The Four Virtues
Stoic Reflection on wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance as the only true goods worth pursuing.
"If, at some point in your life, you should come across anything better than justice, honesty, self-control, courage—than a mind satisfied that it has succeeded in enabling you to act rationally, and satisfied to accept what's beyond its control—if you find anything better than that, embrace it without reservations—it must be an extraordinary thing indeed—and enjoy it to the full." — Marcus Aurelius
This is part of the Stoic Reflection series. You can browse all reflections here
You've been taught to chase many things in this life.
Success. Wealth. Recognition. Pleasure. Comfort. Security.
The markers of a good life, they said.
The measures of a worthy existence, they claimed.
The goals of a life well-lived, they insisted.
But what if they were wrong?
What if everything you've been pursuing is merely a shadow?
What if the real treasures have been hiding in plain sight?
What if the only things truly worth having can never be taken away?
"Virtue is the only good; all other things are indifferent." — Zeno of Citium