The Stoic Simple Blog

---

by Phil Van Treuren

Stoicism isn’t just some dusty old philosophy — it’s also a practical toolkit for navigating modern life. When I was introduced to it years ago, I was amazed to discover that the lessons of the ancient Stoics were both simple and profound.

Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca weren’t just ivory tower thinkers. They were real people dealing with real problems. They figured out some pretty amazing stuff about how to live a good life, and their wisdom is just as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.

Here’s a list of the most surprising life lessons I’ve learned from studying the Stoics. I hope they’re as helpful to you as they have been to me!

#1: I’m Not Required to Have an Opinion on Everything

---

Ever feel like the world is demanding your take on every little thing? From sports to politics, we’re expected to always have something to say — or, more importantly, to hurry up and “pick a side.”

I used to have strong opinions about everything — even stuff I knew little about. Admitting that I didn’t have enough information to form an opinion about something? That would have been showing weakness.

Stoic philosophy — Marcus Aurelius, specifically — helped me realize that I didn’t have to play that game. Avoiding hasty judgments isn’t weak; neither is refusing to join a “tribe.” And it’s okay to decide that some issues just aren’t worth my mental energy.

Now I don’t hesitate to say “Sorry, I don’t have an opinion on that.” And it’s made my life a lot happier.

#2: Help and Harm Are Only Found Within Myself

---

Epictetus taught that both help and harm come from within us . . . and when I first read about this concept, I thought it was nuts.

Like most human beings, I had spent my whole life assuming that anything helpful or harmful to me could only come from other places. From other people.

But Epictetus was exactly right: human beings are born with all the tools we need to face life’s challenges. And most “bad” situations only hurt us because we decide they do.

Once I took Epictetus’s advice to heart, I realized that the greatest help and harm really springs from my own mind. And that made the world a lot less intimidating.

#3: I Wasn’t Given Resilience Just to Have an Easy Life

---

Reading Epictetus also introduced me to this powerful truth: human beings aren’t born strong just to have it easy.

I’m not talking about physical strength; I’m talking about our ability to reason and remain resilient in the face of incredible challenges. We’ve got thousands of generations of toughness built into us, and our minds were shaped to tackle adversity.

Epictetus made me stop looking at challenges as something I have to face.

No, I get to face them. I get to go to work. I get to adapt to changes.

Birds weren’t given wings just to walk everywhere . . . and we weren’t born resilient just to have an easy life. This is what human beings were made for.

#4: I Can Choose to Be Happy Wherever I Am

---

Before reading the words of Stoic philosophers like Seneca, I was always thinking that happiness was “somewhere else.” In some exotic locale, in some far-away destination, in some distant adventure.

But Stoicism taught me that the grass isn’t greener on the other side — it’s greener where you water it.

Travel is great, but those exotic locations are made of the same stuff as your back yard. If you can’t find happiness here, you probably won’t find it there either.

Socrates nailed it when he asked a friend: “How can you wonder your travels do you no good, when you carry yourself around with you?”

Happiness isn’t about where you are. It’s about who you are. And that’s something you can work on right where you’re standing.

#5: No One Does Wrong Willingly

---

Ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m smarter than they are”? It’s a trap we all fall into sometimes . . . and for many years, those kind of thoughts stopped me from understanding how much I have in common with everyone else.

The Stoics helped me realize that everyone thinks they know something that other people don’t. It’s how human minds are wired. We all think we’re the smartest ones in the room, and that we make the best choices.

Socrates said “no one does wrong willingly.” People do what they think is smart, based on what they know.

Once I understood that we’re all just doing the best we can with what we’ve got, I became a lot more patient with everyone (including myself).

#6: My Hopes and My Fears Are Basically the Same Thing

---

Seneca wrote that Hope and Fear are pretty much the same thing . . . and it took me a while to understand just how powerful that concept is.

Hope and Fear both take us out of the present moment. They both make us focus on stuff that hasn’t happened yet. Stuff that might not happen at all.

