The Stoic Manual

The Stoic Manual

XXXVI. Don't Suppress Your Emotions

There’s no fun in suppressing our emotions.

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Stoic Philosophy
Oct 26, 2024
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"When they (agitations of the flesh) make their way into your thoughts, through the sympathetic link between mind and body, don't try to resist the sensation. The sensation is natural. But don't let the mind start in with judgments, calling it good or bad." — Marcus Aurelius

This story is about the Lion & the Ass from Aesop’s fables

One day as the Lion walked proudly down a forest aisle, and the animals respectfully made way for him, a donkey brayed a scornful remark as he passed.

The Lion felt a flash of anger.

But when he turned his head and saw who had spoken, he walked quietly on.

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