/r/Stoic
Resources, links and relevant news dealing with Stoicism as it is currently practiced.
Resources, links and relevant news dealing with Stoicism as it is currently practiced.
Please note /r/stoic is for discussion about being a modern stoic only. For example, if you want to talk about whether Christianity, Islam, Buddhism or such is compatible with Stoicism then go to /r/stoicism. If you want to talk about your struggles being Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or such while also being a Stoic then we want to hear from you.
/r/Stoic
A couple of years ago I lived my life everyday as if it were the last. Not in a movie like irresponsible way, but simply in a way that satisfied me. It meant doing a couple of meaningful hours of work per day, spending time with my loved ones (wife and small baby at that point), doing some exercise, eating good and healthy and spending time outdoors in nature.
Now fast forward a couple of years and I don’t feel the same is true anymore. My son (now almost five) is starting childcare for the first time and it breaks my heart to leave him, despite him telling me not to in every possible way. I use the extra time to work more but without feeling more fulfilled. There are still plenty of hours in the day. I still get to spend plenty of time with my loved ones, time to eat good and make exercise.
But if I knew for certain that today was my last day I would not drop my son off at childcare. Nor would I do it if were his last day. There is still no need for it other than local laws and the doomed feeling that otherwise I might withhold something important from him.
So at what point does living your life everyday as if it were the last one become irresponsible?
Guys this is my 2nd video
if u can please watch it aswell and i hope u like it and learn the essence of travelling using stoic principles
Guys please support me
just spare 5 mins and watch this vdo and leave a like if u enjoy the video
In this captivating video, we explore the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, who mastered the art of staying calm amidst chaos. Discover the techniques and principles he used to maintain his composure during tumultuous times, and learn how you can apply these strategies to your own life today. From the importance of mindfulness to reframing challenges as opportunities, we delve deep into Aurelius's teachings that resonate even in our modern world. Join us on this journey to uncover the secrets of resilience and inner peace. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful content!
Here’s a link to the book’s site where you will find a detailed explanation of its purpose and inspiration.
To summarize that information, the book is intended to be encouraging to the reader, and for what is read to be of use every day. Each poem is a topic, ranging from community, reflecting, and improvement to vicissitudes, being wronged, and death. They are written in an encouraging tone, but also gets a little spicy at times; never rude, but definitely firm, and usually the firmness is directed at reminding myself to be kind and considerate to myself the same way I try to be to others. Each poem - made of 7 haikus - draws inspiration from the Meditations, Discourses, Letters, and other sources of Stoic philosophy.
Here's a link to my Substack community where I invite all of you to come and discuss the contents of the book. There are a few posts there right now, and I intend to send out a new one every couple of weeks. If you do not have the book, here are the first four poems for you to check out, in addition to the poems I have posted over on the Substack page.
Looking forward to discussing these poems with you! They are all marinated in traditional Stoic philosophy, and I hope you find them useful.
Are there any favorite movies or novels of you that have lead character display stoic attitude? If any? I found the protagonist in the Shawshank redemption pretty stoic the way he dealt with all those injustices with equinanimity.
I have realized the fact that public opinion, reputation and dignity don't exist and what I mean by this is that these terms are used in society to put pressure on people and create insecurities, ruin people and destroy them by making them worry about the opinion of others which btw even ur friends aren't permanent because of changing interests what not. So the fact is you shouldn't worry about what others have to say, a dark harsh truth is that your nephew won't know much about you if anything. Life is short and unpredictable and I live it happy, I enjoy my own company, I don't need other people to be happy im happy because I am strong and resilient and im proud of myself because of that, you have to live in the present, enjoy the present, enjoy the moment. Im not a slave of others, im independent of others even if 100 million people hate me I'll still smile, I will smile because I know im king regardless of what others have to say about me and you can easily disconnect and ignore everything, say to yourself im king and I don't care about what others have to say. Heck, even what im writing here is worthless scribbles and letters that make sense because you value them, they don't want society to understand this truth, they want young men to fight over reputation, over girls that don't even like em because we value people who don't reciprocate feelings basically less is more (another manipulation technique) the media, fake analysts want kids and students to have depression, why because they tell people to value words, so when someone say insults you in class the media and society wants you to suffer and think about that insult 24 hours when you can simply say thanks for ur opinion don't give a shit and live your life happy, they're like but oh people heard that and now your weaker and they want you to feel bullied inferior because you got insulted, because you heard some meaningless sounds. Its all up to interpretations, you can choose to be happy and Confident in yourself and tell yourself that you deserve the best regardless of what others say. Shame on society, shame on them for wanting to slave young students and kids with their approval system. So what the majority of the corrupt don't approve you remember god loves us all equally, people are true animals
I've narrated a straightforward audio of Evola's essay from The Bow and the Club, complete with original visuals and music for added effect. Feel free to take a look. ⚔️
I need to work overtime hours and clean the house and run errands. I am so tired but I need to do them anyway. I don't mean like tired, need a coffee kind of tired. I mean I just don't want to do work anymore. How do I push past the desire to be lazy?
