Best Stoic Quotes for Modern Life

Here are some of my favourite quotes

“I do what is mine to do; the rest does not disturb me”

Marcus Aurelius

This is my favourite for work – ignore all the politics and gossip. Just make a list of what you need to do and do it. Adjust it if necessary but keep calm, prioritise and get on with it


“…do the right thing. The rest doesn’t matter. Cold or warm. Tired or well rested. Despised or honoured”

Marcus Aurelius

Do the right thing, don’t be conflicted about what to do and don’t feel bitter or victimised if doing the right thing has consequences.


“Be Tolerant with other, strict with yourself”

Marcus Aurelius

This is a great quote. It is much better for your mental health and leaves you less frustrated if you accept that people are a product of their environment and their genes. Like Ram Dass said, they’re like trees:

Ram Dass (not really a stoic but his quote fits with the one above)

At the same time – be strict with yourself – don’t make any excuses, and don’t blame others.


The nearer a man comes to a calm mind, the closer he is to strength

Marcus Aurelius

It can seem like power to be angry and bad tempered, but is weakness


socrates

i am the wisest man alive for i know one thing and that is that i know nothing

Socrates

Make learning a lifelong habit and past time. Don’t be arrogant enough to think that you know better or more than other people.


“happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding, some things are within our control and some things are not”

Epicetus