7 Stoic Sayings to Stay Calm & Collected
From 'You're Only Human' to 'It's Your Job'
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I think of Stoicism as a philosophy that helps you remain calm & collected.
It’s not only that, of course: it has a bigger message about being courageous, disciplined, just and wise for the sake of your community.
But staying calm & collected is probably a great place to start on that bigger mission.
So here’s a quick list of my favourite Stoic ideas to stay calm & collected.
1. You're only human
Despite what you've achieved, you're only human
Ultimately, we all have the same fate
Stay humble
2. Remember you will die (memento mori)
Fear is part of life
Appreciate the moment
Your time is limited, do something worthwhile
3. Love your fate (amor fati)
What happens, happens. Now what?
Don't avoid it. Don't fight it
Use it. Make the best of it
4. Some things are up to us, some things are not up to us
Wisdom = make the best out of what is in your power + take rest as it happens
Take responsibility for what you can change
Accept what you cannot change
5. An obstacle makes the way
Adversity leads to growth
Adversity transforms into advantage
What stands in the way, becomes the way
6. The power is in your mind, not in events
Master what you can control: your thoughts, beliefs, actions
Control your perception, shape reality
Focus on response, not outcome
7. It's your job
No need for acknowledgment to thank you
No need for certainty to convince you
No need for passion to drive you
Anything missing? Share your favourite idea in the comments 👇
What I loved this week
Podcast on ‘How Democracies Fail’ with Sam Harris and Anne Applebaum
Quote & its implications
“[e]vil hates the light.” - John 3:20
The biblical context apart, this rings true when I think of politics & personal development:
Self-reflection sheds light on yourself so that you can see yourself. It’s key to personal growth
Self-disclosure sheds light on yourself so that others can see you. It’s intrinsically rewarding and allows for feedback which improves self-knowledge and performance
Unfortunately, we shape a political environment that makes self-reflection (stress + busy doing) and self-disclosure (admitting mistakes!) difficult