Stoic Philosophy Quotes

“The first principle of practical Stoicism is this: we don’t react to events; we react to our judgments about them, and the judgments are up to us.”
― Ward Farnsworth, The Practicing Stoic

“So the life of a philosopher extends widely: he is not confined by the same boundary as are others. He alone is free from the laws that limit the human race, and all ages serve him as though he were a god.”
― Seneca

“Negative visualization, in other words, teaches us to embrace whatever life we happen to be living and to extract every bit of delight we can from it. But it simultaneously teaches us to prepare ourselves for changes that will deprive us of the things that delight us. It teaches us, in other words, to enjoy what we have without clinging to it.”
― William B. Irvine, A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy

“Persuade me or prove to me that I am mistaken in thought or deed, and I will gladly change—for it is the truth I seek, and the truth never harmed anyone. Harm comes from persisting in error and clinging to ignorance.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“Life is neither a glorious highlight reel nor a monstrous tragedy. Every day is a good day to live and a good day to die. Every day is also an apt time to learn and express joy and love for the entire natural world. Each day is an apt time to make contact with other people and express empathy for the entire world. Each day is perfect to accept with indifference all aspects of being.”
― Kilroy J. Oldster, Dead Toad Scrolls

“Back when he had first come to the monastery, they had given him a very simple ritual called Forgiving the Day. Even the youngest child could do this; all it required was looking back over the day and dismissing the day’s pains as a thing that were past while choosing to remember as gains lessons learned or moments of insight. As initiates grew in the ways of Sa, it was expected they would grow more sophisticated in this exercise, learning to balance the day, taking responsibility for their own actions and learning from them without indulging in either guilt or regrets."
p. 240”
― Robin Hobb, Ship of Magic

“I sacrificed much to be where I am today, yet I will sacrifice much more to get to where I need to be someday.”
― Justus Wiezorek

“What a shame that the mind can command the face to assume whatever look or expression it pleases, but cannot command itself and govern its own thoughts.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“People look for retreats for themselves, in the country, by the coast, or in the hills. There is nowhere that a person can find a more peaceful and trouble-free retreat than in his mind. So constantly give yourself this retreat, and renew yourself.”
― Maya Bennett , STOICISM: The Simplistic Timeless Stoic Art of Better Living with Ancient Wisdom

“Let us too overcome all things, with our reward consisting not in any wreath or garland, not in trumpet-calls for silence for the ceremonial proclamation of our name, but in moral worth, in strength of spirit, in a peace that is won for ever once in any contest fortune has been utterly defeated.”
― Seneca, Letters from a Stoic

“Is the child or wife of another dead? There is no one who would not say, “This is an accident of mortality.” But if anyone’s own child happens to die, it is immediately, “Alas! how wretched am I!” It should be always remembered how we are affected on hearing the same thing concerning others.”
― Epictetus, Enchiridion

“Don’t let the force of an impression when it first hits you knock you off your feet; just say to it, “Hold on a moment; let me see who you are and what you represent. Let me put you to the test.” ~ Epictetus”
― Maya Bennett, STOICISM: The Simplistic Timeless Stoic Art of Better Living with Ancient Wisdom

“Better than a shove in the eye with a dry stick. [- Jack]”
― Patrick O'Brian

“The Sage desires only one thing, virtue, and he is cautious about only one thing, vice. He is the same in every circumstance because what is most important lies within him, and not with external events, which are constantly changing.”
― Donald J. Robertson, Stoicism and the Art of Happiness

“Times of suffering will come, use them
To grow into a better version of yourself.
Use the dirt to grow flowers. Let the storm water them. Watch them grow in the sunshine.”
― Eric Overby, Legacy

“In life our first job is this, to divide and distinguish things into two categories: externals I cannot control, but the choice I make with regard to them I do control. Where will I find good and bad? In me, in my choices.” ~Epictetus”
― Maya Bennett , STOICISM: The Simplistic Timeless Stoic Art of Better Living with Ancient Wisdom

“Rid yourself of anything that saps or dampens your energy. Do not hold onto anything that has cut you off from itself.”
― Eduvie Donald

“The world is asking us the questions, and it couldn’t care less what we expect from it. But here’s the good news: real meaning doesn’t come from what the world gives you, but how you respond to it.”
― Phil Van Treuren, The Little Book of Stoic Quotes: Philosophy for a Meaningful and Courageous Life

“Birds weren’t given wings just to walk everywhere . . . and you weren’t born with resilience and a beautiful mind just to have an easy life.”
― Phil Van Treuren, The Little Book of Stoic Quotes: Philosophy for a Meaningful and Courageous Life

“Your mind is your most powerful ally; master it, and no obstacle will ever stand in your way.”
― Sira Masetti

“You will feel pain. You need to accept this truth.
...
When it comes, accept it; embrace it. Realize it's a sensation like any other...the same as being hot or cold. Put it to one side and do what must be done. Don't let it overwhelm or control you. Ever.”
― Orlando A Sanchez

“The challenges we face today give birth to the champions we become tomorrow.”
― Watson Saintsulne

“Don’t wait around until someone establishes paradise on earth—do your part. The world changes one person at a time, from the bottom up. And the only person you can change is yourself.”
― Massimo Pigliucci, Think like a Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World

“As a Stoic humanist, humanism forms the foundation of my philosophy.
I believe in reason and science, in the strength of personal autonomy and responsibility, and in the transformative power of tolerance, harmony, kindness, and compassion.
To me, a meaningful and fulfilling life arises from continuous personal development, from nurturing creativity through art, music, and literature, and from living with unwavering ethical integrity.
In this harmony of mind, heart, and action, I seek to elevate my consciousness and contribute to a more peaceful and enlightened world.”
― Debasish Mridha M.D.

“As a Stoic humanist, I see life as a sacred opportunity to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and inner equilibrium. I trust in the guiding light of reason and the clarity of science, yet I also honor the boundless beauty of the human spirit. Personal autonomy and responsibility anchor my journey, reminding me that true freedom arises not from controlling the world but from mastering my own thoughts, emotions, and actions. Tolerance and harmony allow me to walk gently through life, while kindness and compassion elevate my existence beyond the self. Through creativity, art, music, literature, and the steady pursuit of ethical living, I strive to transform every moment into a meaningful act of presence. In this way, I seek not only to understand life but to illuminate it, with purpose, with dignity, and with love.”
― Debasish Mridha M.D.