How To Be A Stoic

what you perceive as an insult is only meant as a criticism, even a constructive one. By ignoring it or not taking it seriously, you may miss out on a chance at self-improvement and even come across as arrogant.

it is always worth asking yourself a number of questions when you are on the receiving end of what feels like an insult. Is this person a friend or someone you look up to? If yes, then it is more likely that she is just offering advice, perhaps in a somewhat pointed fashion, but with good intentions nonetheless.

Don’t speak too much about yourself. “In your conversation,19 don’t dwell at excessive length on your own deeds or adventures. Just because you enjoy recounting your exploits doesn’t mean that others derive the same pleasure from hearing about them.”

there is a peculiar pleasure in being able to exercise some self-control.

It is pretty safe to say that we are not as interesting as we think we are.

Speak without judging.

Just pause for a moment and try to imagine how much better the world would be if we all refrained from hasty judgments and looked at human affairs matter-of-factly, with a bit more compassion for our fellow human beings.

Reflect on your day.

Reflect on your day. “Admit not sleep21 into your tender eyelids till you have reckoned up each deed of the day—How have I erred, what done or left undone?

it is best to do it in the evening but before going to bed, because when we are already in bed we tend to become groggy and lose concentration.

I write a couple of lines in my philosophical diary, add as dispassionate a comment as I can muster—as if I were grading my own ethical performance that day—and make a mental note of what I have learned from my experiences.

Anger will cease, and become more gentle, if it knows that every day it will have to appear before the judgment seat.

A good man delights in receiving advice: all the worst men are the most impatient of guidance.