Have you ever found yourself pondering what true success means in a world that often equates it with wealth, status, and fame?
Amidst the constant pursuit of goals and achievements, it can be easy to lose sight of what genuinely matters. The Stoics, with their timeless wisdom, offer a different perspective—one that centers on inner virtue, resilience, and personal growth.
As someone who has found profound guidance in Stoicism, I often turn to its teachings to redefine my own understanding of success. The philosophy reminds us that success is not measured by external accolades but by the strength of our character and the tranquility of our mind.
Today, I’ve curated some of the best Stoic quotes on success. These quotes serve as a reminder that true success lies within our control and is rooted in the virtues we cultivate daily.
Let’s explore these pearls of wisdom together and discover what it means to succeed the Stoic way.
Seneca Quotes On Success
“He who is brave is free”
“If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”
“Wealth is the slave of a wise man. The master of a fool ”
“No man was ever wise by chance”
“It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it. Life is long enough, and a sufficiently generous amount has been given to us for the highest achievements if it were all well invested.”
“It is not the man who has too little that is poor, but the one who hankers after more.”
“If what you have seems insufficient to you, then though you possess the world, you will yet be miserable.”
“Wealth is the slave of a wise man. The master of a fool ”
“It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.”
“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself”
“No man is crushed by misfortune unless he has first been deceived by prosperity”
“For many men, the acquisition of wealth does not end their troubles, it only changes them”
“Fidelity purchased with money, money can destroy.”
Epictetus Quotes On Success
“It is better to die of hunger having lived without grief and fear, than to live with a troubled spirit, amid abundance”
“Give me by all means the shorter and nobler life, instead of one that is longer but of less account!”
“Freedom is secured not by the fulfilling of men’s desires, but by the removal of desire.”
“Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.”
“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will. ”
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”
“Asked, Who is the rich man? Epictetus replied, He who is content.”
“Freedom is secured not by the fulfilling of men’s desires, but by the removal of desire.”
Marcus Aurelius Quotes On Success
“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.”
“No man is happy who does not think himself so.”
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly.”
“Remember that very little is needed to make a happy life.”
“Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; but if anything is within the powers and province of man, believe that it is within your own compass also.”
“The only thing that isn’t worthless: to live this life out truthfully and rightly. And be patient with those who don’t.”
“Do not be ashamed of help.”
“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what’s left and live it properly. What doesn’t transmit light creates its own darkness.”
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
8 Key Takeaways
1. Contentment Over Wealth
True wealth lies in contentment and not in the accumulation of material possessions.
Epictetus teaches us, “Asked, ‘Who is the rich man?’ Epictetus replied, ‘He who is content.'” Similarly, Seneca states, “It is not the man who has too little that is poor, but the one who hankers after more.”
In the modern world, this could mean appreciating what you have instead of constantly yearning for the latest gadgets or bigger houses. Practicing gratitude for your current circumstances can lead to a more fulfilling life.
2. Mastery of Desires
Freedom and happiness come from mastering our desires rather than fulfilling them.
Epictetus advises, “Freedom is secured not by the fulfilling of men’s desires, but by the removal of desire.”
3. Quality of Thoughts
Our happiness is significantly influenced by the quality of our thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius reminds us, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly.”
By focusing on positive, constructive thoughts and avoiding negative self-talk, we can create a more joyful and resilient mindset in our daily lives.
4. Adapting to Life’s Events
Embracing life’s events as they come is crucial for maintaining peace.
Epictetus encourages us, “Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.”
This is especially relevant in the fast-paced modern world, where unexpected challenges and changes are constant. Adapting to change, rather than resisting it, can lead to a calmer and more resilient mindset.
5. Time Management and Purpose
Making the best use of our time leads to a more fulfilled life.
Seneca teaches, “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it… Life is long if you know how to use it.”
In modern life, this could mean setting clear priorities, avoiding time-wasting activities, and focusing on what truly matters, such as relationships and personal passions.
6. Value of Virtuous Living
Living a virtuous life, even if shorter, is more valuable than a longer, less meaningful one.
Epictetus’ quote, “Give me by all means the shorter and nobler life, instead of one that is longer but of less account!” highlights this.
This can be applied today by prioritizing actions that align with personal values and ethics, even if they don’t lead to immediate rewards.
7. Strength Through Adversity
Facing adversity is necessary for growth and self-discovery.
Seneca notes, “No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.”
This is especially relevant today, where challenges and setbacks can be seen as opportunities for development rather than obstacles to success. Embracing difficulties can lead to greater resilience and strength.
8. Wisdom Through Deliberate Effort
Wisdom is not attained by chance, but through continuous learning and intentional practice.
As Seneca stated, “No man was ever wise by chance.”
In the modern world, this means dedicating time to self-reflection, studying philosophical teachings, and applying these lessons in daily life.
By actively seeking knowledge and striving for personal growth, we can cultivate wisdom and make better decisions, leading to a more meaningful and successful life.
Join the Conversation
If these Stoic insights resonated with you, I’d love for you to join our community. Subscribe to my Stoic email newsletter to receive weekly doses of wisdom, practical tips for living a virtuous life, and exclusive content straight to your inbox. Together, we can explore the timeless teachings of Stoicism and apply them to our modern lives.
Also, share your own insights and favorite Stoic quotes in the comments section below. Your thoughts and experiences are valuable, and by engaging in this discussion, we can all learn and grow together.
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.
