20 Stoic Quotes That Will Motivate and Inspire You
Timeless wisdom from Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus
Two millennia ago, Stoicism emerged as a life-affirming philosophy for existence and sustenance of the soul, with the power to strengthen the human spirit against the challenges of daily life, the assaults of the world, and, most of all, its own weaknesses.
The central premise of Stoicism focuses on the four cardinal virtues: courage, justice, wisdom, and self-control. It also teaches that our suffering is only a perception or interpretation of circumstances, rather than reality.
Stoicism’s broad appeal is emulated in the diversity of its founders and early advocates, including a famous playwright, a Roman emperor and military leader, a successful businessman, and a former slave who freed and transformed himself into a respected lecturer.
Today, the Stoics’ wisdom is as valid and empowering as ever.
Here are 20 Stoicism quotes to motivate and inspire:
Stoic quotes to motivate
1. Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be One. — Marcus Aurelius
2. You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.—Marcus Aurelius
3. He who fears death will never do anything worth of a man who is alive.—Seneca
4. Life is very short and anxious for those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear the future.—Seneca
5. How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?—Epictetus
6. Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.—Epictetus
7. You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.―Marcus Aurelius
8. Hang on to your youthful enthusiasms — you’ll be able to use them better when you’re older.―Seneca
9. Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.―Epictetus
10. If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it. — Marcus Aurelius
Stoic quotes to inspire:
11. Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.—Seneca
12. Stop drifting…Sprint to the finish. Write off your hopes, and if your well-being matters to you, be your own savior while you can.—Marcus Aurelius
13. Whatever can happen at any time can happen today.—Seneca
14. They lose the day in expectation of the night, and the night in fear of the dawn.—Seneca
15. Let us prepare our minds as if we’d come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life’s books each day… The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time.—Marcus Aurelius
16. True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.―Seneca
17. The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.―Epictetus
18. The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.―Marcus Aurelius
19. If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.―Epictetus
20. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.―Seneca
With great love and gratitude, Aurora
