Best Stoic Quotes On Life (And What We Learn From Them)

In a world teeming with distractions and challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Where do we turn for clarity and direction?

For many, the answer lies in the timeless teachings of Stoicism. This ancient philosophy offers profound insights into the human experience, providing a sturdy compass for navigating life’s complexities.

By reflecting on the wisdom of Stoic thinkers, we can uncover valuable lessons that resonate deeply, even in our modern era.

I have handpicked some of the best Stoic quotes on life. Whether you’re seeking inner peace, a sense of purpose, or simply a bit of inspiration, these should offer you practical wisdom and a fresh perspective.

Let’s dive in.

Marcus Aurelius Quotes On Life

“We were born for cooperation, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of upper and lower teeth. So to work in opposition to one another is against nature: and anger or rejection is opposition

“No one can lose either the past or the future – how could anyone be deprived of what he does not possess?” – Meditations (Penguin)

“Do not waste the remaining part of your life in thoughts about other people, when you are not thinking with reference to some aspect of the common good. Why deprive yourself of the time for some other task?” Meditations (Penguin)

“Remind yourself too that each of us lives only in the present moment, a mere fragment of time: the rest is life past or uncertain future.” Meditations (Penguin)

“Nothing is so conducive to greatness of mind as the ability to subject each element of our experience in life to methodical and truthful examination,” Meditations (Penguin)

“Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretence.” Meditations (Penguin)

“The happiness of those who want to be popular depends on others; the happiness of those who seek pleasure fluctuates with moods outside their control; but the happiness of the wise grows out of their own free acts.” Meditations (Penguin)

“There is a river of creation, and time is a violent stream. As soon as one thing comes into sight, it is swept past and another is carried down: it too will be taken on its way.” Meditations (Penguin)

“It’s unfortunate that this has happened.No. It’s fortunate that this has happened and I’ve remained unharmed by it—not shattered by the present or frightened of the future.” Meditations (Penguin)

Epictetus Quotes On Life

“Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things. Death, for instance, is not terrible, else it would have appeared so to Socrates. But the terror consists in our notion of death that it is terrible.” (Enchiridion of Epictetus)

” Don’t demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.” (Enchiridion of Epictetus)

“If you wish your children, and your wife, and your friends to live for ever, you are stupid; for you wish to be in control of things which you cannot, you wish for things that belong to others to be your own.” (Enchiridion of Epictetus)

“These reasonings are unconnected: “I am richer than you, therefore I am better”; “I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am better.” The connection is rather this: “I am richer than you, therefore my property is greater than yours;” “I am more eloquent than you, therefore my style is better than yours.” But you, after all, are neither property nor style.” (Enchiridion of Epictetus)

“Whatever moral rules you have deliberately proposed to yourself. abide by them as they were laws, and as if you would be guilty of impiety by violating any of them. Don’t regard what anyone says of you, for this, after all, is no concern of yours” (Enchiridion of Epictetus)

“Don’t be prideful with any excellence that is not your own. If a horse should be prideful and say, “ I am handsome,” it would be supportable. But when you are prideful, and say, “ I have a handsome horse,” know that you are proud of what is, in fact, only the good of the horse. What, then, is your own? Only your reaction to the appearances of things. Thus, when you behave conformably to nature in reaction to how things appear, you will be proud with reason; for you will take pride in some good of your own.” (Enchiridion of Epictetus)

” You may be unconquerable, if you enter into no combat in which it is not in your own control to conquer.” (Enchiridion of Epictetus)

“Man, the rational animal, can put up with anything except what seems to him irrational; whatever is rational is tolerable.” (Discourses and Selected Writings)

Seneca Quotes On Life

“you must match time’s swiftness with your speed in using it, and you must drink quickly as though from a rapid stream that will not always flow” (On the Shortness of Life – Penguin)

“life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future. When they come to the end of it, the poor wretches realize too late that for all this time they have been preoccupied in doing nothing” (On the Shortness of Life – Penguin)

“when you see a man repeatedly wearing the robe of office, or one whose name is often spoken in the Forum, do not envy him: these things are won at the cost of life.” (On the Shortness of Life – Penguin)

“consider that by far the greater proportion of men are poor, but you will not see them looking at all more gloomy and anxious than the rich. In fact, I rather suspect that they are happier in proportion as their minds have less to harry them” (On the Shortness of Life – Penguin)

“It is not that we have so little time but that we lose so much. … The life we receive is not short but we make it so; we are not ill provided but use what we have wastefully.” (On the Shortness of Life – Penguin)

“Indulge the body just so far as suffices for good health. It needs to be treated somewhat strictly to prevent it from being disobedient to the spirit.” (Letters From A Stoic)

“your house be a protection against inclement weather. It makes no difference whether it is built of turf or of variegated marble imported from another country: what you have to understand is that thatch makes a person just as good a roof as gold does” (Letters From A Stoic)

Key Takeaways

01 Live in Harmony with Others

Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of cooperation as natural and essential, suggesting that opposing this natural order is detrimental.

His quote, “We were born for cooperation, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of upper and lower teeth. So to work in opposition to one another is against nature: and anger or rejection is opposition,” underscores the idea that just as parts of the body work together for the whole, humans should also cooperate for the greater good.

This can be applied in modern workplaces or in community projects, where teamwork and collaboration lead to greater achievements than individual efforts.

02 Focus on the Present

Stoicism teaches the value of living in the moment. Marcus Aurelius advises, “Remind yourself too that each of us lives only in the present moment, a mere fragment of time: the rest is life past or uncertain future.”

This can help reduce anxiety about the future or regrets about the past, encouraging individuals to engage fully with the present. For instance, mindfulness practices that encourage being present can greatly enhance one’s quality of life by reducing stress and increasing satisfaction.

03 Control Your Perceptions

Epictetus famously stated, “Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things.”

This highlights the Stoic belief that it’s not external events but our reactions to them that cause suffering. Understanding this can empower individuals to maintain peace of mind amid adversity by focusing on their perceptions and reactions.

For example, viewing challenges at work as opportunities to learn can transform potentially stressful situations into growth experiences.

04 Value Time and Live Purposefully

Seneca’s insights on time, such as “you must match time’s swiftness with your speed in using it, and you must drink quickly as though from a rapid stream that will not always flow,” serve as a reminder of life’s brevity and the importance of using time wisely.

Applying this, one might prioritize tasks, focusing on what truly matters—such as family, personal growth, and contributing to others—rather than getting lost in trivial activities.

05 Simplicity and Contentment

Seneca advises that a simple roof of thatch is as good as one of gold. He also suggests that the rich are no more happy than the poor suggesting that true security and satisfaction come not from luxurious possessions but from a state of mind.

This can encourage a lifestyle focused on minimalism and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as nature, rather than in material accumulation.

Join the Conversation

I hope these Stoic insights have resonated with you as much as they have with me.

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And until next time, stay Stoic.