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The ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus once said, “It is not what happens to you that hurts. It is how you react to what happens to you.” While there are so many ways we can interpret this statement and the wisdom of ancient philosophers, one thing is for certain: If you want to thrive in life, whether that means it through the good or the bad, stoicism can help. The ancient Greek philosopher ZENON of Elea was known as one of the earliest advocates of Stoicism and a forefather of the school. He expounded on its teachings in his famous book The Manual of Epictetus. What if you want to live life with virtue but aren’t sure where to begin? Read on for insights into living life with virtue from some of the most prominent thinkers throughout history, starting with ancient Stoics like Epictetus and ending with modern day thinkers like Marcus Aurelius.

Epictetus

The Stoics believed that people have the power to control their own destiny. They believed that, by practicing wise behaviors and remaining indifferent to the opinions of others, people can create a better life for themselves. One of the most well-known proponents of Stoicism, Epictetus, wrote, “It is your choice to be upset or not.” He also advocated that we should look at negative things in our life as challenges we can use as stepping stones toward a better future. His teachings on the power of the mind are incredibly powerful. He believed that we have the power to control our own destiny and can choose to be upset or not. He believed that negative thoughts are challenges we can use to better ourselves.

Marcus Aurelius

One of the highlights of studying the Stoics is that you get to read the personal diary of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor who ruled from 161 – 180 AD. He was a renowned Stoic philosopher and was also known for being an incredible poet and writer. His writings offer us profound insights into the art of living a virtuous life with virtue. When he was young, he faced many challenges. He was born into a time of unrest and economic instability. In his diary, he shares his thoughts on how he responded to these challenges. One of his most powerful lessons was on the power of forgiveness. He believed that, if we forgive others and forgive ourselves for our mistakes and shortcomings, we have the power to truly thrive. He knew that to forgive others and forgive ourselves shows tremendous strength, and it allows us to move forward without bitterness or resentment.

William Shakespeare

One of the most remarkable things about the Stoics is that they weren’t just philosophers who talked about virtue and wisdom and the power of the mind. They practiced what they preached. Seneca, one of the most prominent Stoics, was a very successful Roman lawyer and statesman who was also a writer and a philosopher. He also served as a advisor to Emperor Nero. When he was young, he faced many challenges but responded in a very powerful way. One of the most memorable quotes that he shared was, “We are not born to seek pleasure, but to endure pain.” His writings show us that virtue and wisdom are not things that come from far away but rather, they are the things we need to thrive in the world. He was a very successful lawyer and statesman who was also a writer and a philosopher. His writings show us that virtue and wisdom are not things that come from far away but rather, they are the things we need to thrive in the world.

Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas was a 12th-century Roman Catholic theologian, author and philosopher. He is best known for his systematic work in Thomism, which is a strand of Catholic philosophy. Aquinas believed that virtue was the key to a happy, meaningful life. He believed that we can thrive by practicing virtue and living a virtuous life. He was also known for his work in theology. He believed that, in order to live a happy, virtuous life, we need to believe in a higher power. He believed that we thrive when we live our lives in pursuit of a higher purpose. His writings show us that, when we practice virtue and believe in a higher power, we have the power to truly thrive. We can achieve happiness and meaning in life by practicing virtue and living our lives in pursuit of a higher purpose.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

There are many inspiring stories of men and women who have overcome adversity to become successful in their fields and lead exemplary lives. One of the most influential figures in modern history has to be Martin Luther King. He was a civil rights leader who received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the civil rights movement. He was also a prolific writer and preacher who advocated for social justice and equal rights for all people. He believed that we thrive when we are optimistic and see the best in people. He advocated that we need to live in service to others and give back to the community. His most powerful lesson on how to live life with virtue and thrive came from the Bible. He believed that we have the power to change the world by living our lives with the virtues of peace, love and forgiveness.

Conclusion

The Stoics believed that people have the power to control their own destiny. They believed that, by practicing wise behaviors and remaining indifferent to the opinions of others, people can create a better life for themselves. One of the most well-known proponents of Stoicism, Epictetus, wrote, “It is your choice to be upset or not.” He also advocated that we should look at negative things in our life as challenges we can use as stepping stones toward a better future. His teachings on the power of the mind are incredibly powerful. He believed that we have the power to control our own destiny and can choose to be upset or not. Negative thoughts are challenges we can use to better ourselves. The ancient Greek philosopher ZENON of Elea was known as one of the earliest advocates of Stoicism and a forefather of the school. He expounded on its teachings in his famous book The Manual of Epictetus. When you want to live life with virtue, this book is a great place to start.