Focus on what is under your control from "summary" of A Handbook for New Stoics by Massimo Pigliucci,Gregory Lopez
The Stoics advise us to focus on what is under our control, and ignore what is not. This seemingly simple concept is at the core of Stoic philosophy, and is crucial for living a life of tranquility and fulfillment. By directing our attention and efforts towards those things that are within our power, we can avoid unnecessary frustration, anxiety, and disappointment. We often waste time and energy worrying about things that are beyond our control, such as the opinions of others, the weather, or the passage of time. By shifting our focus to what is within our sphere of influence, we can free ourselves from the tyranny of external circumstances. This does not mean that we should ignore or neglect the world around us, but rather that we should approach it with a sense of detachment and equanimity. One way to determine what is under our control is to ask ourselves whether we can directly influence or change a particular situation. If the answer is yes, then it falls within ou...
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