8 signs you have a sharper mind than the average person, according to Stoicism

The Stoics had a distinct perspective on life, viewing a sharp mind as more than just intelligence—it’s about how you handle life’s challenges.

A sharper mind isn’t about being a genius like Einstein. It’s about your outlook, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make wise decisions under pressure.

According to Stoicism, there are eight signs that suggest you have a sharper mind than most. Let’s dive in and explore what these signs are, shall we?

1) Emotional distance

The Stoics placed a high premium on emotional resilience. They believed that allowing emotions to dictate decisions leads to unnecessary suffering.

So, if you find yourself maintaining emotional distance from the high drama situations that others seem to get swept up in, congratulations.

You might have a sharper mind than the average person, according to Stoicism.

This doesn’t mean you’re cold or heartless. Rather, it suggests you have the ability to separate yourself from the heat of the moment, assess situations objectively, and make decisions based on logic and reason rather than raw emotion.

Emotional distance isn’t about repressing feelings, but about managing them. It’s about knowing when to let emotions in and when to keep them at bay for the sake of clarity and sound judgement.

So if you’re someone who tends to remain calm under pressure and can think clearly in emotionally charged situations, you’re demonstrating one of the key signs of a sharp mind according to Stoic philosophy.

2) Perspective over panic

I’ll share a personal experience that really brought this Stoic principle to life. A few years ago, I found myself in a challenging work situation. My team was facing a deadline for a major project, and things were not going as planned.

As the pressure mounted, so did the panic within the team. It would have been easy to get swept up in the stress, to start pointing fingers and making rash decisions. But instead, I took a step back.

I remembered the Stoic perspective that every problem is an opportunity for growth. I saw the situation not as a catastrophe, but as a challenge to be overcome.

Instead of panicking, I refocused the team, breaking down the problem into manageable tasks. We met the deadline, and it turned out to be one of our most successful projects.

This ability to maintain perspective rather than succumbing to panic is another sign of a sharper mind according to Stoicism.

It’s about seeing the bigger picture even when things seem dire and using that perspective to navigate through challenges effectively.

3) Acceptance of what cannot be controlled

Stoicism teaches us that some things are in our control and some are not. The sharp-minded among us, according to Stoicism, fully grasp this concept and apply it to their daily lives.

For instance, you can’t change the weather, so there’s no point in allowing a rainy day to ruin your mood.

On the other hand, you have complete control over how you react to that rainy day. You can choose to see it as a setback or an opportunity for a cozy day indoors.

Did you know that the Serenity Prayer, widely used in various self-help groups, echoes this very Stoic principle? It reads: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

4) Living in the present moment

Stoicism encourages us to focus on the present moment. It teaches us that the past is unchangeable and the future uncertain, so we should concentrate our efforts on what we can control – the here and now.

Research says that if you’re someone who can fully immerse yourself in the present, savoring each moment rather than constantly worrying about the past or future, then you’re demonstrating another sign of a sharper mind.

This doesn’t mean that you don’t plan for the future or learn from the past. Rather, it’s about not allowing these things to prevent you from living fully in the present. It’s about enjoying the journey as much as, if not more than, the destination.

This ability to be present, to engage fully with what is happening right here, right now, is a sign of mental sharpness and emotional intelligence.

5) Embracing change

Change is a fundamental part of life. The seasons change, people change, situations change. Sometimes these changes are welcome, other times, not so much. The thing is, change is inevitable.

Now, how we react to change can say a lot about us. Stoicism teaches us to embrace change, to see it as a natural part of life’s ebb and flow. 

You see, embracing change means understanding that life’s beauty often lies in its unpredictability. It’s about finding peace in the fact that nothing stays the same forever.

6) Valuing virtue over material wealth

Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of money. Yet, my parents always emphasized the importance of integrity, kindness, and honesty over material wealth.

This principle aligns perfectly with Stoic philosophy that values virtue above all else.

Stoicism teaches us that material possessions are transient. They can be lost, stolen or devalued. But our character, our virtues, these are things that cannot be taken away. They are the true measure of our worth.

If you’re someone who places higher value on personal growth, integrity, and kindness rather than accumulating wealth or possessions, then you’re demonstrating a Stoic sign of having a sharper mind.

It shows an understanding that true wealth lies not in what we have, but in who we are.

7) Seeing obstacles as opportunities

It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go as planned. But Stoicism teaches us that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise.

If you’re someone who can flip the script when faced with challenges, seeing them as chances to learn and grow rather than setbacks, then you’re demonstrating another sign of a sharper mind according to Stoicism.

This mindset allows you to navigate through life with resilience and tenacity. It transforms problems into prospects and helps you make the best out of even the most challenging situations.

The next time you hit a roadblock, it might just be a stepping stone in disguise.

8) Practicing mindfulness

At the core of Stoicism lies mindfulness, a conscious awareness of our thoughts, actions, and feelings. It’s about being present in each moment, observing without judgment.

If you find yourself routinely practicing mindfulness, being fully engaged in the here and now, then you are exhibiting the most significant sign of a sharper mind according to research.

Mindfulness allows us to respond rather than react to situations. It brings clarity, focus, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

It’s not just a sign of mental sharpness, but a way of life that leads to peace and fulfillment.

Final thoughts

The ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus once said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” 

Stoicism, at its core, isn’t about achieving a sharper mind or having an edge over others. It’s a philosophy, a way of life that guides us towards contentment and peace of mind.

The signs we’ve discussed are not checkboxes to be ticked off. They’re guideposts along the path to becoming more resilient, thoughtful, and present in our lives.

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.

Check it out here.

 

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