Today's Stoic Thought
“You don’t suffer because things are impermanent. You suffer because things are impermanent and you think they are permanent.”Thich Nhat Hanh
In modern life, many people fear change and resist the impermanence of things like relationships or job situations. When we believe these aspects of our lives will last forever, we experience more suffering when they inevitably change. For example, a person who is let go from their job may suffer less if they accept impermanence as a natural part of life and view it as an opportunity for growth and new experiences.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The verse emphasizes the impermanence of earthly treasures and encourages storing treasures in heaven where they do not perish. By seeking eternal things rather than temporary ones, individuals can gain wisdom in understanding the transitory nature of worldly possessions.
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