Stoic Philosophy in a nutshell

Acceptance

Things are how they are. The universe exists, governed by natural laws. Together, these laws provide a flow of things, a logos, universal, uniting everything.

Reality

Because we alone can harm ourselves, suffering is brought about by a failure to see reality properly. It is caused when we create impressions of reality, and are misled by ourselves. Thus, to the best of our ability, we must use reason to see things for how they are, instead of how we wish they could be.

Choice

Human beings have a unique capacity for reason. We are granted the ability to choose, and thus also, the ability to choose otherwise. A moral choice is that which we ought to choose, and goodness is the end to which choices aim.

Goodness

Because our choices aim to attain goodness, that which they cannot attain cannot be good. Only what is within our power can be good. Because the capacity for goodness comes from the mind, from reason alone, goodness is internal, not external. And because human beings are part of the logos, we must obey reason, which governs it. Reality is not optional, and cannot be resisted.

Virtue

Only virtue, excellent character, can always be attained by our choices. And, virtue is the perfection of reason and the internal. And, since virtue means living according to nature, a life of virtue fulfills the logos and natural law. Thus, virtue is the sole good. Anything outside of virtue is, morally speaking, irrelevant.

Power

Because virtue, the sole good, is entirely within our power and entirely within our mind, a wise person cannot be harmed. The only bad consists in vice. Nothing can make our character worse except ourselves. Philosophy frees us from the chains of desire and irrationality, letting us live unburdened. Even death is not an evil.

Service

Humans are social beings. To live according to this nature, we must act with love, kindness, and sympathy towards others. We must fulfill social duty and never abandon responsibilities. Humans are rational beings. To live according to this nature, we must study philosophy, use reason, and expand our knowledge.

Present

You know what is good and how to attain it. There is no need for delay. Tomorrow escapes your grasp, and yesterday is already behind you. It is impossible to know how many more moments you might live. Virtue is reachable at any time, and it is pure, and it is beautiful, and it is liberating. Live now.