“I may wish to be free from torture, but if the time comes for me to endure it, I’ll wish to bear it courageously with bravery and honor. Wouldn’t I prefer not to fall into war? But if war does befall me, I’ll wish to carry nobly the wounds, starvation, and other necessities of war. Neither am I so crazy as to desire illness, but if I must suffer illness, I’ll wish to do nothing rash or dishonorable. The point is not to wish for these adversities, but for the virtue that makes adversities bearable.”
SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 67.4
Stoic literature is full of anecdotes about overcoming misfortune, and dealing with adverse situations. Of course we never desire for these things to happen to us — remembering of course that events are neither good nor bad, they simply are — but rather that we are ready when adversity knocks.
Trouble is going to come. It’s as sure as rain, as certain as taxes. You can’t stop it, but what you can do is be mentally prepared. That’s why we study philosophy and stoicism in books like The Daily Stoic — to strengthen our souls and our minds for whatever comes.
When adversity knocks, the proof of your preparation will be in the struggle itself. You’ll learn how ready you truly are. You will learn what you are made of. Troubles illuminate your character — and everything will be laid bare. It will become clear how strong you are on the inside.
This is what we aim for — that inner strength. The ability to withstand all of life’s slings and arrows. The courage to bear hardship with calmness and understanding.
We don’t wish to avoid misfortune, for there’s no way to control the future. We don’t wish for good luck. We wish for the strength to be ready when adversity comes, for perseverance is better than being lucky. It will allow you to handle anything that life throws at you.