I think I may be going crazy, for the past few days I can feel like Im losing grasp of reality and slowly shifting away. How do I deal with this? It’s affecting my life and I cannot function normally.
Hi everyone!
My name is Aaron, and I am currently a Clinical Psychology PhD candidate at a large teaching hospital in Oregon. I have a longstanding interest in Stoic philosophy and I have recently created a series of guided meditations that are directly inspired by my reading of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and William Irvine's Stoic talks on the Waking Up Meditation App.
I am trying to create guided meditations that we can use to center ourselves before going out into the day. In these guided meditations I use ideas like Irvine's "prospective retrospection" or "pre-emptive Nostaliga", as well as simpler reflections on basic Stoic virtues.
Essentially, I combine Stoic philosophy, mindfulness, and basic principles of existential psychotherapy in these brief sessions. I did this because it is what I would have wanted for myself, but couldn't find much of on Youtube or Insight Timer.
If it's okay I'd like to share my Insight Timer Profile and Youtube channel links for anyone that's interested. People on Insight Timer seem to enjoy them so far, so I hope you do too!
Insight Timer Link: https://insig.ht/xc8LEfmJ6Mb
Youtube Link: https://youtube.com/@moralmeditation?si=hapaOi1XvtKHq5h2
Best,
Aaron T
20.1: On showing progress
But I ask this of you, this I urge you… let philosophy sink deep into your heart, and test your progress not by speech or writing but by strength of mind and by the lessening of your desires. Prove your words through your actions.
20.2: On evidence of wisdom
Philosophy teaches us to act, not to speak. Its demands are these: each person should live to the standard he himself has set; his manner of living should not be at odds either with itself or with his way of speaking; and all his actions should have a single tenor. This is the chief task of wisdom, and the best evidence of it too: that actions should be in accordance with words, that the person should be the same in all places, a match for himself.
20.3: On consistency
Adopt once and for all some single rule to live by, and make your whole life conform to it.
20.5: On wisdom as consistency
What is wisdom? Always wanting the same thing, always rejecting the same thing. You do not even have to add the proviso that what you want should be right: only for the right can have one have a consistent wish.
20.8: On limiting your desires
Therefore leave every other prayer in God’s hands, and direct your thoughts, your cares, your wishes, to this alone: contentment with yourself and with the goods that come from yourself. What prosperity could be nearer at hand? Trim yourself back to that small fortune that chance cannot take away.
20.10: On greatness of spirit regarding wealth
‘What’s this? Can’t one despise wealth while it is in one’s pocket?’ Why not? There is greatness of spirit also in the person who sees wealth heaped up around him and laughs long and loud for sheer amazement that it has come to him. Others tell him it is his; on his own he scarcely realizes it. It is a great thing not to be corrupted by living amid riches; great is the man who is a pauper in his wealth.
From the Graver and Long translation, UChicago 2017. Read free online.
I am very new to the art of stoicism and have inadvertently picked up some of the teachings through life’s varied adventures naturally. However, one thing I have struggled to do is to end friendships that I have recognised may not be beneficial to either party. In particular, I currently have a person who is desperate to be my friend and someone in which I have been friendly with but tried to keep at distance. I have done so because, as I have been improving myself, I have acknowledged there are some people who are not on the same journey as I and this “friend” is one of those people. I do empathise however how she has become the person she is today. However, she is not a person I can easily avoid and she has started questioning my children about what I may be feeling regarding her. Fortunately, my children reiterate that their mummy has no feelings or judgment either way regarding her, that their mummy is a bit drained at the moment and is spending some time looking after herself. This in itself is not a problem, it is good practice for the children to see that if we don’t make it an issue it won’t become an issue. And I have lead by that example. She then reached out today via text with a subtle hint about talking with my son last night. I would like to end this “friendship” with grace and compassion. I am torn between responding and not knowing how best to phrase it in a way that does not leave any room for misinterpretation or would insult her. Or not responding, blocking communication and be polite when we see her in public. How would a stoic person respond to someone forcing a friendship on them? Thank you for taking the time to read.
