The Stoic Psychological Techniques I first became aware of Stoicism after hearing people like Tim Ferriss and Ryan Holiday describe the practical benefits of the philosophy. However it wasn’t until I came across Derek Sivers notes on A Guide To The Good Life that I was really urged to explore it in more detail. On reading William…
Being human, we all know how easy it is to make mistakes. We make them every day. Most of the time they’re small and inconsequential and no one else sees them, like dropping a glass on the floor. Or maybe they’re slightly more embarrassing and we try to fix what we’ve done without anyone finding…
Getting from A to B can be so tedious. Having to be at B in the first place, especially if it’s some social occasion, can be tedious. Sometimes I’d rather stay at A and bask in the comfort of not making engaging conversation. It’s not that I don’t like people, it’s just that I’m an…
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 need that Marcus Aurelius quote…
“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 if you think about it,…
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 certainly wouldn’t be right to say that Stoicism appeals only to quieter, introverted types. In fact, both introverts…
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, life passes" never really go…
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 thing we see is the lock…
Marcus Porcius Cato has left many legacies and 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 Epictetus, and although each had…