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A week with the Stoics

Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius and Seneca in seven passages: what is in our power, how to bear what comes, and how to begin living now.

  1. Day 1

    There are things which are within our power, and there are things which are beyond our power.

    Epictetus, The Enchiridion

  2. Day 2

    Adapt yourself to the things which your destiny has given you: love those with whom it is your lot to live, and love them with sincere affection.

    Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

  3. Day 3

    Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.

    Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius (Epistulae Morales)

  4. Day 4

    Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things.

    Epictetus, A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion

  5. Day 5

    Nothing happens to any man which he is not formed by nature to bear.

    Marcus Aurelius, Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

  6. Day 6

    He who fears death will never act as becomes a living man.

    Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Of Peace of Mind

  7. Day 7

    The best revenge is not to copy him that wronged you.

    Marcus Aurelius, The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

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