#96 | Stoicism - The art of life

"There is a space between stimulus and reaction."

In a world in which external circumstances often spiral out of control, many people are looking for an anchor - an inner attitude that provides stability. Stoicism offers just that. But anyone who thinks of emotional coldness misunderstands its essence. It is much more about conscious self-management. The space between stimulus and response is of essential importance to stoics: this is where we meet ourselves and decide how we want to respond.

"You aim, you shoot - but the arrow flies alone."

Jonas Salzgeber is one of the best-known Swiss authors and bloggers on the subject of stoicism. He explains this philosophy of life particularly vividly in the podcast using the image of the stoic archer: Everything that happens before the arrow is released - preparation, focus, technique - is your own responsibility. But as soon as the arrow flies, the result is no longer in your hands. A clear separation between input and output, which becomes more than clear in conversation with Georgiy Michailov. 

"When you thrive, you are a gift to everyone around you."

Stoicism revolves around one's own happiness, one's own sphere of influence, one's own thinking. Sounds self-centered? A common misconception. Because those who prosper - in the sense of the Stoics - live in virtue. And virtue means acting with justice, courage and self-discipline. Salzgeber uses the image of a forest: every tree that takes good care of itself provides shade and oxygen, enabling its surroundings to flourish. This also creates added value for society.

*Video only in German