This doesn’t mean Hope is all bad, of course. But Seneca taught me to not let it (or its kindred phantom, Fear) distract me from what’s happening right now.

Studying Stoicism helped me understand that the best way to shape my future is by focusing on what I’m doing in this moment. It’s where all the real work happens.

#7: I Don’t Constantly Need More Information and News

---

I used to be the kind of person who was always checking for breaking news, afraid to miss a single headline. I constantly chased after more information, more facts, more data.

Stoic philosophy (and especially the lessons of Epictetus) taught me that chasing after every new bit of information is like trying to count every drop in the ocean. It’s exhausting and, honestly, pretty pointless.

Instead, I’ve learned to focus on what’s right in front of me. The small stuff. The ordinary things. I don’t need to know everything to live a good life, and I don’t need to see every headline to be happy.

#8: There’s Comfort in Knowing the World Will Continue Without Me

---

Thinking about how I’m just a tiny blip in the grand scheme of things used to bother me (a lot).

I wanted my life and my accomplishments to be etched in stone; to last forever. I didn’t like that they were really just written in sand, soon to be washed away by the waves.

But the words of Marcus Aurelius and other ancient Stoics helped me appreciate the truly beautiful thing about our world: those waves will keep on coming. The mountains will still stand. The valleys will still be green.

I’ve learned to take profound comfort from knowing that the world will keep spinning, even when I’m gone.

Thanks to Stoicism, I’ve become more grateful for the time I have here — and I’ve learned to find peace in knowing that this amazing world will be here for others long after I’m gone.

“You are not your body or your hairstyle, but your capacity for choosing well. If your choices are beautiful, so too will you be.”

Epictetus

---

You have a beautiful mind.

I’m not talking about how intelligent or clever you are. I’m talking about a gift you were born with that’s worth more than all the money in the world.

It’s your ability to choose. To choose how you respond to challenges, to choose how you see the world, to choose what your attitude will be in any circumstances.

Your mind is the product of thousands of generations of people before you who adapted to tough situations, who stayed resilient in the face of challenges, who persisted in spite of pain and loss and struggles you can’t even imagine.

You were born with those same abilities. You were given every tool you need to fix the problems that life sends your way. Being resilient and facing challenges is what you were made to do.

Your mind controls your emotions . . . not the other way around. You are not defined by your body or your possessions or your circumstances. You’re defined by your judgments of those things, and how you choose to respond to them.

Your mind the only thing you truly own, the only thing you have total control over. Everything else can be taken away from you . . . but no one can ever take away your ability to choose how you respond.

Regardless of what challenges you’re facing, regardless of what mistakes you’ve made, regardless of what the world gives you . . .

You can choose to be unconquered.

You can choose to be happy.

by Phil Van Treuren

“I hate most people. There are times when I look at people and I see nothing worth liking. I want to earn enough money that I can get away from everyone . . . I see the WORST in people.”

Daniel Plainview, There Will Be Blood

My biggest personal flaw has always been cynicism, which is one of the most nefarious attitudes a person can have. (Cynical people often try to disguise their attitudes as just “sarcastic,” and tell themselves that they simply have a sharp sense of humor. Yah, that was me for a long time.)

But sarcasm can easily evolve into more sinister stuff like mockery, arrogance, contempt, and even hatred for other people.

Cynicism is one of the many awful by-products of our ego. The ego whispers to us that we’re smarter than other people, that we’re more talented, that we deserve special things. It urges us to judge people with a single glance, and get offended — or even disgusted — because they aren’t as wise and strong and attractive and worthy of stuff as we are.

“Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.”

Marcus Aurelius

Learning about Stoic philosophy has helped me realize that I’ve harbored many of these dangerous mindsets for most of my life . . . and it also inspired me to develop a plan for change. Like all negative habits, a cynical attitude takes hard work and diligence to overcome. You can’t get rid of your ego, but here are some tips that I’ve learned from Stoicism that let me be more accepting and understanding of other people.

