I've seen a few versions of the fisherman and the businessman story; this one is from blog of writer Paulo Coelho. It's superb in its simplicity and the Stoic feel is obvious so it requires no further commentary. Enjoy! There was once a businessman who was sitting by the beach…
Ah there it is, my alarm clock alerting me to the beginning of another day. The same shrill tone and urgent rhythm normally precedes fire damage which I find symbolic some days. But not today. Not this day that has just begun at 6:00 AM. I’m ready to explode out…
The writer William Zinsser once wrote an article called “The News From Timbuktu” about his trip to the Malian city to witness camel caravans carrying salt across the Sahara. He was thrilled by the sight of forty camels proceeding in unison over the vast desert, but it was another incident…
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…