The Stoic philosophy has existed for thousands of years and is still relevant today. A fundamental principle of Stoicism is the concept of control. Stoicism stresses the importance of focusing on what we can control instead of what we cannot. This philosophy can be applied to various aspects of life, including personal and professional endeavors, relationships, and emotional responses. By embracing this philosophy, we can cultivate a sense of calm and contentment in our lives. It’s easy to get caught up in things we can’t control. But by embracing the Stoic philosophy, we can learn to focus on what we can control and let go of what we cannot. If you’re looking for inspiration to help you with this, we’ve gathered some of the most motivating Stoic quotes on control.
Quotes On Control Stoic Philosophy
#1 “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.” – Epictetus
- This quote speaks to the idea that our happiness and freedom depend on our ability to recognize what we can control and cannot.
#2 “You have power over your mind- not outside events. Realize this, and you will have find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius.
- This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our minds are within our control, and by focusing on our thoughts, we can find strength and resilience.
#3 “The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.” – Epictetus
- This quote highlights the danger of becoming attached to things that are outside of our control. By valuing these things, we give up control over our own lives.
Letting Go of What You Can’t Control Quotes
#4 “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.”- Epictetus
- This quote reminds us that we may not be able to control what happens to us, but we always have control over our reactions to those events.
#5 “There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help and what they cannot” – Plato
- This quote speaks to the idea that anger often results from feeling powerless. By recognizing what we can and cannot control, we can avoid becoming angry at things that are beyond our influence.
#6 “The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control.” – Epictetus
- This quote emphasizes the importance of being able to distinguish between what is within our control and what is not. By doing so, we can focus on making choices that will positively impact our lives.
In conclusion, Stoicism teaches us the importance of focusing on what we can control rather than allowing external forces to dictate our lives. By recognizing what is within our control and what is not, we can free ourselves from anxiety and frustration, find inner strength and peace, and cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives. If you enjoyed reading these stoic quotes on control, don’t forget to share them with your friends and family.
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