If the mere mention of "philosophy" makes you yawn, get ready to have your perception changed! For most people, philosophy is ancient thinkers, droning on about abstract concepts that seem utterly removed from the realities of modern life. And when you add the word "Stoic" to the mix? Forget about it - that just sounds downright dull. But the thing is the ancient Stoics were anything but dull. In fact, they were the sort of people you’d want to go on a coffee date with! The Stoic school of philosophy was founded in Athens in the early 3rd century BC by a merchant named Zeno of Citium. Inspired by the teachings of Socrates, Zeno began sharing his own insights and wisdom under the covered walkway (or "stoa") of the Athenian marketplace. From those humble beginnings, Stoicism would go on to become one of the most influential philosophies of the ancient world, practiced by everyone from Roman emperors to former slaves. And the three towering figures of late Stoicism - Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus - are the ones whose teachings take center stage in this book, The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday!Marcus Aurelius was the philosopher-king, a Roman emperor who ruled with a Stoic's steady hand during a turbulent era. Seneca was a celebrated playwright and political adviser, known for his eloquent writings on virtue, mortality, and the control of one's emotions. And Epictetus was a former slave who triumphed to become an influential lecturer, developing a Stoic philosophy centered on personal freedom and responsibility.Now, what made the Stoics so special? Well, for starters, they were focused on answering the big questions that still vex us today: How do I live a good life? What should I do about my anger issues? What are my obligations to others? How can I overcome my fear of death? These formed the active, ongoing struggles that Stoics wrestled with in their daily lives. And they developed a comprehensive, practical philosophy for dealing with them. They organized their wisdom into the three disciplines: the Discipline of Perception (how we see and understand the world), the Discipline of Action (the decisions and choices we make), and the Discipline of Will (how we handle the things we can't control). And that's how we'll go here, as well. We'll explore these disciplines chronologically, dedicating four months to each. January through April focus on Perception, May through August...
The Meditations for January
As we begin our Stoic journey, January's meditations set the foundation for clarity of mind. Holiday presents several meditations, 31 to be precise, to cultivate this essential trait. The Stoics had a pretty straightforward mission: to help people achieve clarity, control, and tranquility in their lives. And you know what? That's exactly what we all want, isn't it? To feel in command of our own thoughts and actions, rather than at the mercy of circumstances beyond our control.The key, the Stoics discovered, is to draw a clear distinction between what's up to us and what isn't. Think of life like two concentric circles - an inner one containing all the things we can influence, and an outer one filled with the unpredictable forces of the universe. The secret is to focus your energy on the inner circle and let go of the rest. Sounds simple? In theory, yes. But in practice, it can be surprisingly difficult. After all, we humans have a bad habit of obsessing over the things we can't change - the weather, people's opinions, the stock market. Just think about how much time and mental energy we waste on those black holes of futility.Luckily, the Stoics had a cure for that. They prescribed a daily regimen of self-reflection and reality-checking. Every morning, they'd ask themselves questions like "What am I lacking in attaining freedom from passion?" What emotions or desires may be controlling your actions, in place of reason? And ask "What did I fail to do that I should have?" See, the Stoics knew that true clarity and control don't just happen - you have to work at it, one day at a time. Here's a practical way to make this a part of your daily routine: In the morning, take a quick moment to sort out what you can and can't control - then promise yourself to focus only on stuff you can actually do something about. At lunchtime, remind yourself that your real superpower is making choices - that's the one thing you've always got. Before bed, think about how much of life is out of your hands. Then take Epictetus' advice and sleep like a baby, knowing it's okay to let those things be.Since we’re on the topic of clarity, we gotta discuss clarity of your perception of self. The Stoics believed that self-knowledge was the cornerstone of wisdom. By regularly examining our...
The Meditations for February
February is for passions and emotions. What meditations do the stoics have in store?
The Stoics saw intense emotions like anger, fear, and desire as the true enemies of human happiness. Take anger, for example. How often have we seen anger make a sticky situation even worse? The Stoics would argue that giving in to these impulses is a sign of weakness, not strength. True power lies in maintaining self-control, in being the "ring robot" like the boxer Joe Louis, cool and composed no matter the provocation.
