> “Why do you wonder that globe-trotting does not help you, seeing that you always take yourself with you? The reason which set you wandering is ever at your heels. What pleasure is there in seeing new lands? Or in surveying cities and spots of interest? All your bustle is useless. Do you ask why such flight does not help you? It is because you flee along with yourself. You must lay aside the burdens of the mind; until you do this, no place will satisfy you.”
— Socrates

My Thoughts:
Thanks, Socrates. Nothing like some ancient Greek philosophy to hit a little too close to home mid-trip. I’ve noticed this myself on every journey, whether it’s across the world or just across the Baltic Sea, I carry the exact same anxieties, insecurities, and relentless stream of existential dread with me. Turns out, you can’t outrun your own mind, even on a high-speed train. Who would’ve guessed, right? Well, except Socrates. The satisfaction of seeing new places is always short-lived if your internal world is restless. Constant movement won’t bring peace if it’s the mind itself you’re trying to escape from. Unfortunately for me, there’s no airline baggage policy for emotional baggage.

Today’s Stoic Exercise:
Take a quiet moment today, wherever you are, and reflect on this quote. Ask yourself honestly: are you traveling or moving around hoping to escape some internal issue or stress? Try to recognize what mental burdens you’re carrying, then deliberately set them down, even for a few minutes. Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing helps. Personally, I’ll take five minutes today (probably on an overcrowded train) to focus purely on my breath, accept the chaos around me, and remind myself that real peace starts from within: no matter how tempting it is to blame the delayed trains or questionable hotel Wi-Fi for my unhappiness.

About quoting Socrates:
Although Socrates wasn’t a Stoic himself (he lived long before Stoicism was formally established), his philosophy significantly influenced Stoic thought. And as Seneca wisely said, it’s perfectly fine and even encouraged to quote thinkers from other schools if their words carry genuine wisdom. Socrates definitely fits the bill.

About the Daily Stoic Quote & Exercise Series:
This daily series of Stoic quotes comes with a short, practical challenge—something all of us (myself included) can easily integrate into our day. Stoicism, at its core, is a practical philosophy. You can’t truly understand it just by reading—you have to practice it consistently. These daily exercises are designed to help us do exactly that: small steps, manageable tasks, and real-life application. Join in anytime, and let’s grow together.

> “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”
— Seneca

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