Stoic Meditations

It is nowadays accepted that a thing may be morally right without being expedient, and expedient without being morally right. No more pernicious doctrine than this could be introduced into human life.

As other schools maintain that some things are certain, others uncertain, we, differing with them, say that some things are probable, others improbable.

And if someone lives who would belittle the study of philosophy, I quite fail to see what in the world they would see fit to praise.

And since my mind could not be wholly idle, I thought that the most honourable way for me to forget my sorrows would be by turning to philosophy.

If wisdom is the most important of the virtues, as it certainly is, it necessarily follows that that duty which is connected with the social obligation is the most important duty.

Moderation is the science of doing the right thing at the right time.

We are called to make important decisions about our life and career when we are young and immature. That's why engaging in critical philosophical reflection as soon as possible is crucial for our happiness.

Cicero relates that the Stoic Panaetius thought there are four fundamental aspects to our character, and that they shape our roles in society.

Here is how to balance the serious and the playful components of your life, what psychologists call the eudaimonic and hedonic aspects of existence.

Cicero tells us that there is a harmonious beauty in the relationship between one's virtuous character and that person's actions. The relationship being analogous to that between physical beauty and health.