But the Stoics weren't just excited to give us a long list of don'ts. They also offered plenty of practical advice for cultivating the right mindset. Epictetus, for instance, urged us to "keep a list before your mind" of those great figures from history who were undone by their passions. What happened to them in the end? "Smoke and dust, the stuff of simple myth trying to be legend," as Marcus Aurelius put it. The takeaway? Our intense emotions may feel earth-shattering in the moment, but in the grand scheme of things, they're little more than hot air.
So how do we avoid getting caught up in that hot air? The Stoics suggest a few key strategies. First, our lesson from January. Have clarity between what's within your control and what isn't. Secondly, practice detachment. Don't get too invested in achieving any particular outcome, whether it's a professional goal or a personal desire. As Holiday warns, "Eagerly anticipating some future event, passionately imagining something you desire, looking forward to some happy scenario...ruin your chance at happiness here and now." Instead, adopt an attitude of calm indifference. Cultivate the ability to hold no opinion about a thing and to not let it upset your state of mind.
Finally, remember that your emotions don't define you. Just because you feel angry or afraid in the moment doesn't mean you have to act on it. Marcus Aurelius wants you to take a beat, take a breath, and let your rational mind steer the ship rather than your erratic emotions.
So for February, instead of getting swept away emotions, practice controlling them!
Alright then! March. What’s for March?
The Meditations for March
You're going about your day, replying to emails, grabbing coffee, stuck in traffic. Suddenly, you pause. You take a deep breath. You notice the world around you - the weight of your phone in your hand, the taste of coffee on your tongue, the rhythm of your breath. In that moment, you're not just existing. You're aware!!This awareness is what we’re gonna learn to cultivate in March. Let's start with a simple idea: you are not your thoughts or body. Epictetus, the former slave turned philosopher, put it bluntly: "You are not your body and hair-style, but your capacity for choosing well." In other words, what matters isn't how you look or even what happens to you, but how you choose to respond. Think about the last time you got stuck in traffic. Did you fume and honk, or did you take a deep breath and use the time to listen to a podcast? The traffic wasn't in your control, but your reaction was. That's awareness – being aware of your reactions!Next! Being aware of the people around you. Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor, had a clever trick for dealing with difficult people. He'd remind himself that everyone thinks they're doing the right thing, even when they're clearly not. "Nobody does wrong willingly," as Socrates said. Next time your coworker takes credit for your idea, remember: they probably think they're being a go-getter, not a jerk. It doesn't excuse their behavior, but it might help you respond with more awareness.But awareness isn't just about managing your thoughts. It's also about recognizing what truly matters. The Stoics were big on distinguishing between what we can control and what we can't, remember? This awareness of what's in our control extends to how we view our circumstances. Marcus Aurelius advised, "Whenever you find yourself blaming providence, turn it around in your mind and you will see that what has happened is in keeping with reason." This doesn't mean everything happens for a reason, but rather that we can choose to find meaning and opportunity in any situation. Next time something "bad" happens, try to find the silver lining. Your flight got delayed? More time to read that book you've been neglecting. Spilled coffee on your shirt? Now you have an excuse to buy that new one you've been eyeing.The Stoics also emphasized the importance of being aware of the present moment. Marcus Aurelius reminded...
The Meditations for April
April! Spring and flowers!! While the world is reborn, how about you focus on maintaining an unbiased perspective? That’s the theme for April.
Marcus Aurelius starts the month with a powerful observation: "Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought." This is a practical reminder of how our habitual thoughts shape our worldview. If we constantly entertain negative or biased thoughts, they'll color our entire perception. Epictetus chimes in with a practical approach to this idea. He advises us to be cautious about what we allow into our minds. "Drama, combat, terror, numbness, and subservience - every day these things wipe out your sacred principles, whenever your mind entertains them uncritically or lets them slip in." He's not suggesting we cut ourselves off from everything, but rather that we be mindful of the influences we expose ourselves to.
