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Lessons From Ancient Philosophers That Will Help You Navigate Life

Lessons From Ancient Philosophers That Will Help You Navigate Life

The enduring value of philosophical reasoning.

Alejandro Betancourt's avatar
Alejandro Betancourt
Nov 07, 2022
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Thinking Through It
Thinking Through It
Lessons From Ancient Philosophers That Will Help You Navigate Life
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Sokrates, Antisthenes, Chrysippos, Epikouros (Greek Philosophers Busts)
Matt Neale from UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“Everything flows, and nothing abides, everything gives way, and nothing stays fixed.” — Heraclitus

In uncertain times, looking to past wisdom for guidance can be helpful.

Ancient philosophers like the Stoics offered valuable perspectives and advice that can be applied today. One such concept is amor fati, or “love of fate.” Rather than feeling defeated by hardships, the Stoics encouraged embracing them as opportunities for growth.

Pythagoras’s view on suffering teaches us to use our pain to become stronger individuals rather than getting stuck in self-pity. And Socrates’ philosophy reminds us that regardless of our circumstances, we are always responsible for how we choose to react and shape our lives.

From the Stoics’ teachings on acceptance and resilience to Parmenides’s wise advice to “know thyself,” ancient wisdom can help guide us through uncertain times. 

By turning to these teachings and reflecting on how we face challenges, we c…

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