These Stoic techniques have helped me curb cynicism, get rid of hatred, and start truly liking (and yes, even loving) my fellow human beings. I hope they’re helpful to you, too.

#1: Remind Yourself That Deep Down, We’re All Still Just Kids

We don’t like to admit it, but there’s a small part inside all of us that still feels frightened by the unknown, desperate for approval, and confused by the world. That part of us wants to do the right thing, but doesn’t always know what the right thing is. Some of the adults who you dislike might act the way they do just to cope with hidden fears and insecurities, or because they don’t know how they should act.

When children make mistakes or imitate something they don’t know is wrong, do we yell at them? Or do we show patience and explain how to do it correctly? The next time you feel contempt for someone, try to imagine how they might have been as a small child . . . and remind yourself that they might still feel that way, on the inside.

#2: Assume the Best Rather Than the Worst

Most of us know that assuming things about people at first glance isn’t wise . . . but convincing our brains of this isn’t easy. Instead of fighting your human desire to assume, try telling yourself this instead:

“Everyone in the world has both good and bad qualities, right? Well, isn’t assuming the best about people just as logical as assuming the worst about them? You already chose to assume the worst; you can just as easily choose to assume the best, instead.”

#3: Imagine What You Have in Common

Regardless of how strange or awful a person seems, it’s a near certainty that you have something in common with them. Some shared interest, talent or experience that you could laugh or tell stories about together. Why? Because you’re both human beings, and you share the same human nature, needs, and emotions . . . whether you want to admit it or not.

When you’re feeling disgusted by someone, try to imagine what you might have in common. You may never have the opportunity to find out, but those similarities are there nonetheless, hiding in plain sight.

#4: Remember That They Know Stuff You Don’t

Every person knows something you don’t . . . no matter how dumb or boring or inexperienced you think they might be. In fact, they probably know lots of things you don’t. Even if those things don’t interest you, it’s still knowledge that you don’t have. And it gives them a different perspective.

Here’s another way to look at it: you can learn something from every person you come in contact with (even if they just provide you with an example of how NOT to do things). Don’t let a cynical attitude rob you of those opportunities to learn from everyone.

#5: Keep In Mind That Everyone Does What They Think Is Right

Socrates famously said “no one does wrong willingly,” and he believed that we always choose what we think is best for us, based on our knowledge and experiences. This is a tough concept to focus on — especially if someone is being cruel to us. But they really do, for whatever reason, think that they need to be doing it.

That doesn’t mean you should let people take advantage of you or hurt you . . . Stoics aren’t afraid to protect themselves or fight for what’s right! But you’ll always have an advantage if you consider why the people you dislike think their actions are necessary.

#6: Focus on the Big Picture

In order for the world to exist as it does, all human beings — even those we don’t like — need to be exactly who they are, playing the specific roles they’re playing.

Those people who annoy you are tiny cogs in a machine, just like you are; if one cog doesn’t do what it was made for, it affects the entire instrument. Our world needs smart people and not-so-smart people, hard workers and slackers, early birds and night owls. Embrace the role you’ve been given, but be grateful to others for playing the roles that you wouldn’t want, anyway.

Marcus Aurelius put it best nearly two thousand years ago, when he wrote this in his diary:

“Constantly think of the universe as a single living being, comprised of a single substance and a single soul; and how all things issue into the single perception of this being, and how it accomplishes all things through a single impulse; and how all things work together to cause all that comes to be, and how intricate and densely woven is the fabric formed by their interweaving.“

---

Marcus Aurelius is one of the best-known figures of the Roman Empire, thanks to his writings on Stoic philosophy and his place in history as “the last good emperor.”

His face is famous, too, even though he lived long before photography. The many surviving statues of Marcus Aurelius provide a vivid portrayal of his curly hair and beard, uniquely shaped face and kind, sad eyes.

