This is a collection of Stoic sayings.
I pull a lot of inspiration and motivation from the Stoic tradition,
Finding it to be sensible,
Pragmatic,
And down-to-earth in the most fundamental of ways.
What follows is a selection of Stoic sayings to try and show a path and a journey that has taken place to becoming unshakable,
To set the mood,
Imagine yourself in some far-flung place,
Listening to these words like whispers on the wind,
Teachings and wisdoms from voices long gone,
But still vibrating with an energy that can stabilize and teach us.
Never depend on the admiration of others.
There is no strength in it.
Personal merit cannot be derived from an external source.
Do not seek to have events happen as you wish,
But wish them to happen as they do happen,
And all will be well with you.
It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows.
If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you,
Do not make excuses about what is said,
But answer,
He was ignorant of my other faults,
Else he would not have mentioned these alone.
No person is free who is not a master of themself.
Be discriminating about what images and ideas you permit into your mind.
The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you,
Whose presence calls forth your best.
If you want to be a writer,
Write.
If you want to be a thinker,
Think.
Choose your path,
And then do it.
Care take this moment.
Immerse yourself in its particulars.
Respond to this person,
This challenge,
This deed.
Quit your evasions of it.
Stop giving yourself needless troubles.
It is time to really live.
It is in the nature of the wise to resist pleasures,
But the foolish to be a slave to them.
On the occasion of every accident and incident that befalls you,
Remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use.
Seek not the good in external things.
Seek it in yourself.
You may fetter my leg,
But Zeus himself cannot get the better of my free will.
Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior,
Regardless of what other people think or do.
Hold true to your aspirations,
No matter what is going on around you.
The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going.
The trials you will encounter will introduce you to your strengths.
Remain steadfast,
And one day you will build something that endures,
Something worthy of your potential.
When you are offended at any person's fault,
Turn to yourself and study your own failings.
Then you will forget your anger.
First say to yourself,
What would you be?
And then do what you have to do.
No great thing is created suddenly,
Any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig.
If you tell me that you desire a fig,
I will answer,
There must be time.
Let it first blossom,
Then bear fruit,
Then ripen.
If you want to improve,
Be content to be thought foolish and stupid.
Attempt to fortify yourself with moderation,
For this is an impenetrable fortress.
What ought you say when each hardship comes?
I was practicing for this,
I was training for this.
From this instant on,
Vow to stop disappointing yourself.
Separate yourself from the mob.
Decide to be extraordinary,
And do what you need to do.
