Are you looking for some really great quotes on stoicism? Read the article to know about some of the most memorable stoic quotes.
Stoicism is one of the most ancient philosophies in the world. While the philosophy emerged many years back, our millennial life finds its resonance in this philosophy too. This ideal is about control and perception when one is facing difficulties or adversities in life. When you are facing a crisis in life, stoic philosophy teaches you to remain unaffected by the situation and resilient. It is not just about crisis. When you are joyous, this philosophy teaches you to remain calm and humble too.
What Does Stoicism Mean
Stoicism is the study of resilience. The founder and the first believer of this philosophy were Zeno of Citium. In Athens, he, for the first time, talked about this philosophy. Later on his ideas of “what does stoicism mean” were followed by Diogenes, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and many more. Zeno in his teaching considered god and nature to be the same omnipresent. And he believed that one needs to surrender or submit to god’s will or nature’s will. Another belief he taught was Apatheia which means the absence of any passion. He believed that passion gives birth to uncontrolled emotions and physical desire. He believed in surrendering this too.
If you are a believer in stoic philosophy, then surely you search for the best stoic quotes. Let’s talk about some of the popular quotes on stoicism.
“The Best Answer to Anger is Silence”
- Marcus Aurelius
If you read this quote, you will surely know how it is still relevant in our life. Anger is one of the most negative reactions a human being can have. Anger has the power to hurt the one who is angry and who is at the receiving end. So, if you are dealing with an angry person, mirroring the same reaction will not be the right idea. You need to remain stoic and unaffected. So, you should remain silent. You must not involve in such a negative reaction.
“You Have Power Over Your Mind- Not Outside Events. Realize This and You Will Find Strength.”
- Marcus Aurelius
This same philosophy resonates with what John Milton has written in the Book 1 of Paradise Lost. Satan in Paradise Lost aptly says, “The mind is its own place and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” While reflecting on the quote by Aurelius, you will realize that everything is in your mind. You are the master whose mind commands the reaction. The outside events only have power when you give it that. That is why rely on your mind. Make it resilient enough so that in face of adversity or happiness, it remains stoic and practical.
“Ignorance is the Cause of Fear.”
- Seneca
If you look back at history, you will realize how true this quote is. Every time someone wanted to cross boundaries and went ahead with their innovation or discoveries, they were shunned. And this happens because of the ignorant people in the society who fear anything new and uncertain. The orthodox mindset is about being comfortable with ignorance while stoicism teaches you to be innovative and practical. There is no reason to fear the unknown. One must win over the fear and cross the boundary.
“Only time can Heal What Reason Cannot.”
- Seneca
We often come face to face with something serious issue or disastrous situation that can turn our world upside down. We react to that situation. We grieve and with time these deep emotional wounds get healed. Even though time is considered to be the best healer, it cannot heal all kinds of wounds or pain. This is when you need to use your reason. You need to look back to the incident and think about what you have learned from it. You need to reflect and use reason to find out how important the incident was to help you move ahead in life. When you do so, you will realize how true this quote is.
“No Great Things is Created Suddenly”
- Epictetus
Great things take time. You don’t just wake up and win the world. Winning over the world will need practice, resilience, faith and intellect. And above all, you need to have perseverance. You will not give up until you achieve what you believe in. It can be considered one of the best stoic quotes on love too. One must not stop feeling because of heart break. You need to persist and you will be rewarded.
If you want to know about what is stoicism and read more stoic quotes, then you should visit Mind of a stoic. This can be your beginning of following this philosophy.