But what would Marcus Aurelius look like in real life today, if he had been born during modern times? Thanks to the wonders of artificial intelligence, we’re now able to see stunning images of what this famous Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher might look like if he were brought back to life in the 21st century.

We used more than a hundred different pictures of Marcus Aurelius statues and busts taken from multiple angles to train a state-of-the-art generative artificial intelligence program on exactly what the emperor’s bone structure, facial features, hair and expressions would look like in real life today. These images are the best-of-the-best from a series of amazing photos the program created showing Marcus in different modern-day settings.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

We hope you loved seeing these images as much as we loved using AI to produce them! If you want to check out some more cool stuff that we’ve done with AI and Marcus Aurelius, please check out our Ask Marcus Aurelius feature.

Looking for some great children’s books about Stoicism? Check out our Free Stoic Stories and our book series, The Fables of Eudaimonia.

By Phil Van Treuren

Our daughter Stella turned 5 today. When her mom asked her what she wants to be when she grows up, she said “kind.”

That makes me very happy.

Stella doesn’t realize it, but her answer is one that ancient Stoic philosophers like Epictetus would have approved of.

Epictetus taught that the way to find real happiness is by only wanting stuff that’s completely in our control.

Being an astronaut or a firefighter or a veterinarian? That’s not totally up to us, because circumstances 𝘰𝘶𝘵 of our control could prevent it, no matter how hard we try.

But being kind? Now that’s something that we always have complete control of, regardless of what circumstances we find ourselves in.

I’ve written before about how Stoicism seems to come naturally to some people. But many of the folks who we think of as “natural born Stoics” are older adults, and their Stoic attitudes are the result of a lifetime of experience.

Children aren’t very good at controlling their emotions or analyzing their initial reactions, but there are some types of Stoic thinking that come naturally to kids.

Staying focused on what’s happening in the moment — and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future — can be tough for adults. But for children, that kind of mindset is often second nature.

There are some great Stoicism children’s books out there (including my Stoic fable The Stock Horse and the Stable Cat) that you could read and discuss with your kids, of course. But something a bit less direct is often more effective.

The best way to teach kids about Stoicism isn’t by sitting them down and giving them a philosophy lesson. Instead, watch for stuff they do and say that reflects a Stoic mindset, and make a point of telling them that you admire them for it.

After all, it doesn’t really matter if our kids end up knowing the history of ancient philosophy or the names of the great Stoic thinkers. The important thing is that they learn to think Stoically and have a happier, fuller life because of it.

You’ve probably met a few yourself: those rare and remarkable people who seem to be born with ingrained Stoicism. Here’s why Natural Born Stoics are so common throughout history . . . and why they don’t need any help finding a philosophy of life.

by Phil Van Treuren

“They develop an ability to avoid needless anxiety, to enjoy the world around them, and to remain optimistic in the face of setbacks.”

William B. Irvine on Natural Born Stoics

When I was a twenty-something, I asked my grandfather if he’d been scared while going through months of radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

“No,” he said matter-of-factly. “There was nothing I could do about it, so worrying wouldn’t have made any difference.”

I doubt that my grandfather — who is now cancer-free and living independently in his 90s — has studied the works of many ancient Stoic philosophers. But he probably wouldn’t gain much from it, anyway.

At the time I asked about his cancer treatment, my grandfather’s answer was something I couldn’t even comprehend. I never considered that people could simply choose to not worry about stuff that was out of their control.

Today — after reading my weight in books on Stoic philosophy, both ancient and modern — I realize that my grandfather had already given me a lifelong example of the right way to practice Stoicism before I even knew what the word meant.

You might have a Natural Born Stoic like my grandfather in your own life (there are plenty of them out there, after all). Stoicism is second-nature to these fortunate folks . . . but most of them probably don’t know (or care) what Stoic philosophy is.

