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

  • "If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable." — Seneca, Moral Letters 71.3

  • "First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." — Epictetus, Discourses 3.23

  • "If you would be a reader, read; if a writer, write." — Epictetus, Discourses 2.18

  • "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

  • "If you would not have a man flinch when the crisis comes, train him before it comes." — Seneca, Moral Letters 18.6

  • "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

  • "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

  • "On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use." — Epictetus, Enchiridion 10