Stoic Quote of the Day

Thursday, January 22, 2026

The good of man, and likewise his ill, lies in how he exercises his choice, while everything else is nothing to us.
Epictetus

Epictetus reminds us that the essence of our well-being—or distress—stems from the choices we make, as opposed to the external circumstances around us. In our modern lives, we can easily be consumed by the chaos of a hectic job, the uncertainty of global events, or the unpredictability of personal relationships. Despite such chaotic surroundings, it's crucial to recognize that we wield the power to choose our reactions and attitudes. If a colleague criticizes our work unjustly, we can either react with anger or choose to respond with patience and understanding. When faced with financial setbacks or health challenges beyond our control, maintaining our calm and accepting reality gracefully preserves our inner peace. By focusing on nurturing a mindset that aligns with our values and virtues, we can steer through life's unpredictability with resilience and composure. This perspective allows us to find true contentment by anchoring ourselves in the freedom of our choice rather than being swept away by things outside our control. In essence, our choices are the canvas on which we paint the quality of our lives, rendering external events and opinions largely inconsequential.