Embracing stoic wisdom isn’t necessarily about reading ancient texts or studying philosophy. Instead, it’s about the small, daily choices that reflect a deeper understanding of stoic principles.
Today, we explore eight signs that suggest you’re already embracing stoic wisdom in your daily routine.
1) You focus on what you can control
“Of all existing things some are in our power, and others are not in our power.” – Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)
One of the keys of stoic wisdom is the understanding that some things are within our control and others are not.
Often, we find ourselves stressed or upset over situations that, in reality, we have no power over. This can be a major source of unnecessary anxiety.
But if you’re beginning to recognize this and consciously shift your focus towards things you can act upon, you’re showing a clear sign of stoic wisdom in your daily life.
This doesn’t mean ignoring the world around you, but rather, making peace with the fact that you can’t control everything. It’s about taking action where you can, and letting go of what you can’t change.
It’s not about being indifferent all the time but about finding tranquility in focusing on your own actions and attitudes.
2) You practice acceptance
“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)
Stoicism is a lot about accepting life as it comes, including the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.
I remember a time when I was passed over for a promotion at work. Initially, I felt frustrated and disappointed. But then, I took a step back and thought about it from a stoic perspective.
Rather than dwell on the disappointment, I accepted the situation as it was. Sure, it wasn’t ideal, and it wasn’t what I wanted, but it was reality.
I realized that I had two options – I could either let this disappointment rule my emotions and make me bitter, or I could accept it and use it as a learning opportunity.
Choosing the latter option didn’t make the disappointment disappear overnight, but it helped me move on more quickly and focus on what I could do better in the future.
Sound like you?
This sort of acceptance is a key sign of embracing stoic wisdom in day-to-day life.
3) You see obstacles as opportunities
“Manliness gains much strength by being challenged” – Seneca (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917)
Stoics tend to see challenges not as dead ends but as opportunities for growth.
This mindset transforms problems into platforms for improvement.
If you also view difficulties as chances to learn and evolve, you’re incorporating stoic wisdom into your daily life. It’s a practice that not only enhances personal growth but also fosters resilience.
4) You value virtue over pleasure
This is a tough one. In a world that often prioritizes pleasure and immediate gratification, stoicism takes a different view.
Stoics believe that virtue – qualities like honesty, courage, and self-discipline – is the highest good.
Pleasure is not inherently bad, but it becomes problematic when it’s pursued at the expense of virtue.
If you find yourself making choices based on principles rather than immediate gratification, you’re showing signs of stoic wisdom. Maybe you’ve started choosing to wake up early and exercise instead of sleeping in, or perhaps you’ve been prioritizing difficult but important tasks over easy but less rewarding ones.
Either way, valuing virtue over pleasure is a strong indication that you’re adopting stoic wisdom in your daily life.
5) You practice gratitude regularly
“Do not think of what are absent as though they were not existing, but ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Gratitude is a powerful force. It can shift our perspective and help us appreciate what we have, instead of always looking for what’s next.
Famous Stoics placed a high value on gratitude. They encourage us to appreciate the simple things in life and to be content with what we have, rather than constantly striving for more.
Do you find yourself taking time each day to acknowledge and appreciate the good in your life? If so, you’re tapping into stoic wisdom. This could be as simple as being thankful for your morning coffee or as profound as appreciating the love of your family.
6) You’re learning to let go of anger
“Are you angry with the man whose person or whose breath is rank? What will anger profit you?” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
This one is not easy. Trust me, I’ve had my own battles with it.
I used to have a short fuse, letting minor inconveniences or disagreements escalate into full-blown anger. But it wasn’t healthy, and it certainly didn’t make me happy.
So I started applying stoic principles. Instead of reacting immediately, I began to pause and reflect on why I was feeling angry. Was it something I could control? Was my response proportionate or was I letting my emotions run wild?
Over time, this practice helped me manage my anger more effectively. It’s still a work in progress, but the change is noticeable.
If you, too, are working on managing your anger and not letting it control you, then you’re definitely embracing stoic wisdom in your life.
7) You’re not swayed by external validation
“I often wonder how it is that every one loves himself more than all the world and yet takes less account of his own judgement of himself than of the judgement of the world.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
We live in a society that often measures success by external validation – be it likes on social media, a fancy job title, or an impressive salary.
However, stoicism teaches us that true value comes from within. It’s about knowing your worth irrespective of external validation.
If you find yourself less affected by praise or criticism from others, and more focused on being true to your own values and principles, you’re definitely embracing stoic wisdom.
It’s not about disregarding feedback altogether, but about not allowing it to define your self-worth. This inner confidence is a strong sign of stoic wisdom at work.
8) You understand the impermanence of life
“We ought to take into account not only the fact that day by day life is being spent and a small balance remaining” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
At the heart of stoicism is the understanding that everything in life is transient. This concept, known as ‘memento mori’ or ‘remember you must die’, is not meant to be morbid, but rather to remind us to cherish each moment and live fully in the present.
If you’re actively mindful of life’s impermanence, and it’s influencing you to make the most of each day, to forgive more readily, and to appreciate every moment – good or bad – then you are truly embodying stoic wisdom in your life.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
Stoicism isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a way of life that requires continuous practice and introspection.
The signs we’ve covered are not checkboxes to tick off, but rather, they are guideposts on the journey of embracing stoic wisdom.
So, whether you’re recognizing these signs in your life for the first time or you’ve been consciously practicing stoicism for years, every step you take on this journey is progress.
Have we missed any key signs? If so, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.
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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.
