The Stoic Edge in 30 Days

The Stoic Edge in 30 Days

Day #13: Practice Acceptance

The Stoics had high standards for themselves. They understood that human nature is full of foibles, and that it is easy to get off track. The four virtues -- Justice, Wisdom, Temperance, and Courage -- are guideposts for when we get off course, helping to focus us on the most important things. But the interesting thing about Stoic virtue is that it is focused internally: it's about what YOU do and don't do. It's not about other people. In fact, the Stoics preached being understanding of the flaws of others. As Marcus Aurelius wrote,

"Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”

There is great wisdom in this approach to life, for it puts the focus of your reactions on yourself rather than those around you. If someone is bothering you, acting rudely, or being offensive, let them. It's their problem. It only becomes yours if you let it.

Admittedly, it's not easy to ignore the frustrations that come with daily life. The key for the Stoics is to remember that we are people too, and thus just as likely to be irritating to others as they are to us! Again Marcus Aurelius:

“Whenever you take offense at someone’s wrongdoing, immediately turn to your own similar failings, such as seeing money as good, or pleasure, or a little fame—whatever form it takes. By thinking on this, you’ll quickly forget your anger, considering also what compels them—for what else could they do?"

For they are human! Like you. So take a breath and practice acceptance.

James Lang

Adaptable professional, committed to streamlining operations, managing sales lifecycle, and driving sustainable business growth.

8 个月

Excellent post! I am amazed by the Stoic mindset…just starting to read about it. It’s a very humbling experience. Thank you

回复

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Ken Davenport的更多文章

  • Life in 3-D.

    Life in 3-D.

    Is it just me or do you sometimes feel as if we live in a fantasy world? That we act and react to things that are…

    3 条评论
  • Footsteps in Sand.

    Footsteps in Sand.

    I've been watching Los Angeles burn and am reminded again how precious and unpredictable life is. I pray for those who…

    2 条评论
  • A Stoic Guide to the Election

    A Stoic Guide to the Election

    I have friends of all political stripes and everyone is on edge. How could we not be? We are told that the world will…

    9 条评论
  • We've come unmoored.

    We've come unmoored.

    I saw a social media post today about a young woman yelling in the face of a toddler at a Harris Rally and I haven't…

    9 条评论
  • Question Authority

    Question Authority

    #17 of the Stoic Edge in 30 Posts One of the things that amazed me about Covid was what it showed about us as people…

    4 条评论
  • The Stoic Edge in 30 Posts

    The Stoic Edge in 30 Posts

    Post #16: Choose Patience I've written at various times on this blog and in my book The Stoic Edge about the unique…

    2 条评论
  • The Stoic Edge in 30 Posts

    The Stoic Edge in 30 Posts

    Post #15: Don't Suffer in Imagination One of my all-time favorite Stoic quotes is from Seneca: "We are often more…

    3 条评论
  • The Stoic Edge in 30 Posts

    The Stoic Edge in 30 Posts

    Post #14: Let Them One of the illusions of our modern world is that we have more control than we really do. Technology,…

    3 条评论
  • The Stoic Edge in 30 Days

    The Stoic Edge in 30 Days

    Day #12: There Is No "There" There You've undoubtedly heard the old adage "it's the journey not the destination." It's…

  • The Stoic Edge in 30 Days

    The Stoic Edge in 30 Days

    Day #11: Anger is Your Enemy We live in a time when it's very easy to get consumed with anger. Our phones are…

    3 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了