Sticks and Stones

“If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation” -Epictetus

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but if you say one more mean thing to me I’m going to lose my mind. Right?

You may have heard of the philosophical framework called Stoicism. It’s a set of Greek and Roman ideas centered on virtue and character. At the heart of Stoicism is control: You take responsibility for what’s in your control and let go of what’s outside of it.

It is both empowering and antithetical to our natural inclinations. We are quick to anger at others’ stupidity and blind to our own shortcomings. Stoics look inward for progress while others blame outside forces for their failures.

How can you start practicing Stoicism? Mel Robbin’s ‘Let Them Theory’ is a great place to start. You can learn more about it here: