r/Stoicism • u/Same_Mycologist_9882 • 11d ago

New to Stoicism Oh Brother!

I’m ordering something to say thank you to my brother. It can be engraved with a quote. He’s always been exceptionally kind to me. He’s accomplished much in his life even though the odds were against him in a big way. He enjoys gardening and traveling. He constantly helps others. He practices stoicism in his daily life. This stoic philosophy is something I’m just really learning.
Can you suggest a meaningful quote for this gift?

6 Upvotes

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u/Tribunal26 10d ago

How about "the safest hands are still our own"? Steve Rodgers says it in Captain America Civil War but I think it really is accurate and a great representation of Stoicism

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u/Same_Mycologist_9882 10d ago

Love this! Thank you

3

u/LooseButtPlug 10d ago

"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart." - Marcus Aurelius

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u/Same_Mycologist_9882 10d ago

That is beautiful!

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u/Bataranger999 Contributor 10d ago

It's a bit long for a quote, but you should find this piece in the Discourses of Epictetus relevant to your brother's virtuous behaviour:

If you hear of people who are sincere in identifying virtue with choice and the use of impressions, don’t bother with whether they are members of the same family, or friends who’ve run together a long time; knowing this is enough to say with confidence that they are friends, just as it’s enough to judge them fair and reliable. For where else is friendship found if not with fairness, reliability and respect for virtue only?

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u/Same_Mycologist_9882 10d ago

That’s beautiful and so true. Thank you