An updated video containing aesthetic visuals for my narration of The Wanderer. I will be posting updates for The Seafarer and The Dream of the Rood too. This will be a regular feature in my upcoming narrations. Feel free to leave a like and reply.☀️
Hi everyone, I recently launched my first app about a month ago, and I’m looking for some feedback to improve it. The app includes quotes, meditation practices, and journaling tools, but my download numbers are still low. Since this is my first project, it’s not as polished as I’d like it to be, but with your support and suggestions, I’m confident I can make it better. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
App is - Stoic Mindfulness AI Marcus on Apple Store
Im gathering opinions/insights on the meaning of life from the perspective of stoic philosophy for a paper on the meaning of life.
Anything is appreciated
Mastering Desires: How Stoic Philosophy Leads to Inner Peace
We’ve all experienced it—the endless chase of desires, only to feel dissatisfied once we achieve them. Whether it’s a new gadget, a promotion, or social validation, these desires often promise happiness, but the contentment is fleeting. As soon as one goal is met, another takes its place.
But what if the key to fulfillment isn’t in chasing desires, but in mastering them?
This is where Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy, offers a powerful framework. Founded by Zeno of Citium in the 3rd century BCE, Stoicism teaches us that true happiness doesn’t come from satisfying our external desires, but by mastering our inner world.
Desires, whether material or emotional, seem to define much of our lives. We want a new car, a bigger house, or recognition at work. These wants are natural, but what happens when we achieve them? Often, the satisfaction is short-lived. Soon, we find ourselves desiring more, caught in a cycle that never truly ends.
Stoicism helps break this cycle by focusing on what we can control—our thoughts, actions, and reactions. Instead of chasing fleeting desires, Stoicism emphasizes cultivating virtue and wisdom. This shift in focus leads to a more profound sense of peace and fulfillment.
Epictetus, a former slave turned Stoic philosopher, reminds us: “Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.” This insight is key to understanding Stoic thought. If we focus only on what we can control—our thoughts and actions—we free ourselves from being ruled by external desires.
Similarly, Seneca, another Stoic philosopher, said: “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” Stoicism teaches us to find contentment in what we have, not in constantly seeking more.
Stoicism isn’t just about lofty ideas; it offers practical strategies that can be applied to everyday life. Here are some exercises you can try:
In today’s world, dominated by consumerism and social media, Stoicism offers a much-needed counterbalance. Constantly comparing ourselves to others or feeling pressured to buy the latest products only increases dissatisfaction. Stoic principles guide us away from this mindset by encouraging focus on personal growth and inner peace.
By mastering our desires and focusing on what we can control, we liberate ourselves from the relentless pursuit of fleeting happiness.
Want to Dive Deeper into Stoicism?
If you’re intrigued by these principles, consider starting your own Stoic practice. It’s not about eliminating desires completely but mastering them in a way that leads to true inner peace. Whether you're looking for a way to navigate modern-day pressures or to better manage your emotions, Stoicism offers timeless wisdom that is more relevant today than ever.
Takeaway: Stoicism teaches us that happiness doesn’t come from fulfilling every desire, but from mastering them. By focusing on self-discipline and cultivating virtue, we can live more peaceful, meaningful lives.
Journaling with Marcus Aurelius
I got into stoicism a few years back when I got recommended (from this subreddit) to read “The good life” (great read btw).
Since then I’ve done a course by Ryan Holiday and read meditations a few times, I’ve also been to Rome to see the statue of Marcus Aurelius (highly recommended!).
I journal daily and try to remember remind myself of the stoic virtues.
So, to take it to the next level I built a journal that reminds me of the Stoic virtues and principles, relating them back to my own life.
It asks me questions, and gives me feedback on what I write, connected to stoic values.
Been hugely helpful for me, and thought me a lot about myself.
Let me know if you would like to try it out.
And I’ll leave you with this: Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.
Can someone please explain me the stoic logic, im studing the base of stoicism and i don't understand (sorry of my bad english, im Brazilian)
I know this is awkward but please help me. Well I don't know if it's only me who feels like this.whenever I start talking with new people (no matter what they look like whether it's female or male)I get very attached to them and I get a very unusual feeling like I always keep thinking about them n miss them a lot . I know I should mind my own business but I can't help .this makes me feel my chest so heavy n tight. I worry about them very much.
