In a world filled with uncertainty, stress, and noise, ancient Stoic philosophy offers something refreshingly solid: clarity, strength, and peace. Born in the chaos of ancient Rome and Greece, Stoicism isn’t about repressing emotion or pretending to be unaffected—it’s about learning how to live wisely and well, no matter what life throws at you.

At the heart of Stoicism are four guiding virtues. These aren’t lofty ideals reserved for philosophers in togas; they’re deeply practical tools we can all use—today.

 The Heart of Stoic Philosophy

Before diving into the virtues, it helps to understand the foundations of Stoic thought:

• Control what you can, accept what you can’t.
  We suffer most when we try to control the uncontrollable. The Stoics remind us to focus on our own thoughts, choices, and actions—not on other people, the past, or the future.
• Your perception shapes your experience.
  “It’s not things that upset us, but our judgments about them,” wrote Epictetus. How we frame what happens to us determines how we feel about it.
• Virtue is the only true good.
  External things—wealth, fame, success—are fleeting. Only our character is fully within our power. For the Stoics, living a good life means living a virtuous one.
• Embrace impermanence.
  The practices of memento mori (remembering death) and amor fati (loving one’s fate) teach us to appreciate life more deeply and meet challenges with grace.

 The Four Stoic Virtues—and How to Practice Them

1. Wisdom

The ability to reason clearly, judge rightly, and make thoughtful decisions.

Apply it today:

• Ask: What’s the most skillful or thoughtful response here?
• Pause before reacting. Consider long-term consequences.
• Reflect daily: What did I learn today?

2. Courage

Not the absence of fear, but the resolve to face fear, hardship, and difficulty with strength.

Apply it today:

• Do the difficult thing you’ve been avoiding.
• Speak truth with kindness, even when it’s hard.
• Show up fully—especially when you feel uncertain.

3. Justice

Doing right by others. Acting with fairness, integrity, and kindness.

Apply it today:

• Treat others with honesty and respect—even in small interactions.
• Support fairness, even when it’s inconvenient.
• Ask: What does the greater good require of me here?

4. Temperance

Self-restraint, moderation, and balance—knowing when enough is enough.

Apply it today:

• Resist the urge to overindulge in food, drink, or screen time.
• Practice saying “no” when something doesn’t align with your values.
• Appreciate what you have instead of chasing what you lack.

 Making Stoicism a Daily Practice

You don’t have to be a philosopher to live like one. Here are some simple ways to bring Stoicism into your daily life:

• Morning reflection: Ask yourself, What kind of person do I want to be today?
• Evening review: Look back gently—Where did I act wisely? Where could I grow?
• Try repeating phrases like “I can only control my response” or “Let me meet this moment with courage.”
• Negative visualization: Imagine losing something or someone you take for granted—not to dwell in fear, but to appreciate deeply.
• Gratitude and perspective: Regularly remind yourself: This moment is enough.

 Final Reflection

“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

—Marcus Aurelius

Stoicism isn’t about shutting down emotions or being unaffected. It’s about choosing your response, anchoring yourself in values, and becoming a person of depth, steadiness, and integrity. In a world where so much is outside our control, that’s real power—and real peace.

Dr. Thomas Lindquist, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Contact: t.lindquist.psyd@gmail.com