A key factor for unbiased thoughts is the idea of examining our judgments. Marcus Aurelius points out that it's not events themselves that disturb us, but our opinions about them. He suggests we "put our impressions to the test." This means not taking our initial reactions at face value, but examining them critically. When something seems bad, we're encouraged to step back and ask: Is this really as terrible as I think, or is my judgment clouding the issue?
Interestingly, April's lessons also touch on the value of changing our thoughts when presented with new evidence. Marcus Aurelius states, "If anyone can prove and show to me that I think and act in error, I will gladly change it." Keep it unbiased, people!
Now, how do you maintain this unbiased perspective? One intriguing method is looking at things from different angles. Marcus Aurelius suggests examining praised things by "turning them inside out" to see their true nature. It's a way to strip away our preconceptions and see things as they really are. Epictetus points out that by thinking clearly, we can avoid being swayed by false impressions or societal pressures.
Only when you keep your thoughts unbiased, can you be true to your own character and values!
That completes our Discipline of Perception. Now we discipline our actions!
The Meditations for May
As spring blooms into summer, May offers us a perfect opportunity to focus on Right Action – Holiday’s chosen theme for May. But what exactly is Right Action? Simply put, it's about doing what's ethically correct and beneficial, not just for ourselves, but for others and society as a whole.
Let's dive into this concept, shall we?
Saneca writes, "good life doesn't consist in its length, but in its use." In other words, it's not about how long you live, but what you do with the time you have. Whether or not, you take the right action. But how do we actually do the right action? In every moment? Impossible! But there are tricks. For starters, we have the chain method, given by Epictus. He suggests keeping track of the days you manage to control your temper. "I used to be angry every day, now every other day, then every third or fourth," he says. Before you know it, you've built a chain of good behavior. And who wants to break a chain, right?
So, that’s the right action for yourself. Another key aspect is doing good for others. One Stoic asks, "How much better is it to be known for doing well by many than for living extravagantly?" Money isn’t all that impressive, y’know. The positive impact you make on others by doing the right thing? That’s what makes all the difference.
But let's be real - doing the right thing isn't always easy. We all KNOW what the right thing is. But we don’t always do it, do we? That's why Seneca has some motivation for you. Today, not tomorrow is the day for right action. Make today the day you do something truly awesome! Start small. Be kind to someone. Control your temper in traffic. Do your job well, even when no one's watching. As Marcus Aurelius puts it, "What is your vocation? To be a good person." That’s your only obligation!
Now! What is the discipline of action if it doesn’t involve some problem solving?
The Meditations for June
June is here! And with it comes a fresh batch of Stoic wisdom to sharpen our problem-solving skills. About time for some strategies on life's challenges, won’t you say? Let's dive into the timeless stoic advice and see how we can apply it to our modern lives.First up, we have Holiday reminding us to always have a "mental reverse clause." What's that, you ask? It's simply a backup plan. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, so having a Plan B (and maybe even a Plan C) is just good sense. Besides, as Marcus Aurelius tells us that no one can "thwart the purposes of your mind," meaning that even if things go sideways, and they will, we always have the power to adapt our thinking and find a new path forward. Say, all your progress on a document gets deleted from some reason. Your reverse clause is to start fresh, and do it better!!Speaking of paths, Plato had some lessons for gaining perspective on our problems. He suggested taking a "bird's-eye view" of situations. Imagine you're soaring high above your troubles – suddenly, they might not seem so massive after all. This mental zoom-out can help us see the bigger picture and find solutions we might have missed when we were too close to the problem. Seneca takes it up a notch. He advises us to break big problems down into smaller, more manageable pieces. It's like eating an elephant (not that we're advocating that) – you do it one bite at a time. By focusing on small, achievable steps, we can tackle even the most intimidating obstacles.Now, let's talk about Epictetus and his two-handled approach to problems. He says every event has two handles – one that can carry it and one that can't. If your sibling does you wrong, don't grab the handle of their wrongdoing. Instead, pick up the handle of your shared history and bond. This shift in perspective can turn a potential conflict into an opportunity for understanding.Here's another problem-solving gem. The Stoics were big fans of taking walks to clear their heads and solve problems. In fact, Seneca recommended "wandering outdoor walks" to nourish and refresh the mind. The next time you're stuck on a problem, try taking a stroll. You might be surprised at the solutions that pop into your head when you're not actively trying to force them.Let's wrap up...