Share your views and stuffs you would like to add/change in stoic followers and what is your opinion in making stoicism more popular or it should stay hidden?
Begining with an emphasis on Old English warrior scribes and complete with original background music. Also read with an authentic (not AI) voice. Feel free to take a look / listen. ⚔️
Epictetus asks us to think about the times we've set a goal for ourselves. How good does it feel to think about the ones you've accomplished? How bad does it sting to think of the ones you've failed?
He reminds us not to cower or shrink down when we're fighting in the most important of combat, though. When we're being tested for real. What is this combat? For what do we fight? The very idea of happiness. Tranquility. That's what you fight for. That's why you set goals.
He says that we're lucky not to be tested in the Olympic games - else we'd be forced to wait another four years before trying again. Rather, you can fight again today. You can fight again now. The moment you have it within you to try again, you can! You should!
It doesnt matter if you give up on this goal a hundred times. Try it again. Once you DO accomplish this goal, "... you are like him who has never renounced the combat."
So, that thing you've given up on? The one you know would improve you? The one you renounced? Get back to it.
Now I am going to explain my weird sort of existential crises please give your opinion after I explain the reasons behind it. So here it --- few of the realizations I have had, has caused me existential crises and the world is seeming so weird, senseless and absurd. Most important is that huge and immense amount of people are deluded about the very things that are cornerstone of their lives. For e.g. since the first time extramarital affairs app gledon was introduced in India it quickly gained millions of subscribers, statistics of men and women cheating is insanely high as per gleadon 53 percent of women and 26 percent of men cheat. A survey about US told around 80 percent women cheat, in that article many women wrote about it one said she had numerous affairs for 10 years even though her husband was a good and hard working man because she craves sexual variety. There are countless and countless examples of men women doing this all around the world and throughout history. When I was a teen my friend's big brother came in town we all had drinks together after he was drunk he said he was craving sex with his ex girlfriend who lived in our town. I was horrified as he was married to nice homely woman but he drunk called his ex gf who was also married to a navy man, her husband was out on duty so she accepted and they had sex that night I was shocked and horrified but since I got to college i found how common infidelity was and most of the time cheaters did not got caught and lived happy lives. Insane amount of guys are deluded about their wife's sexual past since hymenoplasty so common across the globe. In when decades ago China mandatory dna testing was implemented many kids turned out to not be the biological kids of their fathers as it is understandable that in such huge population there would be some infidelities and there would some kids born out of infidelities as per probability. Further was watching a documentary about some suicide bombers of isis Or taliban maybe, and the young guy who was caught before blowing himself up when examined was utterly convinced that he was doing allah's divine work and western civilization was trick of shaitan (islamic version of satan) and he will be rewarded in paradise for this. I was disturbed as how since so many of these guys from these organizations armies were brainwashed since they were kids in their madarsa's, they wholeheartedly accept this as a reality and immense amount of them fight zealously and martyr themselves never ever finding the truth about their life. So all this rambling was to basically try to explain that huge maybe millions or billions amount of people are deluded about the things which are the very cornerstone of their reality. They would be horrified or loose meaning if they found out the truth. Maybe many men will raise another man's kid without even knowing about it. Most people will live and die in their delusion. Problem here is this that all spiritual or religious systems or self improvement books or philosophies provide a way to live a better life but none of them can deal with thiss problem that human can strive only as per what knows but he cannot know what he may be missing he may be feeling so good and meaningful about his life but he may be deluded. What does it even mean when so many people are deluded about the central aspects of their lives. How do I make sense of the reality now? Please take as much time and detail as possible, I know there is no solution to this but I just wanted your perspective.
I'm on a hunt to make a playlist that, however you may interpret it, aligns with a stoic mindset. What comes to mind is musical direction not leaning towards any direction - not too angry, not too weepy and sentimental.. A mild mannered, detached perspective on the human experience, musically and/or lyrically.
My personal choices, the kind of things I'm looking towards :
Leonard Cohen - The Butcher
The Fall - And Therein Silver Jews - Golden Days Arthur Russell - Goodbye Old Paint
I think I mostly lean towards the older soft folk and rock that brings to mind a world weariness, yet maturity and acceptance I'm looking for in a song. But all genres and interpretations of the idea would be gladly welcome.
