The Stoic's Journal

How Stoicism Helps Handle Disrespect at Work: The Power of Silence   We’ve all been there—trying to help a coworker, only to receive an email that feels like an attack. Rather than gratitude or constructive feedback, their response is filled with negativity and criticism. The urge to fire back, to defend yourself, is strong. But as Stoics, we know there’s a more powerful approach: silence. Why Stoicism Teaches Us to Choose Silence When faced with a disrespectful email, it’s easy to get caught up in anger or frustration. But Marcus Aurelius reminds us, “You always have the option of having no opinion.” The Stoic approach is to step back and recognize that it’s not the event itself that disturbs us, but our judgment of it. Choosing not to respond is an act of wisdom. The Importance of Emotional Control in the Workplace Your first reaction may be to defend yourself or set the record straight. But responding from a place of emotion can pull you into the very negativity you’re trying to...

Uncovering Virtue’s Hidden Code: The Surprising Link Between Stoicism and Christianity Alright, I’ll admit it—you might be thinking, “Wait, haven’t we talked about these virtues before?” And yes, you’re right. But what can I say? I’m knee-deep in the works of Saint Thomas Aquinas right now, and these insights are just too good not to share (again).  If you’re here for some fresh thoughts on prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, buckle up—because today we’re diving into how both Stoicism and Christianity are on the same page when it comes to living the virtuous life. When we think of Christian virtues, most of us are familiar with faith, hope, and charity—thanks to Saint Paul. But that’s not the whole story! In fact, Saint Thomas Aquinas dug deeper into the world of virtues and discovered that ancient Stoic philosophy had already laid the groundwork for four key virtues that both philosophies cherish: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. In this post, we’re going to...

 How to Apply Stoic Principles in Daily Decisions Hello Everyone! Ever felt overwhelmed by the endless choices you face every day, from deciding whether to hit the snooze button or to confront a co-worker about a tough issue? What if I told you that Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, could help make these decisions simpler and your day a bit smoother? What’s Stoicism Anyway? Stoicism isn’t just for the ancient Greeks and Romans, wrapped in robes; it’s a practical toolkit for anyone trying to lead a thoughtful and resilient life today. Stoics focus on figuring out what we can control, shaking off what we can’t, and seeing the world for what it truly is—not just through our personal bias or wishful thinking. Core Stoic Hacks for Everyday Life Here are a few timeless Stoic gems that you can start using right now: • The Control Filter: Ask yourself, “Is this something I can control?” Focus your energy here and now, on what you actually can change, like your effort and attitude. • ...

Bridging Ancient Wisdom: How Stoic Virtues Enhance Christian Practice Have you ever wondered how ancient philosophies might resonate with Christian teachings today? It turns out, they’re not as separate as one might think. Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that emphasizes personal ethics and virtue, has more in common with Christian virtues than you might expect. Let’s dive into this intriguing blend, especially through the eyes of one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers, St. Augustine. A Meeting of Minds: Stoicism Meets Christianity Both Stoics and Christians celebrate virtues that guide us toward a more ethical and fulfilling life. Stoicism brings to the table four key virtues: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. These aren’t just lofty ideals but practical tools to help us handle life’s curveballs with grace and resilience. Christianity overlaps these with virtues like prudence (wisdom), fortitude (courage), justice, and temperance, taught as paths to spiritual growth an...

The Four Stoic Virtues: Secrets to Keeping Your Cool and Thriving Ever found yourself in a heated situation, losing your temper while someone else manages everything with an infuriating amount of cool? There’s always that one person who looks like they’ve got an internal zen garden, right? Well, who would you rather be seen as: the hothead who lost it or the sage who sailed through the storm unscathed? It’s no coincidence—the calm ones are often practicing something ancient and powerful. They’re tapping into the Stoic virtues. Let’s dive into these four pillars that can not only make you look good but truly transform your approach to life. 1. Wisdom: Knowing More Than Just Facts Wisdom isn’t just about stocking up on trivia. It’s knowing when you’re out of your depth and having the humility to ask for help. It’s recognizing when a situation calls for expertise or perspectives that you don’t have and understanding that asking for assistance shows confidence, not weakness. Practical wisd...

Are You What You Believe? Unleashing the Power of Perception to Shape Your Reality Ever wondered why some people always seem to lead fulfilling lives, while others seem stuck in misery? Believe it or not, it all boils down to what they believe. Yep, that’s right—your beliefs are like the little engine that could, powering through and determining whether you find happiness or remain mired in dissatisfaction. Why Your Beliefs Matter More Than You Think Think of beliefs as the lenses through which you view the world. They shape how you interpret everything—from your morning routine to your career moves. Remember how believing in Santa made you jump out of bed on Christmas morning? That was just a warm-up. As adults, our beliefs about ourselves dictate everything from our social circles to our career achievements. For instance, if you’re convinced that you are a key person in any situation, you’ll likely take on responsibilities and leadership roles, finding opportunities to shine where ot...

What Can You Actually Control, If Anything? Taking the Reins with Epictetus Ever feel like you’re trying to hold onto sand, and the harder you squeeze, the faster it slips through your fingers? That’s a lot like trying to control everything in life—it just doesn’t work. What often happens is that life’s events end up controlling everything instead. But what if I told you there’s a way to hold onto what truly matters? Stoic philosopher Epictetus had some thoughts on this, and they might just change the game for you. Okay, I know I talk about this all the time, but that’s because it’s so simple yet so liberating. Epictetus taught that there are three things we can control: our thoughts, our intentions, and our reactions. I like to phrase it as what we believe, what we love or hate, and what we are attracted to or avoid. What We Believe What’s in your head can run the show. If you believe traffic is a nightmare designed to ruin your day, guess what? It probably will. But what if you see i...

Navigating Disagreements with Stoicism: A Guide for Couples In any relationship, disagreements are inevitable. However, how we handle these conflicts can significantly affect our emotional well-being and the health of our relationship. For those looking to manage such moments with wisdom and composure, the Stoic philosophy offers invaluable guidance. This blog post explores how Stoic principles can help you navigate the stormy waters of marital disagreements without losing your cool. Understanding Your Impressions Stoicism teaches us that it's not external events that upset us but rather our opinions about them. When a disagreement arises, it’s crucial to step back and examine your initial reactions. Ask yourself, "Are my feelings based on facts, or are they fueled by misguided perceptions?" This reflection helps prevent knee-jerk reactions and lays the groundwork for more thoughtful responses. Focusing on What You Can Control In the heat of an argument, focus on what is ...