Stoicism is a school of philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and later became popular in ancient Rome. Here are ten notable Stoic sayings that encapsulate key principles of Stoic philosophy:
- “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius
- “The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.” – Epictetus
- “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” – Seneca
- “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius
- “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” – Epictetus
- “The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today.” – Seneca
- “If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” – Epictetus
- “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” – Marcus Aurelius
- “He suffers more than necessary, who suffers before it is necessary.” – Seneca
- “The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately.” – Seneca
These sayings reflect Stoic teachings on the importance of focusing on what is within our control, cultivating virtue, and finding contentment and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.