Sure, Stoicism might be an ancient Greek philosophy, but it’s far from irrelevant. It’s a way of life that’s refreshingly practical, focusing on the world as it is, not as we might want it to be.
Stoics are folks who’ve mastered the art of controlling what they can and shrugging off what they can’t. They live by a set of principles that make them stand out — and not in a “look at me” kind of way, but in a quietly confident, “I’ve got this” manner.
Today, we’re going to explore some behaviors that tend to distinguish Stoic people from the rest.
By getting to grips with these traits, you’ll get a peek into how Stoics tick. You might even find that you are, in fact, already living the Stoic life!
Let’s dive in.
1) They don’t let emotions trump logic
“Get rid of the judgement; you are afraid of the ‘I am hurt’; get of the ‘I am hurt’, you are rid of the hurt itself.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Life isn’t always a walk in the park, is it?
We all face challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. But how we respond to these obstacles is what truly defines us.
This is where Stoics really shine. They know that emotions are within our power and we can control our perceptions.
Let me give you an example. A few years back, I had a friend who lost his job unexpectedly. Instead of spiraling into worry and self-pity, he took a Stoic approach.
He acknowledged the disappointment — after all, he’s human — but then he dusted himself off and started exploring new opportunities. He didn’t waste time blaming others, dwelling on the situation or wallowing in self-pity. Instead, he controlled what he could: his response.
This is emotional resilience in action, and it’s a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy. It’s about understanding that life will throw curveballs at us but we can choose how to respond to them.
2) They treasure the present
Seneca, a renowned Stoic philosopher, once wrote, “There are more things, Lucilius, likely to frighten us than there are to crush us; we suffer more often in imagination than in reality” – Seneca (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917)
This statement holds a profound truth that Stoics live by: the power of living in the present moment.
Stoics understand that dwelling on the past or worrying about the future is a waste of time and energy. They focus on the here and now, understanding that this moment is all we truly have. They don’t allow their minds to be hijacked by ‘what ifs’ or ‘if onlys’.
This doesn’t mean Stoics don’t plan for the future, but they do so while staying grounded in the present.
Are you stuck in the past or the future?
Next time you find your mind wandering to past regrets or future anxieties, remember Seneca’s wisdom and bring your attention back to the present moment. It’s the only place where life is truly happening.
3) They view obstacles as opportunities
Picture this: You’ve been working on a project for weeks, pouring your heart and soul into it. Then, out of nowhere, you hit a massive roadblock that threatens to derail everything. What do you do? Throw in the towel? Panic?
Not if you’re a Stoic.
Stoics view obstacles not as setbacks, but as opportunities for growth and learning. They understand that challenges are a part of life and rather than trying to avoid them, they embrace them.
They see each obstacle as a chance to practice patience, resilience, or creativity. They know that, as put by Seneca, “manliness gains much strength by being challenged” – Seneca (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917)
Think of it like this: An oyster needs an irritating grain of sand to create a pearl. Similarly, Stoics believe that it’s through facing and overcoming challenges that we develop our character and capabilities.
4) They accept
“Ask not that events should happen as you will, but let your will be that events should happen as they do, and you shall have peace.” Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus , 1916)
I remember a time when I was planning a long-awaited trip with friends. We had everything organized, from the hotel rooms to the sightseeing itinerary. But then, just a week before we were set to leave, I fell ill and had to cancel. I was devastated and frustrated, resisting the reality of the situation.
But here’s where Stoicism comes in. A Stoic would accept the situation rather than resist it. They understand that life is unpredictable and things won’t always go as planned.
Instead of fighting against reality, they accept it, adapt to it, and move forward.
This doesn’t mean they’re passive. Rather, they focus on their response to the situation rather than the situation itself. See a trend?
5) They pursue virtue over pleasure
“That which is too little for luxury, is abundantly enough for nature” – Seneca (Seneca’s Morals, 1882)
In a world that often equates happiness with pleasure, Stoics take a different approach. They pursue virtue – qualities like wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control – over fleeting pleasures.
Stoics believe that true fulfillment comes from living in accordance with nature and reason, not from chasing after temporary highs or material riches. They strive to act with integrity, to be honest in their dealings, and to treat others with respect and kindness.
This doesn’t mean they shun pleasure entirely. But they don’t let the pursuit of pleasure dictate their actions or choices. Instead, they focus on being the best version of themselves and contributing positively to the world around them.
6) They practice daily reflection
If you’ve ever kept a journal or even taken a few moments at the end of the day to think over your actions and experiences, you’ve engaged in reflection. This is something that Stoics practice religiously.
Stoics believe in the power of daily reflection as a tool for self-improvement. They review their day, analyze their actions, and consider where they acted according to their principles and where they fell short. This isn’t about self-criticism or guilt, but about learning and growth.
By reflecting on their actions, Stoics gain insights into their behavior and how it aligns with their values. This practice helps them to make better decisions, learn from their mistakes, and continuously strive to be better.
7) They don’t get too attached to material things
“Take heed…not to accustom yourself to overvalue the things you are contented to have, so as to be troubled if any time they are not here.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
In a consumer-driven world, it’s easy to equate happiness with material wealth.
However, Stoics understand that true contentment comes from within, not from external possessions. They practice detachment from material things, knowing that these items are transient and can be taken away at any moment.
This Stoic principle isn’t about rejecting or shunning material goods but about maintaining a healthy perspective on them. It’s about appreciating what you have without letting it define you or your happiness. Marcus Aurelius reminds us not to overvalue thingss to the point where their absence causes distress.
For instance, think about your favorite gadget or piece of clothing. While it’s fine to enjoy these items, Stoics advise against letting your peace of mind hinge on their presence. If they were lost or damaged, a Stoic would accept the situation without undue suffering, understanding that their well-being is not dependent on material goods.
8) They understand the impermanence of life
“There is a kind of river of things passing into being, and Time is a violent torrent. For no sooner is each seen, than it has been carried away and another is being carried by, and that, too, will be carried away.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
One of the most profound aspects of Stoic philosophy is the awareness and acceptance of life’s impermanence. Stoics understand that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have.
This recognition isn’t meant to induce fear or sadness but to inspire us to live fully and authentically. By keeping the impermanence of life in mind, Stoics prioritize what truly matters, such as personal growth, meaningful relationships, and virtuous actions, over trivial pursuits and material possessions.
This perspective can be incredibly liberating. It encourages us to let go of grudges, avoid unnecessary drama, and focus on what brings genuine fulfillment. It also helps us to appreciate the present moment as we realize that each day is a gift not to be taken for granted.
The bottom line
While these behaviors may set Stoics apart, they offer valuable insights for all of us. Stoicism isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a practical toolkit for navigating life.
It encourages us to focus on what we can control, to embrace challenges as opportunities, and to pursue virtue over fleeting pleasure. It reminds us to stay present, accept reality, and reflect on our actions. While these behaviors may set Stoics apart, they offer valuable insights for all of us.
So why not give it a shot? Try incorporating some Stoic practices into your daily routine and see what changes you notice.
Keep exploring, keep growing, and don’t forget to share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
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.