Have low expectations. But aim high. To clarify the idea more - aim for the best, but be prepared for the worst. The worst is an option, and life likes to choose this option more often than we would like to.
Today’s world constantly pushes positivity and hope. But hope often misleads. Be realistic instead, even if reality is not what you want it to be. If that’s the case - change it. If you can’t - adjust to it. Be positive about things, just don’t lie to yourself.
Anticipate challenges, anticipate setbacks. Don’t treat it like obstacles, it’s a natural and unavoidable part of life. It's not about pessimism; it's about realism.
Don't make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Be aware of how things are going and don't run away from potential threats, but rather prepare for them. Things won’t always go your way, and that’s ok because the world is not always aligned with “your way”.
"Restrict the range of hope" ― Seneca
Bad things will happen. How will you react to them is up to you. If you miss a train, you either react with:
It’s as serious as a missed train or as unserious as just a missed train. Both answers are correct here.
AND, I know it all goes into oblivion when something like this (or worse) happens, but the goal of the stoic is to make it stay in your head and actually use and practice it. Otherwise, you might as well stop reading it.
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." ― Epictetus
Life is unfair. That’s one of the rules and not acknowledging it will only work against you. Being born, you get a certain deck of cards and you have to play them whether you like it or not.
It's easy to get caught up in frustration or anger when things don't go our way. Everyone wishes for a different set of circumstances, but that energy is better spent adapting to the current situation. Accept the rules of the game, and focus on what you can control: actions, reactions, attitude. Nothing is granted or promised to you. Good things don't come by default, "default" is whatever happens and that doesn't favor any side.
"You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can't control." ― Epictetus
Doesn’t affect you or you can’t change it, don’t care about it. It’s that simple. Ask yourself those 2 questions and if you answered “no” to one or both of them, why bother? We waste precious mental energy and time on things beyond our control.
You see a post about a controversial topic that sparks heated debates among people. You start typing, but does it even affect you? No. Then, don’t bother.
The weather - does it affect me? Yes. Can I change it? No. Then, adjust.
If something doesn’t affect you and you can’t change it, it’s perfectly okay to let it go. Simple mindset shift, but can lead to a more peaceful and productive life, and save you a lot of frustration. Conserve your energy for the things that genuinely matter. Feel free to modify those examples. Let it be a little exercise for you.
Remember - you don’t need to have an opinion on everything. Maybe not a stoic quote, but this one fits here well:
“There are many things of which a wise man might wish to be ignorant” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Look at life as a process of continuous improvement. Be ready to fail and to take lessons from it. True growth lies in consistent progress, not flawless outcomes. Perfectionism can be a disguised form of procrastination, preventing us from taking the first, most crucial, step.
Progress is like climbing absurdly long stairs, you don't see the difference at every step, but looking back.
It’s progress, not perfection that pushes you closer to your goals. Sometimes something “good enough” is just perfect.
"We are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more in imagination than in reality." — Seneca
Fellow Stoics,
In our quest for daily reflection, I've been experimenting with a modern twist on an ancient practice. The Roman Stoic Seneca advised:
"I examine my entire day and go back over what I've done and said, hiding nothing from myself, passing nothing by." - Seneca, On Anger, 3.36
This evening reflection is crucial to Stoic practice. But in our busy lives, how can we make this more accessible?
I've found an interesting solution: mindful walking combined with digital journaling. There's an app called YogiWalk that's caught my attention. It allows you to record thoughts during walks and provides AI-driven insights afterward - almost like a digital Stoic mentor.
I'm curious about your thoughts:
Let's discuss how we can adapt timeless wisdom to our modern world while staying true to Stoic principles.
I am searching for meditations in ebook form anyone know where I could download it?
I’m 21F and I feel as though my lack of self love ruins my life. I’m a very insecure, low self-esteemed and hurt girl. Due to childhood trauma, i’ve got lots of negative traits I feel really do ruin things for me. For example, I’m in a relationship with a guy who is patient, calm, loving, supportive and genuinely wants the best for me, though i feel I am slowly chipping away ruining this by my co-dependancy, low self esteem and insecurity etc. It feels like I have tried everything - therapy, journalling, meditating, telling myself I love myself in the mirror, reading endless self-help books etc. It seems as though nothing works. I want to do better and i don’t want to loose my amazing boyfriend because of these negative traits he didn’t create, and those that I am trying to improve so greatly. He said he wants to support me, and watch me grow, support and help me too. I do not want to ruin this, like I have other things.