Photo: D. Paul Graham, “Strength”, Stone Mountain GA, 2021

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Relentless …..

I have learned so much that I have applied to my life from studying the Stoics. A number of words come to mind about them. Unconquerable. Unbeatable. Insurmountable. Indomitable. Unstoppable. Patient. Committed. And Relentless. All of which they took quiet pride in. If they decided to do anything in their lives, they were steadfast and relentless in their commitment to excellence. As you start your week, this morning’s M5T offers up some perspectives for a passionate life, some food for thought, a veritable feast of wisdom if you would, from the Stoics.

1. On Love

“What progress, you ask, have I made? I have begun to be a friend to myself” ~ Seneca.

“There are only two people who can tell you the truth about yourself – an enemy who has lost his temper and a friend who loves you dearly.” ~ Antisthenes

“I love to go and see all the things I am happy without.” ~ Socrates

“Let us enjoy our friends avidly, for how long this blessing will fall to our lot is uncertain.”  ~ Seneca

2. On Life

“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” ~ Epictetus

“To all my friends without distinction I am ready to display my opulence: come one, come all; and whosoever likes to take a share is welcome to the wealth that lies within my soul.” ~ Antisthenes

“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be One.” ~ Aurelius

“When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval.” ~ Epictetus

“Order your soul. Reduce your wants” ~ Augustine of Hippo

3. On Control

“Just keep in mind: the more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.” ~ Epictetus

“He has the most who is content with the least.” ~ Diogenes

“We should always be asking ourselves: Is this something that is, or is not, in my control?” ~ Epictetus

4. On Truth

“If it is not right, do not do it, if it is not true, do not say it.” ~ Aurelius

“I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune. You have passed through life without an opponent—no one can ever know what you are capable of, not even you” ~ Seneca

5. On Reflection

“Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future too.” ~ Aurelius

“In your actions, don’t procrastinate. In your conversations, don’t confuse. In your thoughts, don’t wander. In your soul, don’t be passive or aggressive. In your life, don’t be all about business.” ~ Aurelius

Here’s to a week of being relentless in all you set out to accomplish.

 © 2022 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 11 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T ™.  Each Monday, Paul shares his observations, thoughts and passions on people, life, and cultur