The philosophy asserts that virtue (meaning, chiefly, the four cardinal virtues of self-control, courage, justice, and wisdom) is happiness, and it is our perceptions of things—rather than the things themselves—that cause most of our trouble. Stoicism teaches that we can’t control or rely on anything outside what Epictetus called our “reasoned choice”—our ability to use our reason to choose how we categorize, respond, and reorient ourselves to external events. (Location 105)

Tags: blue

our “reasoned choice”—our ability to use our reason to choose how we categorize, respond, and reorient ourselves to external events. Early Stoicism was (Location 107)

By controlling our perceptions, the Stoics tell us, we can find mental clarity. (Location 125)

Tags: blue

In directing our actions properly and justly, we’ll be effective. (Location 125)

Tags: blue

In utilizing and aligning our will, we will find the wisdom and perspective to deal with anything the world puts before us. (Location 126)

Tags: blue

wisdom and perspective to deal with anything the world puts before us. It was their belief that by strengthening themselves and their fellow citizens in these disciplines, they could cultivate resilience, purpose, and even joy. (Location 126)

It was their belief that by strengthening themselves and their fellow citizens in these disciplines, they could cultivate resilience, purpose, and even joy. (Location 127)

Tags: blue

If we can focus on making clear what parts of our day are within our control and what parts are not, we will not only be happier, we will have a distinct advantage over other people who fail to realize they are fighting an unwinnable battle. (Location 181)