“Here’s a way to think about what the masses regard as being ‘good’ things. If you would first start by setting your mind upon things that are unquestionably good—wisdom, self-control, justice, courage—with this preconception you’ll no longer be able to listen to the popular refrain that there are too many good things to experience in a lifetime.”
—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 5.12
This quote suggests that people often value wealth and fame, but when they acquire it, they often find it is not as fulfilling as they had hoped. The Stoics instead advocate for wisdom, self-control, justice, and courage as a way to lead a fulfilling life. Those who pursue these values will never experience buyer’s remorse.