Three Reasons Why Some People Have Built-In Stoicism

It’s not impossible to simply be a born Stoic, but what seems to be spontaneous Stoicism is often the result of both nature and nurture. Even those of us who strive to think Stoically might have to overcome natural roadblocks like anxiety and depression, which make it very difficult to simply “choose” to not worry.

Here are three reasons why “congenital Stoics” exist among us, and how you can use their example to become more naturally Stoic yourself.

#1: Stoic Thinking is Just Basic Human Nature

Stoicism wasn’t “created” by philosophers, it was identified by them. Think of ancient Stoics as scientists or psychologists, who studied basic human nature and classified the kind of thinking that lets us be happier and more resilient.

Stoicism is just a “catalogue” of the most effective ways to think — so it makes sense that plenty of people naturally discover these methods on their own. Even if we lost every word that was ever written about Stoicism, the concepts would be re-discovered by human beings again and again.

Some people are born with natural athletic ability, but most us have to train and practice to become athletic. The same goes for logical thinking: a few have it innately, while others need tools like Stoicism to learn it.

#2: Stoicism is Nurtured by Experience & Enduring Challenges

Most naturally Stoic people have one thing in common: plenty of life experiences to look back on and learn from.

Not many toddlers are Stoic, because they haven’t been around long enough to learn what kind of mindset makes life easier. As you’d expect, Stoic thinking is much easier to find in older people who’ve successfully navigated their share of challenges.

But it’s not just living a long life full of challenges that leads to a Stoic mentality. Many people who’ve had difficult lives end up bitter, blame the world, and choose to identify as victims.

The gift of “ingrained Stoicism” comes to those who’ve learned to remain grateful in spite of hardship, look for opportunity in every setback, and accept that some things are out of their control.

#3: A Stoic Mindset Can Come From “Learning by Example”

Some people were lucky enough to have an influential mentor in their early lives who showed them how to embody Stoicism. Like many things learned through example, the real benefit we get from Stoic parents or grandparents might not come until much later in our lives — perhaps even after they’ve already left us.

When life’s inevitable hardships knock at our door, we can be bolstered by recalling the Stoic way in which our mentors faced the same challenges.

Whether they realized it or not, the actions of those who loved us in our youth are more valuable than the written words of any ancient philosopher.

A note from the author:

This article was inspired by the writing of William B. Irvine, and I first read about the concept of “congenital Stoics” in his book A Guide to the Good Life. I hope you’ll add Professor Irvine’s great books on Stoicism to your reading list.

If you’re asking the world to show you the meaning of life, then you’ve got it backwards. The world is asking you that question . . . and there are only three places to find the right answer.

by Phil Van Treuren

“It doesn’t really matter what we expect from life, but rather what life expects from us.”

Viktor Frankl

“What is the meaning of life?”

There are few questions that are more human . . . and few that are more arrogant to ask. It’s a bit like going to a job interview and demanding to know what they can do for you, rather than showcasing why you’re perfect for the position.

The world is asking the questions, and the world doesn’t really care what you expect from it. But here’s the good news for Stoics: real meaning doesn’t come from what the world gives you, but how you respond to it.

3 Paths to Purpose: Creating, Caring & Conquering

“Life ultimately means taking responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.”

Viktor Frankl

Focusing on what you “deserve” from the world won’t help you discover purpose (and will end in disappointment, anyway). Instead, Stoicism teaches to stop asking questions and look to the tasks that life is putting in front of you.

It’s in dealing with life’s requirements — yes, even the most painful ones — that you’ll find the best reasons for existing.

There are three ways to do that: by CREATING stuff out of materials that the world gives you; by CARING for people who the world puts in your life; and by CONQUERING unavoidable suffering that the world puts you through.

#1: Creating Stuff

“What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for a worthwhile goal, a freely chosen task.”

Viktor Frankl

We can’t choose what the world gives us to work with, but we can choose how we use, shape, organize and build with it.

