1) Overreacting to external events
“External things are not in my power, my will is my own. Where am I to seek what is good and what is evil? Within me” – Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus , 1916)
Stoicism teaches us that the world outside of our own thoughts and actions is beyond our control, and getting upset about it is a waste of energy.
It’s like getting mad at the weather. You can’t control it, so why let it control your mood?
A wise person, according to Stoicism, understands this. They know that they can’t control external events, only their reactions to them.
If you see someone who is constantly upset or frazzled by things outside of their control – traffic jams, rude people, bad weather – it could be a sign that they lack wisdom.
But remember, everyone has bad days. It’s only if this is a consistent pattern that it becomes a serious red flag.
2) Dwelling on past mistakes
“Each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past or is an uncertain future” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Stoicism has taught me that dwelling on past mistakes is like trying to drive forwards while constantly looking in the rear-view mirror. It’s not only distracting, it’s also dangerous.
I remember a time when I messed up a big presentation at work. I couldn’t shake off the embarrassment and kept replaying the scene in my head for days. It was affecting my day-to-day productivity even though it the presentation was long forgotten about by most.
But then, I reminded myself of a Stoic principle: We cannot change the past; we can only use it to inform our present and future.
Do you know someone who’s constantly berating themselves for past errors?
Well, it may be an indication that they’re missing this Stoic wisdom. Wisdom involves learning from mistakes, not living in them.
3) Being overly concerned with reputation
In the grand scheme of things, the Stoics believed that our reputation is a trivial concern. After all, it’s in the hands of others, which makes it an external factor that we can’t control.
As Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “How great a rest from labour he gains who does not look to what his neighbour says or does or thinks but only what himself is doing” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
A lack of wisdom might be displayed by someone who is overly concerned with their reputation. If they’re constantly worried about what others think of them or how they’re perceived.
4) Fear of change
“Is it change that a man fears? Why, what can have come to be without change, and what is dearer or more familiar to Universal Nature?” Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Stoicism teaches us that change is an inevitable part of life. The world around us is in constant flux, and resisting this natural order can cause unnecessary suffering.
A wise person understands that change is not something to be feared, but something to be navigated with courage and resilience. They know that every ending is a new beginning in disguise.
5) Lack of empathy
“We are all working together to a single end” Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
At the heart of Stoicism lies a profound respect for all human beings. The Stoics believed that we are all part of the same universal community, bound together by reason and mutual understanding.
When someone lacks empathy or shows a disregard for the feelings and experiences of others, it is a sign of a lack of wisdom. This doesn’t mean they’re a bad person, but they might be missing a key aspect of Stoic philosophy.
True wisdom involves recognizing our shared humanity and treating others with kindness and compassion, even when it’s challenging. After all, we are all walking our own paths, each with its own set of hurdles.
Final thoughts: The path to wisdom
At the core of Stoic philosophy lies the belief that wisdom is a journey, not a destination. It’s about striving for personal growth, learning from our mistakes, and continually working towards becoming better versions of ourselves.
The ancient Stoic philosopher, Seneca once said, “As long as you live, keep learning how to live.” This quote encapsulates the essence of Stoicism and the pursuit of wisdom. It’s not about being perfect, but about progressing.
If you see someone displaying these behaviors, it’s not a condemnation but an invitation. An invitation to embark on the journey towards wisdom, guided by the principles of Stoicism.
We are all works in progress. And every day presents a new opportunity to learn, grow, and move closer to wisdom.
Now it’s over to you. Are there any behaviors you would add? Let us know in the comments.
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What would Marcus Aurelius say?
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