Let’s Talk Stoicism

As I mentioned in last week’s note, I recently attended a talk on stoicism given by Ryan Holiday that completely blew my mind. 

The meat of the session focused on each of the four virtues of stoicism—wisdom, courage, justice, and discipline (or temperance). 

This is what I took away from his interpretation of each of them:  

1. Wisdom

Wisdom is about being a lifelong student. 

It’s an iterative process that never stops, no matter how old and experienced we are. There are no shortcuts when it comes to wisdom. Not a single ‘guru’ or self-help course can get you there. 

Because becoming a wiser, kinder person takes time and work, all we have to do is keep showing up and trying. 

There’s no race—wisdom will come to us at its own pace.  

2. Courage

It may sound counterintuitive, but courage is an ability that takes practice. Like learning to play a new sport or musical instrument, the more we act courageous and flex the ‘courage muscle,’ the easier it’ll come to us. 

To be courageous means to be uncomfortable and do it anyway. It’s about going to a party where you won’t know many people, putting your hand up to give a presentation at work, asking out the person you’ve been crushing on. 

Courage isn’t fearlessness—it’s the outright refusal to let your fear limit you. 

3. Justice 

When we think of justice, we often think of judges and courts and trials. 

But it’s important to practice being just in our everyday lives as well. 

Justice means being fair. It means keeping our word to both ourselves and others.

Do you follow through on your promises? Do you make reparations when you can’t? Do you hold yourself accountable to the things you say? 

Many of us break our word the most with ourselves. If you tell yourself you’re going to go for a run in the morning and then end up hitting snooze until five minutes before work, that’s an example of lacking follow-through. 

Perfection is never the goal, but are you working towards a just existence?

4. Discipline

Acting with discipline empowers you to take charge of your life, rather than letting fears, insecurities, and inner demons take control.

With discipline, we can do hard things. And doing hard things—like staying in an ice bath for four minutes or running a marathon or getting a college degree—help us build confidence and create the life we want for ourselves. 

Discipline brings contentment and fulfillment. Without it, we often feel like we’re living a life that doesn’t quite fit us. Discipline enables connection with our higher self and purpose. 

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We are all running different races and take different things away from each interaction we garner. But these little nuggets have stayed with me—I’m grateful to have come across them at the perfect time.