All We Control Is The Beginning of Things
The Daily Stoic1 Tammi 2020

All We Control Is The Beginning of Things

Clearly the Stoics were doers. They ran for public office. They fought in the army. They started business ventures. They created artistic works. How can this fit, though, with what Marcus called “the art of acquiescence?” Isn’t this resignation a contradiction? If you believe in a kind of predetermination, why bother?

Perhaps the way through this puzzle is best captured in a quote from Democritus, a pre-Socratic philosopher admired by the Stoics (Seneca most of all). Democritus said, “Boldness is the beginning of action. But fortune controls how it ends.”

What that means is that the Stoic believes in their power to, say, write a book, but not in their power to determine whether people will like it or buy a lot of copies of it. A Stoic will fight bravely in battle but know that the outcome is determined by so many other things. They will run for office, they will start a business, they will compete in an athletic event—but whether they win? That’s not up to them. Whether they give it their best, boldest, and hardest effort? Well, that is.

That’s the message for today—in fact, it’s the perfect message for today, as we begin a new year and a new decade. All we control are the beginnings of things. We control how we start. We control our first move. Whether we say hello to a pretty stranger, but not whether they reciprocate. We can make the pitch, or the apology, but fortune controls whether its accepted. We can plan the trip, but not when or if we arrive. We control this first minute of the long year ahead.

It’s not a lot...but it’s enough, so let’s do it right. Let’s do it boldly.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jaksot(2954)

It’s Not Only Always Been Like This, It’s Always Been Worse | Trust But Verify

It’s Not Only Always Been Like This, It’s Always Been Worse | Trust But Verify

You live in a time of abundance, medicine, knowledge, and opportunity—things the Stoics could not have imagined in their wildest dreams.🎙️ AD-FREE | Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by...

6 Huhti 8min

Real People. Real Tests. Real Stoicism.

Real People. Real Tests. Real Stoicism.

What does Stoicism look like in the moments that matter most? In this episode, Ryan shares listener stories about how this philosophy showed up in their hardest situations and what it changed.👉 Do yo...

5 Huhti 19min

It’s Not a Principle If It Doesn’t Cost You

It’s Not a Principle If It Doesn’t Cost You

Most people think they’d never sell out. Until there’s a number attached. In this episode, Ryan explores real-world examples that reveal what happens when that moment actually comes.🎥 VIDEO EPISODE |...

4 Huhti 24min

Do This to Capture the Magic for Yourself | What Can Go Wrong...Might

Do This to Capture the Magic for Yourself | What Can Go Wrong...Might

It should be the easiest book in the world to read. And yet…Reading Marcus Aurelius can change your life, but only if you know how to read his work 👉 Head here now to grab your Meditations book and g...

3 Huhti 8min

This is the Main Thing | Ask Daily Stoic

This is the Main Thing | Ask Daily Stoic

The Stoics appreciated success, but it wasn’t something they coveted. It may have impressed others, but it wasn’t how they defined themselves.Ryan Holiday is coming to a city near you! Grab tickets he...

2 Huhti 13min

BONUS | Books You Can Finish In One Sitting (And Actually Remember)

BONUS | Books You Can Finish In One Sitting (And Actually Remember)

Most people don’t finish what they start, especially when it comes to books. In this episode, Ryan shares a curated list of books you can read in a single sitting.👉 Sign up for Ryan’s free monthly re...

1 Huhti 8min

How Can This Improve Your Life? | The Color of Your Thoughts

How Can This Improve Your Life? | The Color of Your Thoughts

Why has Meditations by Marcus Aurelius endured and influenced across so many centuries? And what makes its ancient wisdom still relevant to the modern problems we face today?Reading Marcus Aurelius ca...

1 Huhti 8min

Live Now, While You Still Can

Live Now, While You Still Can

We only get one life. Once time ticks by, it never comes back.🎙️ AD-FREE | Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early ...

31 Maalis 2min

Suosittua kategoriassa Liike-elämä ja talous

sijotuskasti
psykopodiaa-podcast
mimmit-sijoittaa
rss-rahapodi
ostan-asuntoja-podcast
rss-rahamania
hyva-paha-johtaminen
herrasmieshakkerit
rss-sami-miettinen-neuvottelija
rahapuhetta
rss-lahtijat
inderespodi
yrittaja
juristipodi
rss-sisalto-kuntoon
rss-seuraava-potilas
oppimisen-psykologia
rss-uskalla-yrittaa
rss-startup-ministerio
rss-inderes-femme