Being content with what we have is a key Stoic virtue from "summary" of Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald Robertson
The Stoics believed that one of the key virtues to cultivate in order to lead a good and fulfilling life is contentment. This virtue entails being satisfied with what we have and not constantly desiring more. The Stoics argued that true happiness does not come from external possessions or achievements, but from within ourselves. By learning to be content with the present moment and what we already possess, we can free ourselves from the endless cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. Contentment is closely related to the Stoic principle of living in accordance with nature. The Stoics believed that nature provides us with everything we truly need, and that we should accept what comes our way with gratitude and equanimity. In practicing contentment, we learn to appreciate the simple pleasures of life and not to be swayed by external circumstances. This does not mean that we should not strive for improvement or success, but rather...
Similar Posts
The Greek citystates were often at odds with each other, leading to internal conflict
The Greek city-states, small and independent, were like children constantly squabbling over toys. Each one believed itself to b...
Stoics believe in facing challenges with courage and strength
The Stoics, those ancient philosophers who believed in living according to reason and virtue, taught that facing challenges wit...
Practice selfreflection and introspection to understand yourself better
Self-reflection and introspection are essential practices for anyone seeking to understand themselves better. By taking the tim...
Cultivate a sense of humility and acceptance of your limitations
To be a Stoic means to recognize and acknowledge our own limitations. It means coming to terms with the fact that we are fallib...
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...
Stoicism teaches us to be content with what we have
Stoicism emphasizes the importance of cultivating contentment with one's current circumstances. It teaches individuals to find ...
Adversity is seen as an opportunity for growth in Stoicism
In Stoicism, adversity is viewed as a chance for personal development and growth. Rather than being seen as something to be avo...
Cultivate gratitude and appreciation for life's blessings
The Stoics were big on gratitude. They believed that cultivating a sense of appreciation for the good things in our lives is es...
The importance of maintaining a sense of humor and lightness in the face of adversity
In times of difficulty, it can be easy to get bogged down by the weight of our challenges. The Stoics, however, understood the ...
Stoics value integrity and honesty in all actions
Stoics believed in the importance of living a virtuous life, which includes upholding integrity and honesty in all actions. Thi...
