9 Stoic Quotes on Preparing

  • Everyone approaches courageously a danger which he has prepared himself to meet long before, and withstands even hardships if he has previously practiced how to meet them. But, contrariwise, the unprepared are panic-stricken even at the most trifling things. We must see to it that nothing shall come upon us unforeseen.

    — Seneca, Moral Letters 107

  • The philosopher’s body should be well prepared for physical activity, because often the virtues make use of this as a necessary instrument for the affairs of life.

    — Musonius Rufus, Discourses 6

  • First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

    — Epictetus, Discourses 3.23

  • It is in times of security that the spirit should be preparing itself for difficult times; while fortune is bestowing favors on it is then is the time for it to be strengthened against her rebuffs.

    — Seneca, Moral Letters 18.6

  • The art of living resembles wrestling more than dancing, in as much as it stands prepared and unshaken to meet what comes and what it did not foresee.

    — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.61

  • Set aside a certain number of days, during which you shall be content with the scantiest and cheapest fare, with course and rough dress, saying to yourself the while: 'Is this the condition that I feared?

    — Seneca, Moral Letters 18.5

  • Consider first, man, what the matter is, and what your own nature is able to bear. If you would be a wrestler, consider your shoulders, your back, your thighs; for different persons are made for different things.

    — Epictetus, Enchiridion 29

  • If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.

    — Seneca, Moral Letters 71.3

  • If you would be a reader, read; if a writer, write.

    — Epictetus, Discourses 2.18