"It was a great deed to conquer Carthage, but a greater deed to conquer death."

#philosophy #stoicism

"[Mucius] might have accomplished something more successful in that camp, but never anything more brave."

#philosophy #stoicism

"Mucius put his hand into the fire. It is painful to be burned; but how much more painful to inflict such suffering upon oneself!"

#philosophy #stoicism

"You will thus understand that what you fear is either insignificant or short-lived."

#philosophy #stoicism

"It is indeed foolish to be unhappy now because you may be unhappy at some future time."

#philosophy #stoicism

"Press on, therefore, as you have begun; perhaps you will be led to perfection, or to a point which you alone understand is still short of perfection."

#philosophy #stoicism

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

#philosophy #stoicism

"Armies have endured all manner of want, have lived on roots, and have resisted hunger by means of food too revolting to mention. All this they have suffered to gain a kingdom, and—what is more marvellous—to gain a kingdom that will be another’s. Will any man hesitate to endure poverty, in order that he may free his mind from madness?"

#philosophy #stoicism

"Socrates was ennobled by the hemlock draught. Wrench from Cato's hand his sword, the vindicator of liberty, and you deprive him of the greatest share of his glory."

#philosophy #stoicism

"Let another say. “Perhaps the worst will not happen.” You yourself must say. “Well, what if it does happen? Let us see who wins! Perhaps it happens for my best interests; it may be that such a death will shed credit upon my life.”"

#philosophy #stoicism