Finding Strength in Stoicism: Harnessing the Power of the Mind Amidst Modern Chaos

Toby Hazlewood
3 min readJun 5, 2024

The wisdom of ages, too true to ignore

In the midst of the chaos that prevails in the modern world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The constant barrage of bad news, fake news, social media bluster, and the pressures of just surviving daily life can lead even the most hardened and resilient of us towards feelings of anxiety and depression. But what if there was a way to navigate this tumultuous landscape with calm and equanimity? Enter Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that offers a powerful antidote to the stressors of the modern world.

Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius once said, “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” This quote encapsulates the essence of Stoicism and serves as a guiding principle for those seeking peace amidst chaos. It helps me to weather the challenges of the day-to-day, or at least it does when I remember it and put the core tenets into practice.

Here’s a the short guide if you’re wanting to do the same.

The Power of the Mind

The first step in practicing Stoicism is understanding the power of the mind. According to Stoic philosophy, our reactions to events, not the events themselves…

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Toby Hazlewood

A writer, dad and husband sharing his thoughts, wins and losses to help and inspire others. https://tobyhazlewood.substack.com/