You don’t have to be the best at something to find purpose and joy in it. Our ancient ancestors found just as much fulfillment in creating stuff with rocks as Leonardo da Vinci got from painting the Mona Lisa.

Finding meaning in life through work, art, writing, bettering ourselves, hobbies and even menial tasks are all forms of “creating.” Any challenge that involves using your surroundings, making new things or improving something is an opportunity to find purpose — regardless of whether it’s glamorous or not.

#2: Caring for Others

“The more one forgets himself—by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love—the more human he is and the more he actualizes himself.”

Viktor Frankl

This source of meaning is the simplest to understand, because it’s so deeply ingrained in the experience of being human. Every person has the opportunity to find purpose in life by caring for others; whether as a friend, a teacher, a parent, a leader, or even as an anonymous supporter.

The joy of caring for others isn’t just limited to direct relationships with people. This kind of meaning can also be realized by involving yourself in causes and charities, helping groups and organizations, and living your life in a way that will help others when you’re gone.

#3: Conquering Unavoidable Suffering

“We may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed.”

Viktor Frankl

The important part first: Stoicism does not teach that suffering is necessary to find meaning in life. If you can avoid suffering, then you absolutely should.

But if our suffering is truly unavoidable, then it’s possible to find significant meaning in how we face the pain, or how we “conquer” it. When the world drops a difficult challenge on us, we can make it our mission to distinguish ourselves by bravely facing it.

Keep in mind that conquering unavoidable suffering doesn’t necessarily mean we make pain go away. We can “conquer” suffering, disability and even death by how we choose to deal with them.

Unavoidable suffering — whether from illness, accidents, old age or loss — visits all of us, eventually. When it does, it’s possible to find purpose by accepting that it’s our own, unique task to face the suffering. We can both define ourselves and provide an example to others by how we bear it.

A note from the author:

This article was inspired by the writing of Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist and Stoic philosopher. If you’d like to learn more about his work, please check out his book “Man’s Search for Meaning,” which chronicles his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

by Phil Van Treuren

“True happiness is to enjoy the present . . . not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing.” — Seneca

The important part first: happy memories are good things to have. But dwelling on them too much — and falling victim to sentimental longing — can make us blind to the good stuff in our present.

People who are into Stoicism know how important it is to focus on the present and not think too much about the past. But what if I told you that this rule applies to memories of good experiences as well as bad ones?

It’s fine to let yourself smile at a happy thought of the past occasionally, but every Stoic should beware of nostalgia. It can quickly turn into sentimental longing, which feeds stuff like depression, self-pity and ungratefulness.

Nostalgia is a bit like alcohol — a drink or two is fine, but once you start it’s easy to overindulge. What’s pleasant in small amounts can quickly lead to suffering.

The “tipping point” for nostalgia comes when you start comparing your happiest memories to what you’re experiencing in the present. If you’re indulging in nostalgia, be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking “today must be bad, because yesterday was better.”

We’re especially vulnerable to the dangers of nostalgia when we’re already feeling lonely or depressed about something. If you’ve recently gone through a breakup or divorce, for example, sentimental longing can lead to a spiral of unhealthy thinking.

There are times when lingering over the old photos, listening to the nostalgic music, and losing yourself in the happy memories can be bad for you.

Dwelling on bad experiences is unhealthy . . . and dwelling on good experiences can be, too.

Don’t be sad that a good experience is over. Instead, be grateful that it happened . . . and then choose to go and have more good experiences. There are people and opportunities in your present that deserve your attention.

Better to think of the past very little, and focus instead on today. Be thankful for what you have now, and don’t compare it to anything else.

---

Humanity is on the edge of an unprecedented transformation, and few of us are prepared for how quickly artificial intelligence will change our lives. Here’s how Stoic thinking can help us embrace the coming revolution and thrive in a vastly different world.

by Phil Van Treuren, 6-1-2022

“Everything you see will soon alter and cease to exist. Think of how many changes you’ve already seen; the world is nothing but change.”

