Stoic Philosophy

stoic writing.jpg

The more I learn and read about the great stoic philosophers, the more it becomes clear that there are certain “truths” which we can aim to live by.

While much of this is simple, it may also require deep meditation and analysis to fully comprehend it’s value. The most important part of these philosophies is not in the mental understanding, however. It is in the embodiment of these ways of life so that we can be the best version of ourselves and shine that light with the world.

I was inspired to write about this while reading Ryan Holiday’s Stillness is the Key. It is fairly well known, yet easily forgotten, that it is in stillness where we can find peace. In a digital, 24-hour world of constant activity, it becomes easy to forget to take time for stillness and quiet. This calmness is where we create the space to relax, restore, and reflect. This is a zone that must be entered often. Preferably at least once daily.

What does a realm of tranquility look like? It could look like one activity or any combination of the following:

  • Meditation

  • Journaling

  • Reading

  • Writing

  • Tai Chi / Qi-Gong

  • Breathwork

The benefit of a quiet practice time is immeasurable. As the stoics would say, it is the place where we go to gain patience, perspective, and clarity.

A few of my favorite quotes (in no particular order):

  1. “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” - Viktor Frankl

  2. “Wherever there is a human being, we have an opportunity for kindness.” - Seneca

  3. “Circumstance does not make the man, it reveals him to himself.” -James Allen

  4. “Give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions and determine to pay the price of a worthy goal. The trials you encounter will introduce you to your strengths.” - Epictetus

  5. “When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval.” - Epictetus

  6. “If it’s endurable, then endure it. Stop complaining” - Marcus Aurelius

  7. “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.” - Epictetus

  8. “It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people but care more about their opinion than our own.” - Marcus Aurelius

  9. “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” - Epictetus

  10. “If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it.” - Marcus Aurelius

  11. “As he thinks, so he I; as he continues to think, so he remains.” -James Allen

  12. “Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily.” - Epictetus

  13. “Walking is a man’s best medicine.” - Hippocrates

  14. “Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, “Is this necessary?” - Marcus Aurelius

  15. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” - Viktor Frankl

It is by embodying these principles that we can find the calm inside of every storm. No matter what is happening externally, we are always able to control our reaction to these events.

Rob Carneyphilosophy