Stoic Quote of the Day
Thursday, January 08, 2026
In every good person, there lives a god. Which god? We cannot be sure - but it is a god.
—
Seneca
The notion that within every good person resides a god reflects the Stoic belief in an inner divine spark—that core part of us capable of wisdom, virtue, and harmony. This isn't about literal gods but rather about the qualities and potential for good that exist within each individual. In modern life, this can be seen as the quiet moral compass or the small, persistent voice guiding us toward kindness and integrity, even amidst chaos. For example, when someone chooses to act with patience and understanding rather than with anger in a heated situation, it's this inner divine quality manifesting itself. It's the part of us that encourages empathy and steers us from self-interest to consider the broader impact of our actions. Just as the ancients sought alignment with nature through virtue, we too strive for a sense of balance and justice in our daily interactions, drawing strength from this internal source. Thus, acknowledging that a god—an embodiment of our highest potential—resides within encourages us to live meaningfully and strive toward our better selves, elevating our actions and enriching our shared human experience.