It is tempting, at this point, to describe the Stoics as patient people, and indeed they were, but a caveat is in order. In one sense, a patient person is one who can suffer a setback without complaint. That is not, however, what the Stoics were doing. Their goal was not to remain calm while *suffering* a setback but rather to experience a setback *without thereby suffering*. It is an important difference.
William B. Irvine

The Author of this Quote

William B. Irvine
Author

William B. Irvine

Professor of Philosophy Leading Expert on Stoicism
Become a Heroic Member