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...
Similar Posts
The Stoic practice of negative visualization helped in preparing for setbacks
In Stoicism, the practice of negative visualization was a key technique for preparing oneself for setbacks. By imagining the wo...
Socrates' method of questioning challenged conventional beliefs
Socrates' approach to philosophical inquiry was marked by a relentless commitment to questioning widely held beliefs and assump...
The Battle of Marathon was a turning point in Greek history
The Battle of Marathon was a momentous event that altered the course of Greek history. Prior to this fateful battle, Greece was...
Stoicism teaches us to focus on what is within our power
Stoicism directs our attention to what lies within our control. This is a fundamental principle of the philosophy. The Stoics a...
Embrace reason and logic over emotions
Stoicism is a philosophy that encourages us to embrace reason and logic over emotions. This doesn't mean that we should suppres...
Stoicism teaches individuals to approach life with a sense of equanimity and balance
Stoicism, as a philosophy, offers individuals a way to navigate the complexities of life with a sense of calm and stability. By...
Stoics practice gratitude and appreciation for all things
The Stoics believe in practicing gratitude and appreciation for all things. This means acknowledging and being thankful for eve...
Stoics practice gratitude and appreciation for the present moment
Stoics believe in the importance of living in the present moment, fully embracing and appreciating what is happening right now....
The Stoic mindset emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with one's values
The Stoic philosophy teaches us that in order to lead a fulfilling and virtuous life, we must align our actions with our core v...
The dream of reason endures as a guiding force in human thought
The dream of reason has long been a cornerstone of human thought, guiding our understanding of the world and shaping our action...