Simple STOIC TIPS For Solving Problems With People! | Stoicism Philosophy
Channel: Stoicism Philosophy™
Date: 19/04/2024

Have you ever felt utterly overwhelmed by the noise around you, the endless stream of opinions, expectations, and the relentless pressure of keeping up? Imagine this: ancient Stoic philosophers over 2,000 years ago faced the same human emotions, struggles, and questions about identity and purpose that we grapple with today. It's fascinating, isn't it, that the wisdom from centuries past still holds profound relevance in our modern, fast-paced world.

Number 1: Care Less About People's Opinion:

Isn’t it curious how much we all, at some point in our lives, find ourselves entangled in the web of others' opinions? We often surrender our peace of mind and happiness, trying to fit into the molds others create for us. But let's pause for a moment and delve into the ancient Stoic wisdom. Marcus Aurelius emphasized the futility of seeking external approval; he urges us to question this innate desire to please others, challenging us to break free from the chains of external validation. It's a liberating thought, isn't it, to realize that the only approval you truly need is your own? Now think about it: when you lay your head on your pillow at night, it's your thoughts you're left with, not others'. So why not make those thoughts about your true self, your values, and your actions?

Number 2: Be Honest:

When we talk about being honest, it's easy to default to the idea of not lying to others, but Stoicism invites us to explore honesty on a much deeper level. It's about aligning our external actions and words with our internal values and beliefs. This alignment fosters a profound sense of integrity and wholeness. Imagine the peace that comes from knowing your actions are not just surface-level performances, but true reflections of your inner self. Epictetus, one of the great Stoic philosophers, really hammers this point home. He suggests that honesty doesn't just make moral sense; it makes practical sense. Think about it: deceit requires us to remember our lies, cover our tracks, and live in constant fear of being found out. It's mentally exhausting. Honesty, on the other hand, is simple and liberating. It frees us from the tangled web of deceit and allows us to live with ease and clarity.

Number 3: Don't Take Things Personally:

We've all felt that sting, that immediate reaction when someone's words or actions seem to hit us right where it hurts. Seneca, with his profound understanding of human nature, reminds us to look beyond the surface. He suggests that when someone acts in a way that we find hurtful or offensive, it's often not really about us at all. People act based on their perceptions, their struggles, and their history. It's like everyone is moving through the world wearing a unique pair of glasses that colors how they see everything around them, including us. Now think about a time when you might have snapped at someone or acted in a way that wasn't really you. 

Number 4: Be Patient:

Marcus Aurelius often wrote about patience. He saw it not just as a passive waiting but as an active engagement with the present moment, whatever it may hold. To him, being patient was akin to donning armor against the trials of life, transforming potential irritants into lessons of endurance and calm. Think about it: when you're stuck in traffic, there's a kind of freedom in accepting you can't move faster than the cars in front of you. It's an opportunity to listen to your favorite music, an audiobook, or simply to your own thoughts. This shift doesn't change the traffic, but it changes how you experience it, turning a frustrating wait into a moment of peace or even enjoyment. Similarly, when dealing with a challenging person, imagine if instead of reacting with irritation or anger, you respond with patience.

Number 5: Be an Example:

Epictetus knew a thing or two about adversity and integrity. He didn't just lecture about Stoicism in the classroom; he lived it every single day and encouraged his students to do the same—to embody your philosophy. It's about making your life a testament to your values, letting your actions speak louder than your words. Imagine the ripple effect you can create by simply living out your principles. When you show kindness, even in challenging situations, others take notice. It might inspire them to act kindly in turn. 

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Timestamps: 
00:00 Intro
1:25 Number 1: Care Less About People's Opinion
3:43 Number 2: Be Honest
6:07 Number 3: Don't Take Things Personally
8:57 Number 4: Be Patient
11:52 Number 5: Be an Example
14:31 Number 6: Tune Out the Haters
17:13 Number 7: Be Full of Love
19:50 Number 8: Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
22:37 Number 9: Cherish Your Loved Ones


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