“Our actions may be impeded . . . but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting.
The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” – Marcus Aurelius
We often think of philosophy as this dry, complex, and abstract pursuit that is reserved only for the most intelligent among us. It seems quite useless in our day to day lives.
There’s an exception, of course. Stoicism is remarkably clear and practical. And, truth be told, once you understand its main principles you begin to see them in a lot of other aspects of life, from religion to cognitive behavioral therapy.
One of Stoicism’s main ideas is to let go of what you can’t control. In other words, if you are upset by something you can’t control, then you’re suffering needlessly.
If you’re not a morning person, the sun rising can make you quite angry, but no matter what you think, feel, say, or do, the sun is going to rise and set and keep doing so.
Why does this matter?
You should use your energy and time and effort on what you can control, and give no thought to what’s outside of your control.
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” - Viktor Frankl
Viktor Frankl survived a concentration camp. He experienced unimaginable horrors, yet he was able to maintain his calm. He chose not to despair, and was an inspiration to his fellow prisoners.
As a matter of fact, he noticed that the ones who managed to survive those atrocities were not the strongest, the fittest, or the most intelligent. The ones who survived were the ones who had a reason to survive.
Next time someone says something to piss you off, think of this quote:
“The nearer a man comes to a calm mind, the closer he is to strength.” - Marcus Aurelius
You can’t control your emotions, but you can control your attitude. And each time that you do, you’re training yourself to be calm, you’re developing a new habit. And our habits make us.
Ignore what is outside of your control
“Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our actions. The things in our control are by nature free, unrestrained, unhindered; but those not in our control are weak, slavish, restrained, belonging to others. Remember, then, that if you suppose that things which are slavish by nature are also free, and that what belongs to others is your own, then you will be hindered. You will lament, you will be disturbed, and you will find fault both with gods and men. But if you suppose that only to be your own which is your own, and what belongs to others such as it really is, then no one will ever compel you or restrain you. Further, you will find fault with no one or accuse no one. You will do nothing against your will. No one will hurt you, you will have no enemies, and you not be harmed.” ― Epictetus
Nobody likes a crybaby. This was true two thousand or so years ago, and it is true today. We must train ourselves to exhibit perfect composure. Life kicks you in the teeth? Hah! We even manage a smile.
“Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” – Alexandre Dumas
As the cliche goes, pain is inevitable, but suffering optional.
Each problem that comes your way should be thought of as an opportunity to fortify your resolve. Even those cursed with chronic pain can teach themselves to choose their attitude towards their illness.
“The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.” – Seneca
If given the chance (I highly recommend reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius) Stoicism offers a sort of how-to guide on living a good life, no matter our circumstances.
And the best thing this philosophy can teach us is to discipline our minds to let go of what we can’t control.
Thanks for sharing these great quotes and connecting them for us.
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I agree with sullivanspin, I love the quotes, especially the one from Aurelius. Your post inspired me, thank you.
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Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, Judy.
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You’re welcome Cristian, it’s enjoyable to read your blog.
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Yes the stoics are very good at this. As a constraint I have also studied the Buddhists and they have some equally good points.
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I think philosophy and religion can be easily summed up as: “Make use of one’s suffering.”
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Yes I went to an art exhibition today that was extolling the virtues of using death as a motivator to ensure that you have the best life. It was an installation sent in a graveyard that had been hidden away and not used for 150 years. The comments were varied and one was even in Russian!
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This is interesting I must say, I have been following you for years now, your post are motivating, bless 🙏
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Thank you so much.
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Reblogged this on Alastair Swinnerton and commented:
When I first read this, having just gone through a few days of personal hell – which I may or may not write about when I’ve got some energy back – I thought “yeah right, easy for you to say”, but you know what, he’s right. “You should use your energy and time and effort on what you can control, and give no thought to what’s outside of your control.” It’s like Cristian’s been following me the last few days. You haven’t, have you? Was that you…? Joke. So, now to try to mend. It’ll probably take a while – it did the last time – but mending has to be done.
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Viktor Frankl’s writings are the definition of choice. He has given us the opportunity to recognize that which is real.
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Anything Aurelius! 🙂
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Very well written! Thanks for sharing! The Trainer (RN)* Personal Trainer, “One On One Only”
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I really enjoyed reading this peace. It’s very much in tune with where my thoughts have been throughout the week. The one activity that has helped me discipline my mind over and above everything is meditation. I used to have a chronic overthinking problem, often playing out the same two or three mistakes from my past day in and day out.
At some point I felt as though I did not want to live like this anymore. Then I started meditating daily and at first I felt nothing but after a few weeks, I felt myself feel a sense of calm and strength that I had not recognized in myself before. In times of difficulty, I can enter a space of lightness and feel a sense of peace I was never able to achieve before. For anyone out there who hasn’t tapped into the benefits yet, keep at it! I do just 15 minutes a day and it benefits every aspect of my life.
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Hmm… really good post. It’s both encouraging and inspiring. And the idea of control is always a slippery slope — what can you control and what do you need to let go of? It’s a journey.
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Thank you, Theresa.
Well, life feels like walking on tightrope. It’s all a balancing act. When to hold on, when to let go… we learn as we go along. Our journey is, in fact, our destination. The long and perilous road towards our home is, in fact, our home.
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Very philosophical. I’ll have to think more on this, especially the last sentence in your response.
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So love this and so true. I felt out of control just a few months ago until I finally calm myself and re-group my mind
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Thank you, Brenda!
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Perfectly quoted thoughts!
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Thank you!
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