Reddit mentions of Stoicism Today: Selected Writings (Volume One)

The first time I read this book was almost one year ago. Reading it again with some more insight was worth it.

Since I read it the first time, I have in fact experienced a difference in my life. It may be an effect of other things as well, but the notion of what is in my control and what is not has become more clear to me. My ability to get things done is better, in that I feel more in control of my time. I also recognize and admit to my own faults in a better way now, compared to one year ago.

I have journaled for over three years, which has turned into a real catalyst for change. Evaluating my actions and finding ways to improve is what drives me forward every day. Since I came in contact with Stoicism, my approach to journaling has become more objective and practical. I look at the essential and quickly deal with issues through either solving them or accepting them.

This goes into two powerful tenets: The refusal to be a victim, and simplicity.

I have not practiced negative visualization or other techniques regularly, but taking worst-case scenarios into account does make some decisions easier.

The main thing that has been ingrained in me is the notion of what I am in control of -- my actions and reactions. I have become much less dependent on the state of people in my environment, in a good sense, as in not becoming 'desensitized' to emotions. I do in fact feel emotions as I always have done, but I feel much more in control of how they affect me.

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The idea of virtue as the sole good is interesting. The existence of preferred indifferences makes it more appealing. Though I have just scratched the surface of Stoicism as a moral system and the metaphysics underpinning it, I am compelled to explore it further. In general, I have become more interested in learning about different systems of philosophy.

Seeing that Stoicism immediately resonated with me when I found it might mean that it is fairly natural to me. I don't think everyone is as 'Stoic', but I doubt that it is just something natural. I would not have seen Stoicism the same way a few years ago, when my life was different. Stoicism is a practical philosophy that is better understood with experience.

I'm currently reading this collection of articles on modern Stoicism, and I can recommend it. I do of course recommend Meditations too. It was my introduction into Stoicism, though I know you might as well read Epictetus or Seneca.

The lack of structure and Marcus' repetitiveness actually makes for very few memorable quotes personally. I will not remember the book for any specific passages, except the general idea of "living in accordance with nature" and what it entails. Like with people we know, we rarely remember them for a specific event. We remember their personality and driving motives. When it comes to Marcus Aurelius, I will remember him for his sensible sense of duty.

We can't be Stoic sages, but we can achieve more congruency between who we are and who we think we should be. Constantly reminding himself of what he ought to be, in the face of both great responsibility and temptation, he knew that the way forward was to embody your words:

>“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” - Marcus Aurelius

Link for the book at Amazon UK, for UK readers.

And the blog post from Stoicism Today announcing the ebook.