> “If you meet sickness in a sensible manner, do you really think you are achieving nothing? You will be demonstrating that even if one cannot always beat it one can always bear an illness. There is room for heroism, I assure you, in bed as anywhere else. War and the battle-front are not the only spheres in which proof is to be had of a spirited and fearless character: a person’s bravery is no less evident under the bed-clothes.”
— Seneca, Letters from a Stoic

My Thoughts:

Normally, even the mildest sickness turns me into someone who genuinely believes their final hour has finally come. And I’m pretty sure my wife rolls her eyes so hard she sees her own brain. Today, though, faced with stomach issues, I decided to take Seneca’s advice (for once) and tackled some physical work instead of immediately surrendering to a day-long pity party. (Un)Surprisingly, not only did I feel better quicker, but it got me reflecting on how much my usual attitude towards illness could use some Stoic tuning.

Seneca reminds us that even in genuine, bedridden illness, there’s a chance to display courage and resilience. It’s not just battles and big dramatic moments that test our strength. Often, it’s quietly bearing discomfort or pain with dignity rather than moaning like we’re in a Victorian tragedy. Illness, when endured bravely, offers its own unique lessons and virtues, making us deeply grateful for good health once we do recover.

Today’s Stoic Exercise:

Think about the last few times you were sick. Reflect honestly: How could you handle it better next time? Could you complain less, rest more patiently, or simply endure with quiet courage? Personally, I’m challenging myself to complain less dramatically the next time a minor flu hits. Illness, oddly enough, can teach us appreciation: we rarely value our health more than just after regaining it. Embrace sickness not as misery, but as a gentle reminder of how precious health truly is.

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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