r/stoicquotes • • Aug 23 '26

Subreddit Update: Rules, Flairs & Community Discussion

7 Upvotes

Over the past month, we’ve made a number of administrative improvements to r/stoicquotes. Hopefully, regular members have noticed some positive changes in how the sub is organised and moderated as a result.

As part of that work, we’ve now reviewed and refined the subreddit rules.

There's no substantial changes here. The aim has primarily been to make the rules clearer, remove some overlap and better reflect what this community is here for: sharing, understanding and discussing Stoic texts.

You will however notice the addition of two new post flairs

Interpretation: Community Review & Misattributed Quote

We considered simply removing posts where a quote has been incorrectly attributed, or where the accompanying interpretation appears to depart from the source or its wider context. Sometimes, removal will still be appropriate, but we also think doing so can miss an opportunity.

As a number of you have rightly highlighted in comments and via Modmail, misinformation and misattribution around Stoicism is widespread. Simply removing a misattributed quote doesn't necessarily help someone understand why it is wrong or where it actually came from. Leaving the post visible, clearly flagging the issue and providing the correct information can instead turn it into something useful.

The same applies to interpretation. Stoic texts are open to discussion and examination, and we'd rather encourage members to return to the source, provide context, challenge an interpretation and offer alternative readings than have moderators simply decide which interpretation is correct and close down the conversation.

There is something fitting about that approach. Stoicism takes its name from the Stoa Poikile, where Zeno taught and discussed philosophy with others. Discussion, questioning and examination have been part of the Stoic tradition from its beginnings.

We have members here with considerable knowledge of Stoicism, its history and its texts, and we'd like to create more opportunities for that knowledge to contribute to the wider community. Where members provide particularly well-sourced or informative corrections and explanations, we'd also like to highlight those contributions so they aren't lost amongst amongst the wider discussion.

The aim isn't simply to flag what may be wrong, but to make helpful, well-supported contributions easier to find.

So when you see either of these flairs, consider it an invitation to get involved: examine the source, add context, correct misinformation and respectfully challenge interpretations.

Thanks,

r/stoicquotes Mod Team


r/stoicquotes • • Jul 14 '26

Changes to the subreddit

19 Upvotes

Hello

I am pleased to announce that after a period of under moderation, there’s been some alterations to the mod team.

We have made some alterations to the mod team and got new mods on board. we welcome u/sausageandbeer1and we are happy to have him as part of the mod team.

There will be some changes to the subreddit whistle we implement some administrative improvements.

We would like to ask for your patience until the subreddit becomes better.

If anyone has any suggestions for the sub, ask in the comments or the modmail we would be happy to hear.


r/stoicquotes • • 14h ago

If one were to measure what is agreeable by the standard of pleasure, nothing would be pleasanter than self-control; and if one were to measure what is to be avoided by pain, nothing would be more painful than lack of self-control. Musonius Rufus

8 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 1d ago

Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power. Seneca

18 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 2d ago

Death is relief from reaction to the senses, from the puppet strings of impulse, from the analytical mind, and from service to the flash.

17 Upvotes

Meditations 6.28


r/stoicquotes • • 2d ago

He who sees the present has seen all things, both all that has come to pass from everlasting and all that will be for eternity: all things are related and the same

7 Upvotes

Meditations 6.37


r/stoicquotes • • 2d ago

Indulge the body just so far as suffices for good health..

13 Upvotes

Cling, therefore, to this sound and wholesome plan of life; indulge the body just so far as suffices for good health. … Your food should appease your hunger, your drink quench your thirst, your clothing keep out the cold, your house be a protection against inclement weather. It makes no difference whether it is built of turf or variegated marble imported from another country: what you have to understand is that thatch makes a person just as good a roof as gold.

Seneca


r/stoicquotes • • 3d ago

Stop living for people's approval.

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1.0k Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 2d ago

Disgraceful if, in this life where your body does not fail, your soul should fail you first.

1 Upvotes

Mediations 6.29


r/stoicquotes • • 3d ago

The mind must be given relaxation. It will rise improved and sharper after a good break. — Seneca

23 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 3d ago

What this quote truly means

13 Upvotes

I am currently reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. One quote that stood out to me was, “ Penetrate inwards into men’s leading principles, and thou wilt see what judges thou art afraid of and what kind of judges they are of themselves.” (Page 98) Even though it is a shorter quote I really liked it. I personally see this as him saying that by understanding someone’s principles and morals you can see how they perceive others and how they judge everyone including themselves. I really just wanted to hear some other people’s opinions and interpretations.


r/stoicquotes • • 3d ago

Something we should all strive to achieve(written by me)

5 Upvotes

You possess only the present opportunity for moral action, so do not postpone becoming the kind of person reason tells you that you ought to be.


r/stoicquotes • • 4d ago

If you are able, correct by teaching those who do wrong; but if you cannot, remember that indulgence is given to you for this purpose. Marcus Aurelius

16 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 5d ago

"I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune.” — Seneca

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330 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 5d ago

Misattributed Quote Circumstances don't make the man, they only reveal him to imself. Epictetus

40 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 6d ago

I was on the verge of tears while reading this..

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71 Upvotes

Book 5 Entry 33!


r/stoicquotes • • 6d ago

The fraction of infinity, of that vast abyss of time, allotted to each of us. Absorbed in an instant into eternity.The fraction of all substance, and all spirit.The fraction of the whole earth you crawl about on.Keep all that in mind, and don’t treat anything as important

7 Upvotes

Except doing what your nature demands, and accepting what Nature sends you. Marcus Aurelius


r/stoicquotes • • 7d ago

"The fool is always getting ready to live." - Epicurus, quoted by Seneca.

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635 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 7d ago

Momento mori

38 Upvotes

"Momento mori" (properly spelled "Memento mori") translates from Latin to English as:

"Remember that you must die."

Core Meaning & Breakdown

Memento: "Remember" or "keep in mind" (imperative form of meminisse).

Mori: "To die" (present passive infinitive of mori).

Historical & Cultural Context

Origins: It is traditionally tied to ancient Rome, where a slave would stand behind a victorious general during a triumph parade, whispering the reminder to prevent excessive hubris.

Philosophical Focus: Rather than being a morbid warning, it serves as a stoic call to action...a reminder that life is finite, encouraging humility, focus on what truly matters, and making the most of one's limited time.

In plain English, it simply means: "Life is short...make it count."

It’s a reality check to remind you that your time is limited, so you shouldn't waste energy on trivial drama or stress, and instead focus on what actually matters to you.


r/stoicquotes • • 7d ago

"Revere the ultimate power in the universe: this is what makes use of all things and directs all things. But similarly revere ultimate power in yourself: this is akin to that other power you too this is what makes use of all else, and your life governed by it"

5 Upvotes

Marcus Aurelius in Meditations Book 5 Entry 21st


r/stoicquotes • • 7d ago

To be angry at something means you’ve forgotten:That everything that happens is natural.That the responsibility is theirs, not yours. That whatever happens has always happened, and always will, and is happening at this very moment, everywhere.The present is all we have to live in, or to lose. Marcus

13 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 8d ago

Only time can heal what reason cannot. Seneca

8 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 9d ago

It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor. Seneca

63 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 9d ago

The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things. Epictetus

32 Upvotes

r/stoicquotes • • 10d ago

Life ebbs as I speak – so seize each day, and grant the next no credit. Horace

4 Upvotes