Inspiring Quotes from Stoic Philosophers
Stoicism is a philosophy that helps people to live their ‘best life’. It aims to inspire positive emotions, diminish negative emotions and sharpen character virtues.
During our current situation of dealing with a worldwide lifechanging pandemic, Stoic philosophy offers encouraging reference points for responding to challenges. It’s wise words can make us reflect on what is valuable in the midst of strife. There are an abundance of suggestions on how to strengthen our character and state of wellbeing through taking charge of our thoughts and perceptions. I’ve gathered here a selection of inspiring quotes from the Stoic School of philosophy to reflect on.
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
Marcus Aurelius
“Choose not to be harmed and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed and you haven’t been.”
Marcus Aurelius
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
Marcus Aurelius
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”
Seneca
“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself.”
Epictetus
“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”
Epictetus
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
Marcus Aurelius
“If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it.”
Marcus Aurelius
“Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.”
Seneca
“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.”
Seneca