Philosophy isn't only for the mind. The Stoics trained their bodies too.
When we think of philosophy, we think of the mind. Yet the most famous philosopher who ever lived, Socrates, was no sedentary academic. He was active and tough. He was always on the move.
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No citizen has any right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a disgrace for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and the strength of which his body is capable.
SOCRATES
To be of use to his country, his family and his cause, Socrates thought, a person had to have a physical practice, always training not just the mind but the body too.
Marcus Aurelius hunted and wrestled. Chrysippus, an early Stoic, was a runner. Cleanthes was a boxer. Seneca, although he lived a rich and sometimes luxurious life, ate such plain food, often foraging for it himself in the countryside, that Nero had trouble finding a chance to poison him.
Today, most young people in the United States would not qualify to join the armed forces if they wanted to, and being overweight is one of the main reasons. Obesity and diabetes are public health crises. Many people aren't active or disciplined enough for their basic health, let alone to come close to knowing the beauty and strength their body is capable of.
Don't be an amateur. Train.
TRY THIS TODAY
Move for 20 minutes today: a brisk walk, some push-ups, a swim. Then put the same 20 minutes in your diary for tomorrow.
Much of what I've learned about Stoicism comes from Ryan Holiday. Find more of his writing at dailystoic.com and ryanholiday.net.
While I have edited much of this content, there are some cases where I have taken Ryan Holiday's words directly. I've included them because I think they are powerful and will be helpful for you. They are also helpful for me, and I've put them here so I can learn and understand more myself.
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