With roots in ancient Greece, the philosophy of Stoicism offers a unique approach to life's challenges that promises to awaken the virtuous, resilient, and wise within you. Its teachings continue to inspire and guide people today, inviting them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
The Stoics believed that time is one of the most valuable resources that we have, and that we should use it wisely. They believed that life is short, and that every moment counts. Therefore, they advocated for living in the present moment and focusing on what is most important.
THE DAYI N REVIEW
I will keep constant watch over myself and—most usefully—will put each day up for review. For this is what makes us evil—that none of us looks back upon our own lives. We reflect upon only that which we are about to do. And yet our plans for the future descend from the past.
- SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 83.2In a letter to his older brother Novatus, Seneca describes a beneficial exercise he borrowed from another prominent philosopher. At the end of each day he would ask himself variations of the following questions: What bad habit did I curb today? How am I better? Were my actions just? How can I improve? At the beginning or end of each day, the Stoic sits down with his journal and reviews: what he did, what he thought, what could be improved. It’s for this reason that Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations is a somewhat inscrutable book—it was for personal clarity and not public benefit. Writing down Stoic exercises was and is also a form of practicing them, just as repeating a prayer or hymn might be. Keep your own journal, whether it’s saved on a computer or in a little notebook. Take time to consciously recall the events of the previous day. Be unflinching in your assessments. Notice what contributed to your happiness and what detracted from it. Write down what you’d like to work on or quotes that you like. By making the effort to record such thoughts, you’re less likely to forget them. An added bonus: you’ll have a running tally to track your progress too.
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Today
15 / 24 hours
January
22 / 31 days.
2025 Progress
21 / 366 days.
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.— Marcus AureliusEach day, take a moment to reflect on the things you are grateful for. It can be as simple as appreciating a beautiful sunset, a warm cup of coffee, or the support of loved ones. Gratitude shifts your focus to the positive aspects of life and fosters contentment.
We should take wandering outdoor walks so that the mind might be nourished and refreshed by the open air and deep breathing.— SenecaWalking serves as a powerful tool in the Stoic philosophy. It embodies the Latin phrase "Solvitur Ambulando," meaning "it is solved by walking." Walking not only provides physical exercise but also serves as a means to practice mindfulness, be present, and act with intention. By engaging in walking, we can effectively process thoughts and emotions, heightening our awareness of our own consciousness.
Reading, I hold, is indispensable — primarily, to keep me from being satisfied with myself alone, and besides, after I have learned what others have found out by their studies, to enable me to pass judgment on their discoveries and reflect upon discoveries that remain to be made. Reading nourishes the mind and refreshes it when it is wearied with study; nevertheless, this refreshment is not obtained without study. — SenecaReading is a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth. It expands your knowledge, stimulates your mind, and exposes you to different perspectives. By making time for regular reading, you can nourish your intellect, enhance your understanding of the world, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.
Please be advised that all of the quotes featured on this website are sourced from the book The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday. We do not own any of the content on this section and intend no copyright infringement. Our website is simply a tool to spread the teachings of stoicism.