stoics advocated staying grounded in the present moment.
4. Do One Thing Every Day
Seneca encouraged his friend Lucilius to acquire one new insight, quote, or idea each day - a modest but consistent practice of self-improvement. Stoicism is not about grand epiphanies, but a gradual, day-to-day process of growth.
5. Do One Good Deed Every Day
Part 3/6:
Stoicism is a philosophy of virtue and doing the right thing. The Stoics believed we should look for opportunities to be kind, generous, and helpful to others each day, no matter how small the gesture. Virtue is an active practice, not a passive state.
6. Ask "Is This Essential?"
Epictetus urged asking ourselves if each action, word, or thought is truly essential. The Stoics recognized that much of what we do is extraneous or driven by social pressures, not our own values. Eliminating the inessential allows us to focus on what truly matters.
7. Speak with the Dead
Part 4/6:
The Stoics saw reading the great philosophical and literary works of the past as a form of dialogue with the wisdom of those who came before. Spending time with these "dead" thinkers was a way to draw on their insights and be inspired.
8. Be Tough on Yourself, Tolerant of Others
The Stoics believed in rigorous self-discipline, but recognized that we cannot hold others to the same high standards. Remembering our own flaws and the different circumstances people face allows for more understanding and compassion.
9. Make Beautiful Choices
Part 5/6:
The Stoics saw virtue and integrity as the true source of beauty. Making the hard, right choice - even when it's difficult - is more admirable than pursuing immediate pleasure or convenience. Hercules' choice at the crossroads exemplifies this Stoic ideal.
10. Listen More Than You Speak
The Stoics valued the wisdom in silence and humility. Zeno observed that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason - to listen more than we talk. This openness to learning from others is essential to Stoic growth.
11. Turn Every Obstacle into an Opportunity
The Stoics saw challenges not as impediments, but as chances to practice virtue and become stronger. Whatever life throws at us, we can choose to respond with resilience, creativity, and a commitment to doing good.
Part 6/6:
12. Memento Mori: Remember Your Mortality
The Stoics were acutely aware that we are dying a little bit each day. Keeping our own mortality in mind was a way to stay focused on the present and make the most of the time we have. This "remembrance of death" was a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy.