Top Ten Stoicism Quotes

Stoicism is a type of philosophy that allows you to accept and appreciate the things in life, makes you more resilient to your emotions, and thus improving the logical and morals of your views in the world, your overall wellbeing included. It transforms you how the way you view, and live your life. When it comes to stoicism, it's best to practice following those quotes provided in this list in a daily basis in order to achieve those benefits.
The Top Ten
1 If you are ever tempted to look for outside approval, realize that you have compromised your own integrity. If you need a witness, be your own. - Epictetus

If you know yourself well, it's sometimes best to self-assess yourself rather than seeking the validation or the approval of people if you can. You can do all the work without having to seek recognition from others. Following this quote may hurt at first, but if you did put some effort of work, at least you did it. Some people prefer to shy away from putting any effort on their goal as they are scared of the results. With this quote, keeping this mindset will keep your confidence high without the praise or validation of others.

2 It is unrealistic to expect people to see you as you see yourself. - Epictetus

This quote is saying that you can't force people to change their opinions to change their viewpoints more inclined to your satisfaction. People will be always different, and have unique viewpoints in life.

3 Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow. - Plato

People work in different paces, but that doesn't mean you should rush them as that leaves many unlooked consequences for their work. Sometimes, it's better to be slow because it leaves more time for thinking of what you're doing. As the old saying goes: Slow, but steady.

4 It never ceases to amaze me, we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinions than their own. - Marcus Aurelius

Opinions, especially the negative ones, you don't have to allow those opinions to affect any business in your life. While learning about other opinions and experience is interesting, indeed; you could learn a good fact from them, and they are so much praised by the vast majority of people. But it's much better if you dispose them off your mind. That way, you will feel more free and more confident to the things you do.

How ironic to put this item on this list considering that 99% of this website is entirely opinionated.

5 Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. - Epicurus

In short, you should be grateful of the things of what you have as of right now.

6 If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it. - Marcus Aurelius

This is very common sense that not many people are able to follow.

7 A man who suffers more before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary. - Seneca

This quote is similar as to the "We suffer more often in imagination more than reality" quote. It is another reminder not to worry about the future. If a man worries about failure and then fails, he suffered the feeling of failure twice. To sum up this quote, don't wait for the future you want it to be as it will never come, but instead, appreciate of what's going on in the present.

8 We suffer more often in imagination than reality. - Seneca

This quote is saying that you should not worry or speculate about the future, especially when it comes to negative thoughts. Instead, it's better that you should worry about the present. Unfortunately, many people tend to think the opposite.

9 You are scared of dying, and tell me, is the kind of life you lead any different than being dead? - Seneca

Sadly, many people fear the inevitable that is called "death". But not many realize that death is natural and part of the cycle of life. Other than fearing the far event of what's going to happen, you should ask yourself, and think about how you live your life. There are many opportunities that are open for you, and most likely for most people, you still have a long time to live to figure it out.

You forgot that the fear of death is instinctively programmed into our minds, that's why so much people tend to fear death, because it's often associated with agony.

10 Wealth consists not having great possessions, but in having few wants. - Epictetus

Moderation of the wants is perfectly fine, unless it's obsessive to the point that it's affecting your money and life. It's better to save and spend money on the things you need rather than hoarding it on material things such as trendy clothes that you don't really need, or less so, at least.

The Contenders
11 You have power on your own mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. - Marcus Aurelius

For anyone who needs a clear understanding, don't control what cannot be controlled.

12 Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be One. - Marcus Aurelius
13 External things are not the problem. It's your assessment of them. Which you can erase right now - Marcus Aurelius
14 Be tolerant of others and strict with yourself - Marcus Aurelius
15 If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid. - Epictetus
16 Death smiles at us all, but all a man can do is smile back. - Marcus Aurelius

The best way to deal when death is near is to simply accept it, and "smile back"...

17 Every man must decide for himself whether to walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of selfish destructiveness. - Martin Luther King Jr
BAdd New Item