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
Mar
31
Parallel train tracks disappearing into the distance - Moral Letters to Lucilius

080 - On Training To Improve - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The side effects of not only being physically fit, but training to become and remain physically fit, are certainly real.
5 min read
Mar
28
Stone house bordering a wide river under a gray, clouded sky - Moral Letters to Lucilius

079 - On Studying Beneath The Surface - Moral Letters for Modern Times

Why is it so hard to understand what we want, what will make us happy, and how to take the actions that will bring us there?
4 min read
Mar
24
Courtyard of a large castle with circular driveway - Moral Letters to Lucilius

078 - On Our Duty To Live - Moral Letters for Modern Times

While we have breath in the body, we must not give up. Not because we fear death, nothing so mundane. But because we can do good in the world by living; we can make the world a better place by our presence.
4 min read
Mar
21
Castle fortification with a wooden bridge over a moat - Moral Letters to Lucilius

077 - On The Duty To Let Ideas Live - Moral Letters for Modern Times

It is the hallmark of great civilizations that they let their citizens speak freely and, moreover, that they organize themselves to facilitate open communication far and wide.
6 min read
Mar
17
White chalk cliffs along the British coastline - Moral Letters to Lucilius

076 - On Continuing Education - Moral Letters for Modern Times

I myself try to be an earnest student. Though I am far removed from my formal school days, I am never far from a book or an idea.
4 min read
Mar
14
Sailboat in a harbor in front of apartment buildings - Moral Letters to Lucilius

075 - On Mind Viruses - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The mind viruses are vices such as jealousy, greed, ambition, spite, fear – all things that we know of and have been trying to put in their proper place.
4 min read
Mar
10
Bike path along a waterway with boats in the harbor - Moral Letters to Lucilius

074 - On Internal Versus External Value - Moral Letters for Modern Times

If you take a step, even a tiny step, in the direction of your choosing, you will have improved your situation over that of yesterday.
9 min read
Mar
07
View of hotels along a British seaside resort - Moral Letters to Lucilius

073 - On The Rule Of Law - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The rule of law is a gift beyond price that should be defended at all costs.
4 min read
Mar
03
View of Brighton pier from the beach - Moral Letters to Lucilius

072 - On Business As A Distraction - Moral Letters for Modern Times

It is impatience in business affairs, as much as in life, that leads us to be distracted from potentially more valuable pursuits.
4 min read
Feb
28
An elaborate onion-domed palace with spires - Moral Letters to Lucilius

071 - On The Greatest Good - Moral Letters for Modern Times

The greater your desired change, the larger will be the necessary expenditure of your personal resources. Nature rewards us only grudgingly, after we have paid our respects by paying our dues.
5 min read