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In your own words, make or create a stoic motto

LightSun

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Aug 9, 2009
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1,106
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#9
“Problem solve or refocus but do not ruminate on a problem. If it’s possible and you can walk away from the problem, then do so. Reflect in a calmer state of mind.

Do not however continue ruminating on a problem. That is akin to sinking in quicksand made up of your of your own thoughts.” LightSun

Modern Philosophers on the Simplest Definition of Stoicism

Definition of Stoicism
How Would You Define Stoicism in One Sentence?

#1. William B. Irvine, Author, Professor of Philosophy
“Stoicism teaches you to do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.”

#2. Massimo Pigliucci, Author, Professor of Philosophy
“Stoicism is a philosophy of life that teaches us to cultivate wisdom, courage, justice, temperance, and the idea that humanity is one big family that we should support.”

#3. Donald J. Robertson, Author, Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist
“It’s a philosophy of life that entails living consistently in accord with the value of cultivating moral wisdom, and exercising self-discipline and courage in the service of this goal.”

#4. Nancy Sherman, Author, Professor of Philosophy
“The Stoics are practical philosophers who want to arm us, through a kind of emotional training, against the slings and arrows of fortune, but they insist that we lose our humanity if we try to become invulnerable.”

#5. Tanner Campbell, Host of the Practical Stoicism Podcast
“Stoicism is a philosophical and ethical framework which enables individuals practicing it to develop virtuous characters and thus achieve a flourishing life.”

#6. Christina DiGiacomo, Author, Chief Philosophy Officer
“Stoicism is a way of engaging with the world without your mind getting in the way.”

#7. David Fideler, Author, Speaker
“Consistently applied, human excellence or virtue overcomes the vagaries of chance or Fate.”

#8. Sharon Lebell, Author, Speaker
“Do what works. Quit doing what doesn’t.”

#9. Phil Van Treuren, Author, Entrepreneur
“Stoicism is focusing on things that are in your control, getting rid of negative emotions and finding opportunity in every obstacle.”

#10. Chuck Chakrapani, Educator, Author
“Never concern yourself with what is not under your control, but act on what is with wisdom, justice, courage and moderation.”

#11. Michael McGill, Author, “The Stoic CIO”
“Stoicism acts as my operating system for life by optimizing my thinking to help me be more accepting, objective, and unselfish.”

#12. Ronald Pies, Physician, Poet, Author
“Stoicism teaches us to cultivate moderation, self-mastery, and virtuous behavior, while focusing our energy only on things over which we have some control.”

#13. Brad Inwood, Author, Professor of Philosophy
Stoicism provides a “grand, integrative vision of a good human life, guided by the relentless and unsentimental use of reason in a quest for the best available understanding of the orderly world around us”. P. 109 of Stoicism: A Very Short Introduction – Brad Inwood – Oxford University Press (oup.com)

#14. Jules Evans, Writer, Speaker, Practical Philosopher
“My sentence doesn’t sum Stoicism up but it’s the most useful part of it for newbies: ‘it’s not events but our opinion about events that cause us suffering’ (Epictetus).”

#15. Jon Brooks,,Writer, Martial Artist, Meditation Teacher
“Stoic philosophy is a school of ancient Greek philosophy that emphasizes the development of self-control, emotional resilience, and personal ethics in the face of adversity.”

#16. Bob Cymber, Stoic Coach
“An ancient philosophy that includes a catalogue of mental tools and insights to help people live a healthy and fulfilling life.”

#17. Enda Harte, Writer, Music Manager
“Stoicism is a guidance system for living, that when learned and applied correctly can help you achieve real tranquility and contentment.”
“Problem solve or refocus but do not ruminate on a problem. If it’s possible and you can walk away from the problem, then do so. Reflect in a calmer state of mind.

Do not however continue ruminating on a problem. That is akin to sinking in the quicksand of your own thoughts.” LightSun
 
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Doctor Cringelord

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I
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9w8
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sp/sx
This is loosely based on various quotes from writings of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus that I’ve read and taken to heart over the years

“Don’t worry about what your peers are thinking or may be thinking about you. These types of thoughts become an exhausting obsession and a handicap that will likely lead you to hold yourself back from excellence and growth. The next time you find yourself worrying about others’ impressions of you, consider what they have said and done in the past, consider the mediocrity and lack of vision they have often displayed via their own words and actions. Is it really worth the time and mental energy to go through our relatively short lives worrying about pleasing people who are themselves often petty and superficial in their assessments of and assumptions about others’ worth and potential? Realize that they are holding you back in a perpetual crab basket, and when you come to this realization, the crab basket will disappear and your own true limitations and potential become more clear to you.”

-Dr Anaximander
 
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The Cat

Just a Magic Cat who hangs out at the Crossroads.
Staff member
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Oct 15, 2016
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23,739
Life is funny. Which is fitting. Jokes are supposed to be funny.
 
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