Stoicism is meant to guide your own actions, not to judge everyone else's.
Stoicism, at its core, is meant to guide your own actions, not to impose your standards on everyone else. Expecting others to live by your rules isn't fair. They didn't agree to it, and it rarely works out well.
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Be strict with yourself and understanding of others.
Ernest Renan, one of Marcus Aurelius' most insightful biographers, noted that while a strict personal philosophy could easily lead to rigidity and harshness, Marcus managed to avoid both. He was demanding of himself, and gentle with others.
TRY THIS TODAY
Notice one moment today when you judge someone else. Turn the same standard on yourself instead.
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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