The Meditations for July
July's meditations focus on a theme that's both simple and profound: duty. Duty to ourselves, others, and the world around us. But what exactly is duty, and why should we care about it? Duty, in the Stoic sense, isn't following rules or doing what you're told. The Stoics saw duty as living up to our potential as human beings. Holliday puts it simply: "Do your job." But he's not talking about your 9-to-5. He means fulfilling your role as a thoughtful, ethical person.Yes, duty isn't always easy. Sometimes we might be freezing, hot, tired, or even dying. Yet, we should still do our duty. Marcus Aurelius says, ““Whatever anyone does or says, for my part I’m bound to the good.” That’s your duty! Be consistent in doing what's good and right, regardless of what others do or say. And think about it - haven't you felt proud when you've pushed through discomfort to do the right thing? That's the satisfaction of duty.Now, before you start thinking duty is nothing but a long to-do list, Holliday suggests we turn "have to" into "get to." It's a small shift in perspective that can make a big difference. Instead of grumbling about your responsibilities, try seeing them as opportunities. You don't have to go to work; you get to contribute your skills and earn a living. You don't have to help your neighbor; you get to build a stronger community. See how that feels different?Now! Our duty to others. Marcus Aurelius wants you to stop monkeying around and take responsibility for our lives and our impact on others. It's a wake-up call to stop making excuses and start making a difference. What makes Stoics so different is that they believed doing our duty should bring us joy! Not the fleeting happiness of a good meal or a funny movie, but a deep, lasting contentment. Seneca talks about this.. He says true joy comes from facing life's challenges with courage and purpose. It's not about being cheerful all the time, but about finding meaning in what we do. Speaking of meaning, the Stoics also warn us not to get too caught up in our careers. Yes, we have a duty, but Seneca paints a pretty sad picture of a lawyer who can't let go of work even in old age. So, while our professional duties are important, they shouldn't define our entire existence. There's...
The Meditations for August
Pragmatism is a practical approach to life. Anything that focuses on what works rather than getting stuck in theories or ideals is pragmatism, cool? And that’s the stoic way. Let’s apply pragmatism to our lives, shall we?Marcus Aurelius is said to have reminded himself once as "Don't await the perfection of Plato's Republic." Goes for you, too! Do not wait for perfect conditions before taking action. Instead, work with reality as it is. Get practical!! For example, if you're trying to start a new habit like exercising, don't wait for the perfect gym membership or equipment. Start with what you have - even if it's just a few minutes of bodyweight exercises in your living room.Another practical tip the Stoics offer is to simplify our lives and focus on what truly matters. Marcus Aurelius suggests, "If you would have peace of mind, busy yourself with little." This doesn't mean becoming lazy, but rather eliminating unnecessary tasks and concerns. Look at your daily routine. Are there activities that drain your energy without adding real value? Could you streamline your commitments to focus on what's most important?Another pragmatic lesson from stoics is to learn from all sources. Literally! Seneca's approach to learning? Man says, "I'll never be ashamed to quote a bad writer with a good saying." Practicality is seeking wisdom even from those we don’t agree with or admire. Try this: Next time you encounter an idea you disagree with, pause before dismissing it. Ask yourself if there's anything valuable you can learn from it, even if you don't accept the whole concept.Now, what is pragmatism if we don’t talk about self-control, especially in our reactions to events! Seneca advises, "It's ruinous for the soul to be anxious about the future and miserable in advance of misery." How often do we worry about things that haven't happened yet? This not only causes unnecessary stress but can prevent us from enjoying the present moment. As Holliday says, “The pragmatist, the person of action, is too busy to waste time on such silliness.”As with everything, you’ll have to deal with obstacles in this pragmatic way of life. Seneca says, "Apply yourself to thinking through difficulties—hard times can be softened, tight squeezes widened, and heavy loads made lighter for those who can apply the right pressure." This doesn't mean problems will magically disappear, but it encourages us to look for creative solutions. Think of...
