Stoics and Epicureans.

"A nation is born Stoic and dies Epicurean." -?Will Durant, Historian

Very simply put, Stoics believe in making sacrifices now for something better later on, while Epicureans live for short-term pleasure in the here and now. Epicureans adhere to the principle of seizing immediate gratification without much regard for tomorrow.

Great nations, institutions, and businesses are built by Stoics, not Epicureans. Most of us grow up in the shade of proverbial trees planted by those who came before us.

On a personal level, we can easily find ourselves leaning towards either the Stoic or Epicurean camp. Victor Hugo once said, "Adversity makes men; prosperity makes monsters." Nations, institutions, and businesses built by resilient individuals often falter when they fall into the hands of those who prioritise fleeting pleasures over enduring values.

When was the last time you challenged yourself? Have you ever slept on hard ground? Gone a day without eating while maintaining a positive outlook? Skipped sugar for a week or chose to walk to the grocery store instead of driving? Have you examined your business plans over a five or ten-year horizon instead of merely focusing on the next quarterly shareholder meeting?

Too often, short-term pleasures and living for the moment hinder us from achieving our goals and dreams. What’s truly stopping you from saving 10% of your income every month? Is it the allure of another vacation, the desire to be seen at the latest bar or club, or the temptation to buy new shoes for an already full closet? Is this Epicurean or Stoic thinking? The Stoic builds a life they don’t need to escape from.

You can either talk about things, watch things happen, or take action.

Both Epicurean and Stoic mindsets can be seen as selfish, but the difference lies in their approaches. One is impulsive and indulgent, while the other is disciplined and resolute. Nothing of great significance was ever achieved without effort.

Modern living is undoubtedly convenient, but its preference for Epicurean thinking has made many so-called 'first-world' nations, institutions, and businesses vulnerable. With statistics showing 50% diabetes rates, 60% obesity rates, and 20% of the population on anti-depressants, countless individuals are not saving anything for their retirement or their children's education. The lure of the next vacation or purchase often distracts us from Stoic goals—the ones that lead to lasting comfort and success—pushing them aside for years, observed from a distance but never pursued.

Stoic philosophy is not about eliminating pleasure or spontaneity, but rather about integrating discipline into one's lifestyle in a way that ultimately enhances overall well-being in a way that becomes sustainable and resilient. Given how we talk about sustainability so much one would think the first and most important area to apply it in would be our own lives, from our health to our wealth.

And this definitely applies to our investment decisions - and we should consider adopting a Stoic mindset. Focusing on the medium to long-term strategies as much or more than short-term gains - Warren Buffett called it paying your future self.

Let's connect and see how we can apply Stoic principles to your own financial life.

#normanloweinvest #stoic #epicurean #investintelligently #investing

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