Stoicism & Mindset
The dichotomy of control
The single Stoic idea that does the most work.
Jun 5, 20261 min readstoicism · mindset · discipline
Up to us, or not up to us
Epictetus' starting point: some things are up to us — our judgments, intentions, desires, and actions. Others are not — the weather, other people, reputations, outcomes.
Where suffering comes from
The Stoics argue that most frustration comes from trying to control the second category. Treat something not-in-your-power as if it were, and you're set up to be miserable.
The practice
Before reacting, ask one question: is this up to me? Put your effort behind your own responses and accept the rest. Marcus Aurelius put the flip side plainly: "the impediment to action advances action." The obstacle becomes the way.
Sources: Modern Stoicism; Daily Stoic; Leading Sapiens.
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