It's important to remember that Stoicism isn't about judging other people. It's not a moral philosophy you're supposed to project and enforce onto the world. No, it's a personal philosophy that's designed to direct your behavior.
This is what Marcus Aurelius meant when he said: "Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself."
In this New Year, when we're trying to do better, to be better—trying to be certain with ourselves in an uncertain world—we need to remain open to the idea that people are still going to be fools or jerks or unreliable or anything else. Let them be. That's their business. That's not inside your control.
But you have to be disciplined with yourself and your reactions. If someone acts ridiculous, let them. If you're acting ridiculous, catch the problem, stop it and work on preventing it from happening in the future.
What you do is in your control. That is your business. Be strict about it.
Leave other people to themselves. You have enough to worry about.
This year has already been chaotic. It's already tested our beliefs, our behaviors, our discipline. Just think about how much has happened in the first three weeks of 2026.
That's not changing. What can change is how you respond.
So for a limited time, we are reopening our 2026 New Year, New You Challenge—a practical Stoic reset designed to help you handle uncertainty, stay calm under pressure, deal with difficult people, and keep stress from running your life.
Less reacting. More control. Less stress. More strength.
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