When was the last time you helped someone without them knowing it was you? Maybe you made an anonymous donation to a JustGiving campaign or returned some lost property and didn’t leave your name. If something similar does come to mind, you should now be feeling that same little buzz…
Daily life can be busy. And it can be worrying. And exciting, anxious and a whole host of other things that distract us from focusing on ourselves and the present moment. Sometimes we need Stoic reminders, because moments of greater perspective aren't always a priority. In the morning, you might…
“We’re all gonna die.” If you’ve ever seen the movie Predator, you’ll remember the character Billy Sole using that line in a much calmer, matter-of-fact manner than might be expected in an action film. In that instance it was used to convey the danger of a more imminent demise, but…
The image of a Stoic is often one of the quiet philosopher, focused on deep thoughts and pondering the way of the world. An introvert meditating on life and writing their thoughts in private journals. However, it wouldn’t be accurate to say that Stoicism appeals only to quieter, introverted types.…
One of the most attractive things about Stoic philosophy is how relevant the 2000-year old teachings still are today. Let's face it, pearls of wisdom like "If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it" and "While we wait for life,…
With the average user unlocking their phone 80 times per day, there's probably no better place for a Stoic wallpaper than the screen of our devices. Each of those 80 times we pick up our phones to mindlessly check something that won't have changed since the last time, the first…
Marcus Porcius Cato has been admired by countless high-profile leaders and dignitaries since his death over 2000 years ago. Leaders like Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and George Washington were all hugely inspired by the examples set by Cato the Younger. It was largely Joseph Addison’s 18th Century play Cato: A Tragedy…
If you're keen to emulate the ancient Stoics and aren't sure where to begin, one thing you can do straight away is start a Stoic journal. Reflecting on one's thoughts and getting them down on paper was a common practice among the likes of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca The Younger and…
For those wondering how to practice Stoic negative visualisation, the good news is that it can easily be done by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Similar to other ancient Stoic techniques with a virtuous motivation like writing in a journal and practising voluntary hardship, negative visualisation doesn't require the aspiring…
Stoic from beginning to end Marcus Aurelius was a man who lived by the Stoic laws, which so capably go into making a virtuous man. He did this by nature and also by learned practices, all the way from his youth to his dying breath: Adorn thyself with simplicity and…