Marcus Aurelius

---

The world isn’t ready for what’s coming . . . but it will come nonetheless.

That could be said about countless transitions in human history, but breakthroughs in artificial intelligence will soon usher in the most exciting and opportunity-rich era that humanity has ever seen.

The rewards will be available to everyone, but they’ll only be reaped by those of us who can embrace inevitable change and accept things that are outside of our control.

Sadly, for a big percentage of the population — those who refuse to adapt, learn new things or reinvent themselves — the next few years might be aggravating, confusing and even frightening.

That will be their choice to make. But rather than mocking or ostracizing them, true Stoics will offer understanding and guidance. Don’t forget how rewarding it can be, mentally and physically, to do things “the old fashioned way.”

How AI Will Transform the World with Unprecedented Scope & Speed

---

Most of the world hasn’t noticed the mind-blowing advances made in the field of artificial intelligence over the last year. Some attention has been given to generative AI like DALL·E and ChatGPT, but media has largely focused on outrage from artists and writers who’ve been blindsided by the technology.

Generative AI creates new content — like images, artwork, articles and stories — modeled on human-created examples. By training itself with existing content amassed in giant databases, the AI learns to create new content in similar styles.

Generative AI observes content, gets a feel for unique styles, and then produces its own stuff based on what it learned. Human artists and writers do the same thing when they learn their craft . . . they just do it much, much more slowly.

” . . . accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

Marcus Aurelius

---

Generative AI is amazing enough by itself (and will rapidly get better as it learns to create content that surpasses anything from humans). But it’s only a whisper of the shock wave that’s coming.

AI’s ability to analyze massive amounts of data and improve existing systems will soon be applied to more fields than you might imagine. Medicine, law, economics, biotechnology, energy, food production, logistics, entertainment, manufacturing . . . these are just a few arenas where you’ll see artificial intelligence start to be applied in the next few years.

In fact, it already is being applied and prepped for launch. Much like generative AI suddenly emerged this year, the advances in other fields will seem, for most people, to come out of nowhere.

Humanity’s Looming Identity Crisis

---

The AI revolution will be great for humanity, allowing us to be healthier, happier and more fulfilled than ever before. But initially, as people realize that AI will make their professions obsolete and their talents unremarkable, we’re in for a rough adjustment period.

First will fall the artists and writers, like me. In the very near future, AI will be able to create an article like the one I’m writing now . . . but it will write it much faster, and much better.

Soon after that, other professionals who thought their jobs could never be replaced by AI will start getting nervous.

“Everything’s destiny is to change, to be transformed, to perish. So that new things can be born”

Marcus Aurelius

---

Attorneys will watch AI do a better job at studying ordinances and presenting legal arguments. Doctors will watch AI do a better job at analyzing patient health and prescribing preventative treatments. Staffers will watch AI do a better job at answering phones and responding to emails.

AI will develop more effective medicines, discover cures for diseases, create stronger construction materials, and invent new machines that make living and learning easier for all of us.

The rise of artificial intelligence is not going to mean Armageddon for humanity, and it won’t condemn anyone to poverty unless they choose to be. But people who define themselves by their careers (yes, even you) may find the next few years to be nerve-wracking.

That’s why now is the perfect time to learn that our happiness isn’t controlled by external stuff like jobs and technology . . . and that we can always find joy in our talents, regardless of whether we’re the best at them.

Some Tips for Using Stoicism to Cope & Thrive in a Wildly Transformed World

---

Although it was developed thousands of years ago, Stoicism may be the perfect philosophy for a society on the cusp of a technological revolution.

Remember: the world around us might change dramatically, but humans — and human nature — remain the same.

Accepting stuff outside of our control, choosing to be happy regardless of external circumstances, and turning obstacles into opportunities are all core tenets of Stoic thinking.

