🏛️ Stoic Quote

A nation is born stoic, and dies epicurean. - Will Durant

In our consumer-driven society, we often see the allure of pleasure-seeking and instant gratification leading to the decline of values like discipline and resilience. For example, a nation that prioritizes individual happiness over collective progress may struggle to face challenges like climate change or economic inequality. As modern Stoics, we can strive to cultivate virtues like wisdom and self-control to steer away from this trend.

But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds.

The lesson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing long-term values and discipline over short-term pleasure. This aligns with the Stoic value of Wisdom, which urges individuals to make rational and virtuous choices for the greater good despite temptations for immediate gratification.