There are many attributes of a Stoic that could be discussed, but the primary point is that Stoicism may not be what we may have supposed. It is not an ivory tower into which one disappears to turn away from life. On the contrary, it is embracing life in a manner more fully than one had before. To face the anxieties, pain, and suffering in such a way as to no longer be controlled by them is truly liberating. To engage in eating, sex, exercise, and work in more meaningful and straightforward ways is empowering and removes extraneous psychological clutter from one’s existence. I put it to you that to live a Stoic life is to embrace a clear ray of sunshine in what was once a dark pit. This pit was one we created ourselves, fueled by our endless yearnings to appease a fragile ego.
From Book One: Introduction (pg. 6).
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Like the body, the mind must be exercised and kept fit. You must look at yourself each day and hold yourself to a high standard. As you develop habits in this you will be better able to stay true and keep yourself honest. And yet, again, we all change throughout time. We may not know today what tools we will need tomorrow in order to keep ourselves humble and true. This is why we embrace principles. To develop particular routines only would be a failure. Our principles adapt and can be extrapolated to our changing life circumstances. Through our principles we are able to remain true to ourselves and thus true to the universal in us as well as our fellow man.
From Book Three: Regarding the mind (pg. 19)
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The mind is the most flexible and useful tool we have. Adaptable to any situation, any problem, any grief. The greatest quality our mind may have is honesty. To see ourselves clearly, to see others clearly, and to see our reality clearly, these are our goals. It is in seeing ourselves clearly that we become aware of what we are able to achieve, what our faults are, and what our strengths are. To see others clearly is to see them as human beings, including their faults and weaknesses. In doing so we no longer consider them evil, nor do we consider them objects. In this way we may deal with other men fairly. And finally, in seeing our reality clearly we may understand what we may change and what we may not. This awareness is chief in our goals. The clarity of mind which makes this possible is our goal. By daily asking ourselves honest questions and not settling until we find honest answers is the way in which we achieve it. Learning from and then moving past our many failures is our duty.
From Book Three: Regarding the mind (pg. 28)
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Today there are many distractions pushing us and pulling us. We focus on tiny screens more than we do our fellow humans. We check our tiny accounts and leave the larger accounts in front of us untended. This is foolish. Our lives are around us and in front of us. They do not, on the whole, exist on these screens yet we often behave as if it were so. Though these devices may serve some purpose to us we should be careful how much energy we put to them. Make effort to rid yourself of the distractions which you do not truly need. Some may benefit you more than others and it is your task to understand which are beneficial and which are not. You may be surprised when you see how hollow a thing is, after truly looking at it.
From Book Five: Regarding the living of life (pg. 31)
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Consider that it behooves some to convince you to behave one way rather than another. Yet, is that way in your own best interest? Is it in the best interest of your family, or your country? You must prepare your mind daily to be aware of what is being thrown at you. Like a shield your mind must remain vigilant to guard against unwelcome messages. If you wish to remain chaste, understand that there are many images put in front of you encouraging you to end your chastity. And so on. Hold onto your center and your ideal of what you most value and consider at all moments if you are behaving according to your virtue or according to some conditioning.
From Book Five: Regarding the living of life (pg. 52)
About the Book: Stoic Living for the Modern Soul is a guidebook of philosophy and inspiration for living a better life in the modern age through stoic living. Written primarily as a collection of reminders for the author, its aim is to provide food for reflection, inspiration, and improvement.
Biography: Dmitri Mandaliev is an author and modern stoic whose primary interests are Confucianism, Stoicism, and Taoism. His most current work, Stoic Living for the Modern Soul, is a reflection on his way of life and stoic mindset. His “Letters to a Young Man” series is inspired primarily by the works of Seneca. He is married and spends his time between Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United States.
Thank you for sage advice on how to gaze inwards in one’s search for Stoic wisdom. I can particularly identify with “hold onto your centre”. So true.
Excellent!
This is a very good book. I’ve read it twice now and have picked up excellent and practical things from it already. Perhaps most importantly it’s helped me to focus on living my life more completely in the face of trying circumstances. Thanks to this blog and the author of the book.