Persist and Resist (IM 884)

Living involves the process of continuous improvement- it's all about progress, not perfection.

The stoic philosophy teaches us that we while we work on the things of everyday life, we are doing a deeper work on ourselves. Marcus Aurelius said, "the fruit of this life is a good character and acts for the common good.”

Epictetus summed up his philosophy by saying, “If anyone would take these two words to heart and use them for his own guidance and regulation, he will be almost without sin and will lead a very peaceful life. These two words,” he said, “are ἀνέχου (persist) and ἀπέχου (resist).”

Persist and resist. The courage and perseverance to keep moving toward what is good, and the self-control and awareness to resist what is bad. These are the ingredients of freedom, whatever one’s condition.