Thread by @AliAbdaal

Here are 5 quotes from stoicism that changed my life + a few lessons👇

😁 1. "Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: some things are within our control and some things are not"

Lesson - I don't set numerical goals in life as I can't control the result. Instead I focus on what is in my control: the process.

⚖️ 2. "It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgements concerning them"

Lesson - we often think negative emotions are caused by external events. But it's actually the story we tell ourselves about the event that makes us feel bad.

🤔 3. "We suffer more in imagination than in reality"

Lesson - this is a big reason why we don't do the things we want to do. We all worry so much about everything. But once we put ourselves in a difficult situation we realise that it isn't so bad.

🏋️‍♂️ 4. "If you would not have a man flinch when the crisis comes, train him before it comes"

Lesson - preparing ourselves for the worst-case scenarios helps us to take action quickly when needed. It also helps us to be more grateful about what we currently have e.g. family

🌳 5. "When you're alone you should call this condition tranquility and freedom, and think of yourself like the gods..."

🥳 "...and when you are with many, you shouldn't call it a crowd, or trouble, or uneasiness, but festival and company, and contentedly accept it"

Lesson - when an event happens you have a choice. You can either accept it or resent it.

Stoicism still forms the bedrock of most of modern day productivity and life advice. If you want to hear more of my thoughts about these quotes I made a cheeky video →