How Do Stoics Feel About Money?
Real advice from the greatest philosophers to ever live.
Stoicism has been recently popularized in this generation. Largely thanks to Ryan Holiday and the many excellent books he’s published on the subject. This old way of life has been made the norm for many people who wish to live a happier life and follow in the footsteps of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca. ( some of the greatest thinkers to ever live)
Today I want to relay some of the most remarkable advice on money ever given. The shocking part is that it was said thousands of years ago and is still relevant.
But first, if you don’t know what stoicism is, the oxford dictionary defines it like this:
“ The endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint.”
The stoics are cool, calm, and collected in every aspect of life. They consistently face their own mortality, which counter-intuitively allows them to live a more freeing and fulfilling life.
One of the most significant sayings of the stoics is “Mememto Mori,” which translates to “Remember you’re going to die.” At first glance, that seems kind of depressing and could leave you feeling meaningless. But in the same sense, live life on your terms; you’re going to die anyway.
Marcus Aurelius and other stoics thought of money indifferently. They viewed wealth not as good or bad but as something only given meaning by our minds. The stoics believed that if the mind is focused on external events and if happiness depends on wealth, then our stability will rely on the constant fear of losing it.
It doesn't matter what tax bracket you’re in or how many cool cars you have in your driveway. The stress of money is relative to everyone and doesn’t just go away on its own. Haven’t you heard the phrase more money, more problems? Unless you are prepared to let everything go and realize that your wealth and happiness are independent of each other, you’ll never reach peace of mind.
“Contentment comes not so much from great wealth as from few wants”
-Epictetus
I’m pretty sure that every human out there is seeking a happy life, But the more you want, the more you’re set up to be disappointed. Desires have a nasty way of keeping us unhappy; You’re only telling yourself that you’re not going to be happy until you have what you’re looking for. But the greatest source of happiness comes from within.
Seneca said it best:
Wealth is the slave of a wise man. The master of a fool.
Wealth is always treated as a tool for a healthy mind, not a goal. But, on the flip side, wealth will be your master if you choose to make it your goal in life.
I find studying these philosophers is incredibly important in determining what you value and what is important to you, as their advice is contrarian to what our society is now promoting. I hope everyone will come to some clarity on their troubles after reading this article. have a great day and remember to live in the moment.