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Day 93 of 100
No man is hurt but by himself.
Diogenes Laërtius on Stoics

The Story

This idea echoes across Stoic writings: we are not harmed by events, but by how we interpret them. When insulted, Epictetus would ask, 'Is it the words that hurt — or my opinion of them?' This radical responsibility may feel harsh — but it also means power. If the pain comes from within, so can the healing.

Key Learning

You cannot control the world, but you can control your judgment of it.

Continue Your Journey

"It is not things themselves that disturb us, but our opinions about them."
EpictetusExplore this wisdom