The Meditations for September
September marks the beginning of our journey into the discipline of will! There, we answered it for you! The Stoics believed that developing a strong will was crucial for navigating life's challenges and maintaining inner peace. This month, we’re focusing on fortitude and resilience.
Fortitude means showing courage in adversity. You do that by developing mental and emotional resilience. Take Cato the Younger, for example. This Roman statesman chose to walk barefoot and eat simple fare, not because he couldn't afford better, but to train his mind to be indifferent to discomfort. By voluntarily enduring minor hardships, Cato was preparing himself for whatever life might throw his way. Over the top, but the core idea is to build your resilience muscle by intentionally facing small challenges. Maybe you could take a cold shower once in a while or skip your morning coffee for a day. These small acts of self-denial can help you build the mental strength to handle bigger obstacles when they arise.
Seneca even suggests practicing poverty or imagining worst-case scenarios. Not promoting pessimism; it's about being prepared! Life has a track-record of throwing us around. By mentally rehearsing challenging situations, you're less likely to be thrown off balance when they actually occur.
Now, about resilience. How do you recover quickly when you fall? Marcus Aurelius writesthat obstacles aren't just challenges to overcome - they're opportunities for growth. That means every obstacle is an opportunity to strengthen your fortitude and resilience!
An important aspect of disciplining will is developing kindness. More on it next!
The Meditations for October
October brings with it a focus on virtue and kindness as key elements in developing our discipline of will. Why shouldn’t your truth, justice, and self-control shine until you are extinguished?Virtua is like a lamp, our good qualities should illuminate our actions just as consistently as a lamp gives light. This isn't always easy, but it's a worthy goal. After all, wouldn't you rather be known for your kindness than your ability to hold a grudge?
Speaking of grudges, the Stoics had some thoughts on revenge. Both Marcus Aurelius and Seneca agree: the best revenge is to not be like the person who wronged you. It's a bit like that saying about wrestling with a pig – you both get dirty, but the pig enjoys it. When someone treats you poorly, rising above it not only maintains your integrity but often leaves the other person feeling rather foolish.
Now, you might come across people that really get under your skin. Well, Marcus Aurelius has a witty take on that, too. He suggests that getting angry at someone's bad behavior is like getting upset at someone's bad breath. Instead of fuming, why not help them out? Offer a mint, or in the case of bad behavior, some gentle guidance. A virtuous person doesn’t get mad. They help!!
Of course, kindness is also about how we treat ourselves. Seneca points out that investing in our own character is the most reliable asset we can have. Unlike stocks or even relationships, our virtues can't be taken away from us. So next time you're considering a self-improvement project, maybe prioritize patience over push-ups?
Just in case all this talk of virtue sounds a bit lofty, and you’re thinking, “What good will that do?” remember that we’re ALL interconnected. The stoic word is sympatheia! All for one, and one for all! Aurelius compares us to bees in a hive, suggesting that what's good for the community is ultimately good for the individual.
That’s about it! But before we head over to November, keep in mind Epictetus: that while it's important to understand ethical standards, the real work lies in applying them!!!