“If anyone can show me I’m looking at things from the wrong perspective, I’ll gladly change. What harms us is to persist in self-deceit and ignorance.”

Marcus Aurelius

---

Stoicism is a philosophy meant to be applied directly to our lives, and it was designed to be simple. Here are a few ways to apply Stoicism in the coming years that will help you thrive as the world transforms.

---

#1: Don’t worry about stuff you can’t change.

When the integration of AI starts to become more noticeable, a lot of people will get upset and attempt to stop it. They’ll try protesting, boycotting, and even outlawing artificial intelligence.

They’ll fail, just as the Luddites failed in their attempts to stop textile automation back in the 19th century. But some people will continue being angry about AI for the rest of their lives.

Don’t be one of those people. Technological advancement isn’t something you can change, so don’t waste time worrying or getting angry about it. Instead, accept that it’s going to happen and focus on being happy and productive in new, inevitable surroundings.

#2: Turn the obstacles into opportunities.

It might be tempting to look at artificial intelligence as an obstacle to your happiness — especially if it threatens to make your job obsolete. But don’t let that blind you to the countless opportunities AI will create for people to make a living in new, exciting ways.

Rather than bemoan AI, start learning about it, having fun with it, and finding ways to exploit it. Figure out how it can magnify your natural talents and help you create stuff that was impossible when you started your career.

It’s natural to experience some apprehension — and even a little fear — around things you aren’t familiar with. Don’t let that stop you from staying flexible, reinventing yourself, and taking advantage of new opportunities that AI will bring.

#3: Look for joy and purpose in yourself, not in externals.

No matter how much AI advances, it can’t take away your talents, passions, experiences and choices. You can still find joy in creating and nurturing things you love, regardless if machines can do the same stuff more quickly and with fewer flaws.

If your personal identity is attached to your career, start visualizing how you might find purpose while doing something different. Your worth isn’t defined by your job, and feeling happy is better than feeling important.

#4: Resolve to have fun and practice gratitude.

It’s not change that upsets us, but our judgments about change (that’s from Epictetus, by the way). Happiness really is something we choose, and AI will make lots of fun new experiences possible. You could enjoy it . . . if you let yourself.

Allow some gratitude into your thoughts, too, for being alive at such an amazing time in human history. We have the opportunity to learn more, live healthier, and experience stuff that our ancestors could never have imagined.

#5: Be patient as others find their way.

Because of how quickly AI will become integrated into our daily lives, many people will be surprised and frightened by it . . . especially the older generation. Be patient and try to help them understand new technologies, but respect anyone who chooses to continue doing things “the old fashioned way.”

Using our own minds and bodies to do things slowly, deliberately and carefully can be rewarding in many ways. Friends and loved ones who don’t want to cut corners with artificial intelligence will still have a lot to teach you about life, too.

Don’t be afraid to “disconnect” every now and then to let them remind you what it really means to be a human being.

---

A Note from the Author:

All of the research, writing, editing and image creation for this article was done on my cell phone, with my thumbs, in my spare time.

No one taught me how to do any of it, but I had to learn to use some technology that I wasn’t comfortable with a year ago.

It was easy . . . and it can be just as easy for you. Embrace uncomfortable change, use it to become better, and don’t let anything about the future intimidate you.

“All you need are these: certainty of judgment in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.” — Marcus Aurelius

You’re building a path, and your job is to move the stones and fit them in place. Some stones will be a pleasure to lift; others won’t.

But if your task is bearable, then bear it. Don’t wish that you didn’t have to build the path; instead, be grateful that you have the strength to lift the stones. Find joy in the job you’ve been given.

Your path will someday crumble, fade and be forgotten . . . but that doesn’t matter today.

Focus only on the stone you’re putting in place now. Don’t dwell on the stone you lifted yesterday, and don’t fear the stone you’ll lift tomorrow.

The stones aren’t good or bad; they’re simply stones.

The good is in how you lift them.