Stoics

These posts deal with stoic philosophy from the ancient Greeks and Romans, and how stoicism can help us learn how to lead better lives
Nov
25
Rustic farmhouse in Swiss alps - Moral Letters to Lucilius

044 - On Class And Philosophy - Moral Letters for Modern Times

Philosophy holds out to us the exact same opportunity, regardless of birth, gender, class, or wealth. Truly the way is open to all.
3 min read
Nov
22
Meadows in Swiss alps - Moral Letters to Lucilius

043 - On Rumor And Fact - Moral Letters for Modern Times

When we look at others, our views of reality are shaded by the tint of our own minds: our prejudices, our fears, and our faults.
2 min read
Nov
18
Rocky path in Swiss alps - Moral Letters to Lucilius

042 - On The Meaning Of Life - Moral Letters for Modern Times

How do we find meaning? By learning to identify all those things that are meaningless, and serve only to weigh us down: public opinion and trends; fashion, fame, and fortune; anger, envy, and longing.
3 min read
Nov
15
Forest path in Swiss alps - Moral Letters to Lucilius

041 - On Looking Within - Moral Letters for Modern Times

For us to know the true worth of something, we must look beyond the packaging. And this takes time.
3 min read
Nov
11
Path with mountains in background - Moral Letters to Lucilius

040 - On Composure - Moral Letters for Modern Times

Just as the glib speaker fools the lazy listener, so we mistake fervor in argument for conviction, and conviction for correctness.
2 min read
Nov
08
Trail through forest with mountains in background - Moral Letters to Lucilius

039 - On Drinking Deeply - Moral Letters for Modern Times

Think of a summary as but a sip, nourishing if it comes after a full meal, but leaving you empty if you have consumed nothing before it.
3 min read
Nov
04
Yellow train on a green hillside - Moral Letters to Lucilius

038 - On A Good Talk - Moral Letters for Modern Times

Give me persons of any age who have made their own choice to learn, not because anyone compels them to, but because they believe it will bring them something of value.
2 min read
Nov
01
Alpine village - Moral Letters to Lucilius

037 - On Keeping Your Promise - Moral Letters for Modern Times

It should give you pause to consider that the great many who think themselves in possession of their faculties are in fact being mindlessly swept along.
2 min read
Oct
28
Mountain meadows with steep mountains in background - Moral Letters to Lucilius

036 - On Defining Your Own Success - Moral Letters for Modern Times

To follow your own mind, especially when it directs a course that goes against all others, is the greatest achievement.
2 min read
Oct
25
Courtyard of modern building - Moral Letters to Lucilius

035 - On Like Minds - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The coward looks on and says all is good; it is the hero who says your ship is veering off course. Watch carefully your instinct to reward the first one and punish the second.
2 min read