8 Stoic Don'ts For A Better Life

Summary

In this video, Ryan Holiday delves into Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of persistence and resistance. He outlines actions Stoics avoid, such as fearing change, being overly concerned with trivial matters, seeking external validation, and desiring revenge. Holiday encourages viewers to focus on internal values, control their mornings, and not be overly reachable to maintain autonomy and happiness. He also stresses the continuous engagement with philosophy as a way to internalize Stoic principles.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Embrace Change**: Stoics are not afraid of change because they are prepared for anything and can handle whatever life throws at them.
• 🛡️ **Indifference to Non-Essentials**: Stoics focus on what truly matters and ignore the small stuff that doesn't align with their goals or values.
• 🙅‍♂️ **Dismiss Unnecessary Criticism**: Instead of being swayed by others' opinions, stoics maintain their self-evaluation and focus on their internal compass.
• 🚫 **Avoid the Need for Revenge**: Stoics understand that getting even is not necessary; they let go of the need for revenge and maintain their principles.
• ⏰ **Control Your Morning**: Start the day on your own terms, not reacting to external inputs like emails or news, to maintain control over your day.
• 📵 **Limit Digital Reachability**: To avoid being constantly interrupted, stoics suggest being less reachable and not letting every notification dictate your focus and mood.
• 💭 **Don't Let Externals Define You**: Your self-worth and success should come from within, not from external validation or approval.
• 🧘‍♂️ **Philosophy as a Way of Life**: Stoicism is a practical philosophy to be engaged with daily, not just an abstract concept to be read about.
• 📖 **Constant Learning and Reflection**: Stoics emphasize the importance of continuous learning, writing, and discussing philosophy to internalize its principles.
• 🔄 **Let Go of Negatives**: Stoics advise to let negative thoughts and emotions pass by without letting them affect your inner peace or decision-making.

Q & A

What is the main idea presented in the video about Stoic philosophy?

The main idea is that Stoicism involves persisting in what you should do and resisting what you should not do. It emphasizes being prepared for change, not sweating the small stuff, and focusing on what truly matters.

How does Stoicism view change?

Stoicism does not fear change because it is seen as an inevitable part of life. Stoics prepare for change and are confident in their ability to handle any situation that arises.

What does the concept of 'indifference' in Stoicism mean?

In Stoicism, 'indifference' means not needing things to be a certain way. It implies being prepared for any outcome and being able to handle whatever life throws at you.

What advice does Marcus Aurelius give regarding small things that don't matter?

Marcus Aurelius advises not to give small things more attention than they deserve. He suggests focusing on what is essential and ignoring distractions that don't contribute to one's goals.

How should a Stoic handle criticism?

A Stoic should not let criticism supersede their own self-evaluation. They should focus on their internal values and not seek external validation.

What is the Stoic perspective on revenge?

Stoics believe that the best revenge is to not be like the person who wronged you. They advocate for letting go and not getting even, as it doesn't contribute to personal growth or happiness.

Why is it important for a Stoic to control their morning routine?

Controlling the morning routine helps a Stoic start the day in a focused manner, without being reactive to external inputs. It allows them to be in control of their day and their life.

What historical figure is mentioned in the video for not checking mail immediately?

Napoleon is mentioned for his strategy of not reading mail for three weeks, illustrating the idea that many problems resolve themselves without immediate attention.

What does Epictetus suggest about external approval?

Epictetus warns against looking outside oneself for approval, as it means handing over one's happiness and autonomy to others. He encourages developing one's own standards for success and self-worth.

How does the video suggest engaging with Stoic philosophy?

The video suggests that philosophy should be a constant process of engagement, including talking about it, writing it down, reading about it, and exploring it with others.

What resource is offered for those interested in Stoic philosophy?

The video offers a daily Stoic philosophy email at dailystoke.com, which is free and provides daily insights and discussions on Stoicism.