The Meditations for November
Have you seen Zach Braff’s 2023 movie A Good Person by any chance? The movie, and our November, has a theme of Amor Fati. That means acceptance! Don’t just tolerate what happens, love it!! Even, rather especially, the tough stuff.First thing, acceptance is not passivity! The goal here isn’t to make to adopt a victim mentality and accept life with a resignation. See, sometimes, events are neutral, but our judgments are almost always biased. Marcus Aurelius points out that when something bothers us, it's not the thing itself, but our opinion about it. Luckily, we can change our opinions. Take Franklin D. Roosevelt. When he got polio, he could have seen it as the end of his political career. Instead, he accepted it as an “external thing” that happened to him – he was crippled, but he was still Franklin D. Roosevelt! Spoiler alert: he became one of America's most influential presidents. So, don't confuse acceptance with passivity. As the Stoics have been preaching over and over again, focus on what you can control, and let go of the rest. Speaking of control, ever heard the phrase "The buck stops here"? President Truman had it on his desk. The Stoics would have approved. The strong accept responsibility. No blaming or pointing fingers at others. The chain stops at YOU! Own your stuff!With acceptance, comes mindfulness – in other words a focus on the present moment. Fun fact: Stoics technically invented mindfulness long before it became a TikTok sensation. For them, hope and fear were two sides of the same coin. Both involve projecting into an uncertain future. For acceptance, they advocated for focusing on the present moment, ONLY! Be where you are, let go of the rest. Embracing acceptance can be incredibly freeing, y’know. Because life is like a river, as Marcus Aurelius puts it - always flowing, never the same. Everything changes, even your loved ones. And you need to accept that. The Stoics saw attachment as the root of unhappiness. It's like that cup you're afraid will break - the fear of losing it causes more stress than the actual loss. The Stoic approach? Enjoy things while you have them, but accept that some day, you’ll have to let go! Here's a kinda dark tip from Epictetus: when you kiss your child or friend goodnight, remind yourself they're mortal. In a way, this is mindful acceptance, too –...
The Meditations for December
As the year winds down, we find ourselves in December! Let’s make this December about reflection and renewal. Yes, mortality is a little profound than your typical New Year's resolutions. But, this isn't meant to be a doom-and-gloom fest. If anything, the ancient Stoics believed that contemplating our own demise could be downright liberating. We’ll assume you know this by now – you’re going to die! Whether you're Alexander the Great or his mule-keeper (as Marcus Aurelius so eloquently put it), we all end up in the same place. And accepting this can actually help us live better lives. How? Well, for starters, it puts things into perspective. Worried about that embarrassing thing you said at the office party? In the grand scheme of things, it's about as significant as a single grain of sand on a beach! See, liberating!Jokes aside, recognizing the finite nature of our existence can light a fire under our proverbial bottoms. As Seneca wisely noted, “It’s not at all that we have too short a time to live, but that we squander a great deal of it.” Burn! Point being, life is long — if you know how to use it. Let's break it down. How many hours have you spent binge-watching several mediocre TV series? See where this is going? Life is plenty long, if we actually DO something with the hours we have! It's never too late to start living with purpose. The Stoics weren't about dwelling on regrets. They were all about action. As Marcus Aurelius said, "get active in your own rescue - if you care for yourself at all - and do it while you can."Now, the question is, how do we deal with the fear of death? Stoics have an alternative - it's not death we should fear, but the fear of death itself. As Epictetus put it, it's "the supreme of human evils, the surest mark of the base and cowardly." So how do we overcome THIS fear? Well, for starters, think about it more. Seriously! Why are older people more accepting of death? They have just stewed on it long enough to embrace it! Another thing you can do is research on it. Talk to people, read great books. Florida Scott-Maxwell’s Stoic diary during her terminal illness, The Measure of My Days, is one. Words help us face fears!But it's not just about facing death bravely when...
Chapter 15
Details coming soon.
Summary
That was one long year, right? But we’re sure you’ve learned a lot. You’ve practically disciplined every aspect of your personality. The challenge now is to take these lessons off of here and into your actions, decisions, and interactions with others. As you move forward, revisit these teachings, allowing them to guide you through life's ups and downs. May these Stoic principles continue to inform our choices, enrich our relationships, and deepen our understanding of what it means to live a good life!
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About the Author
Author, media strategist, and bookstore owner Ryan Holiday hails from the United States. He is also the host of the podcast called Daily Stoic. The Obstacle is the Way, Ego is the Enemy, and Stillness is the Key are some of his other books.
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