What does it mean to truly live a fulfilling life? Is it the pursuit of wealth, power, or recognition? Or is there something more profound that we often overlook?
Today, we dive into the ancient wisdom of Stoicism to uncover some brutal truths that most people learn too late in life. How many of these truths resonate with you? Let’s get to it.
1) Happiness is all about perspective
If someone asked you to define happiness, what would you say? Would it be a hefty bank balance, a high-profile job, or perhaps unconditional love?
According to Stoicism, happiness is not about acquiring more material possessions or achieving societal milestones.
Instead, it’s about shifting your perspective and understanding that true contentment comes from within. Stoics believed in the power of perception and that our outlook on life heavily influences our emotional state.
2) We can’t control everything
Think about a time when you planned something meticulously, perhaps it was a holiday or a big presentation, but despite all your efforts, things didn’t go as planned. The flight got cancelled, the projector malfunctioned or maybe it rained on your beach day.
This is a brutal truth that Stoicism teaches us – we can’t control everything. We live in a world full of variables and uncertainties. No matter how much we plan or worry, there are aspects of life that are simply beyond our control.
The Stoics believed that the key to peace is learning to differentiate between what we can and cannot control. They advised focusing our energy on the things we can change and accepting those we cannot. This principle doesn’t just save us from unnecessary stress, but also helps us to live more effectively and efficiently.
3) The present is all we have
The famous Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “A man could lose neither past nor future; how can one rob him of what he has not got?.”
This quote beautifully emphasizes the Stoic belief in the power of the present moment.
Many of us spend our lives either dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. In doing so, we often overlook the most important time – the present. Stoicism teaches us that the past is unchangeable and the future is unpredictable. The only thing we can truly experience and influence is the present moment.
By focusing on the present, we can make the most out of our lives, find peace in accepting what is, and lead a more mindful and fulfilling life.
4) Our reactions matter more than our circumstances
So let’s say you’ve just received a piece of news that didn’t quite meet your expectations. Maybe it’s a job rejection, or a friend cancelling plans at the last minute. How do you react? Do you let these circumstances take a toll on your mood and your day?
Stoicism teaches us that it’s not the events themselves that disturb us, but our reactions to them. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. Our reactions, more than our circumstances, determine our state of mind and our overall happiness.
The next time life throws a curveball at you, remember this Stoic principle. Instead of letting external events dictate your emotions, take a step back, regroup and choose how you want to respond. This shift in approach can make all the difference in your well-being and peace of mind.
5) Material wealth doesn’t equate to happiness
Seneca noted, “if nothing will serve a man but rich clothes and furniture, statues and plate, a numerous train of servants, and the rarities of all nations, it is not Fortune’s fault, but his own, that he is not satisfied: for his desires are insatiable, and this is not a thirst, but a disease; and if he were master of the whole world, he would be still a beggar.”
The lesson?
Material wealth doesn’t equate to happiness.
Seneca’s words highlight that the relentless pursuit of possessions leads to endless dissatisfaction. In our consumer-driven society, many believe more stuff equals more happiness, but this often results in insatiable desires. True contentment, as Stoicism teaches, comes from within. It’s about finding peace in what we have rather than what we lack.
By focusing on internal richness—valuing experiences, relationships, and personal growth over material goods—we can lead a more fulfilling life.
6) Change is inevitable
Whether we like it or not, change is a fundamental part of life. Seasons change, people grow, and nothing stays the same forever. This might seem harsh, but it’s also incredibly freeing if we learn to embrace it.
According to Stoicism, fighting against change is like trying to swim against a powerful current – it’s exhausting and futile. Instead, Stoics advised accepting and adapting to change. They saw change not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth and learning.
7) Death is a part of life
Finally, but certainly not the least important, is the Stoic acceptance of death as a part of life. It’s a topic most people prefer to avoid, but the Stoics saw death not as something to fear, but as a natural and inevitable part of our existence.
Stoics believed that by acknowledging and accepting the reality of death, we can lead fuller, more meaningful lives. The awareness of our mortality can serve as a reminder to appreciate every moment, to live authentically, and not to waste time on petty concerns or disputes.
So while it might be uncomfortable to ponder, embracing this harsh truth about death can actually enhance our appreciation for life. As per Stoicism, it’s not about dwelling on the end, but about making the most of the time we have.
The bottom line
Life is an ongoing learning journey and these brutal truths from Stoicism can serve as valuable signposts along the way.
We would love to hear from you. Do you resonate with these Stoic truths? Have they changed your perspective or approach towards life?
Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
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Until next time, stay Stoic.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
