The wisdom of the Stoics, a group of ancient philosophers, offers timeless guidance for leading a balanced and meaningful life. Central to their teachings is the cultivation of virtue, and learning and growing from life’s difficulties which can be beautifully aligned with the Choose Love Formula: courage, gratitude, forgiveness, compassion, and action.
Courage – Epictetus
Epictetus, a former slave who became a prominent Stoic philosopher, emphasized the importance of courage in facing life’s challenges. According to Epictetus, true courage lies in understanding and accepting what is within our control and letting go of what is not.
*”He who is not a good servant will not be a good master.”* – Epictetus
With this wisdom, we cultivate courage by focusing on our responses rather than external events, facing life’s inevitable adversities with inner strength.
Gratitude – Seneca
Seneca, a Stoic philosopher, statesman, and playwright, highlighted the power of gratitude in achieving tranquility. He believed that by appreciating what we have rather than longing for what we do not, we can find contentment.
“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” – Seneca
Expressing gratitude daily helps us recognize the abundance around us and foster a sense of contentment, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Forgiveness – Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, often wrote about the importance of forgiveness and understanding others’ perspectives. He believed that holding onto anger and resentment only harms oneself.
“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.” – Marcus Aurelius
By practicing forgiveness, we free ourselves from the burden of anger, allowing for inner peace and healthier relationships.
Compassion in Action- Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius deeply believed in the practice of compassion and kindness. He emphasized understanding and empathy as key components of our interactions with others.
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius
By grounding our actions in compassion, we treat others with empathy and kindness, which fosters a supportive and loving community.
Epictetus, another major Stoic thinker, underscored the importance of aligning actions with principles. For him, living a philosophical life meant continuously practicing what one preaches.
“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.” – Epictetus
By turning philosophy into actionable steps, we actively live out our moral values, making choices that demonstrate our commitment to virtue and purpose.
By transforming philosophy into action, we ensure that our lives are guided by wisdom and purpose.
The Choose Love Formula—comprising courage, gratitude, forgiveness, compassion, and action—resonates deeply with Stoic teachings. Both frameworks encourage virtues that lead to a harmonious and fulfilling life. By integrating these values, we live in accordance with nature, cultivating resilience, peace, and meaningful connections.
Incorporating Stoic wisdom into our daily lives through the Choose Love Formula enriches our existence. By fostering courage, gratitude, forgiveness, compassion, and action, we align ourselves with timeless virtues that offer a path to a more fulfilling, purposeful, and happier life. Embracing these principles helps us navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and resilience, embodying the best of human potential.
