Day 1: Introduction to Stoicism
What you can and cannot control
"Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing."
Today's Lesson
Welcome to your journey into Stoic philosophy. For over two thousand years, Stoicism has helped people navigate life's challenges with wisdom, resilience, and inner peace. Today, we begin with the most fundamental concept in Stoic thought: the Dichotomy of Control.
Epictetus, a former slave who became one of history's greatest philosophers, opens his Enchiridion with this essential teaching. He divides all things in life into two categories: things within our control (our own thoughts, judgments, desires, and actions) and things outside our control (other people's actions, external events, our reputation, even our own bodies).
This simple distinction is revolutionary. Most of our suffering comes from trying to control what we cannot, or from neglecting what we can. When we truly understand and internalize this dichotomy, we free ourselves from unnecessary anxiety and frustration. We focus our energy where it can actually make a difference: on our own character, choices, and responses to life.
Today's Journal Prompt
Think about a current source of stress or frustration in your life. Write it down. Now ask yourself: What aspects of this situation are within my control? What aspects are outside my control? How much of my energy am I spending on each category?
Tonight's Practice
Before bed, review your day. Identify three situations where you were focused on things outside your control. For each one, ask: "What was within my control in this situation?" Commit to redirecting your focus tomorrow.
About Epictetus
Epictetus (c. 50-135 AD) was born a slave in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern-day Turkey). Despite his humble origins, he studied Stoic philosophy under Musonius Rufus and eventually gained his freedom. He went on to establish a school of philosophy in Nicopolis, Greece. His teachings, recorded by his student Arrian, emphasize that freedom comes not from external circumstances but from mastering our own minds. Having experienced slavery firsthand, Epictetus understood deeply that while we cannot control our circumstances, we always control how we respond to them.