The Essence of Inner Strength
In life, it is not the threads of fortune that dictate the pattern of our existence but the strength of our souls that weaves the design. The words of Seneca remind us that the true measure of a person’s life is not found in the fleeting whims of luck but in the enduring fortitude of their spirit. A strong soul does not merely survive the tempests of fate; it navigates through them with poise, guiding the self to a destiny of its own making. Whether the winds of fortune blow favorably or not, the soul’s resilience determines whether one’s life is filled with joy or sorrow.
“The rational soul is stronger than any kind of fortune—from its own share it guides its affairs here or there, and is itself the cause of a happy or miserable life.”
—Seneca, Moral Letters, 98.2b
The Example of Cato the Younger
Cato the Younger, a man of aristocratic heritage and immense wealth, was a figure who stood in stark contrast to the opulence and indulgence that characterized much of Roman society. He could have easily allowed himself to be swept up in the luxuries that were not only available to him but expected of someone of his stature. The trappings of wealth in ancient Rome were not just symbols of success; they were seen as a natural extension of one’s social status. Fine clothing, rich foods, and comfortable living were more than mere comforts; they were societal expectations.
However, Cato was not a man to be dictated by society’s expectations. He chose instead to live a life of austerity, a deliberate rejection of the ease that wealth could provide. By walking barefoot through Rome’s bustling streets, Cato made a statement that went beyond personal preference. It was a declaration of independence from the materialism that enslaved so many of his contemporaries. His bare feet on the cobblestones were a silent protest against the idea that wealth equated to worth.
Cato’s choices extended to his diet as well. He could have dined on the finest foods, indulging in the rich delicacies that were a hallmark of Roman feasts. Instead, he chose simple, unadorned meals. This simplicity in diet was not a denial of pleasure but a training ground for his spirit. By forgoing the readily available pleasures, Cato was hardening himself against the temptations that could lead to complacency and weakness. His diet was a reflection of his broader philosophy: that true strength comes from within and that by denying the body, one could strengthen the soul.
Cato’s refusal to protect himself from the elements—choosing to go bareheaded in rain or intense heat—was another facet of his training. To the casual observer, this might seem like needless discomfort, but to Cato, it was a vital exercise in resilience. By exposing himself to the harsh realities of nature, he was preparing his soul to remain steady in the face of adversity. Whether it was the physical discomfort of heat or cold, or the metaphorical storms of life, Cato was ready. His refusal to seek shelter was a symbolic act of defiance against the unpredictability of fortune. In a world where so much was beyond one’s control, Cato chose to control the one thing he could—his reaction.
The Power of Indifference
At the heart of Cato’s life philosophy was the concept of indifference—an approach to life where one remains unmoved by external conditions, whether they are favorable or unfavorable. This indifference was not a lack of care or a detached cynicism, but rather a cultivated resilience that allowed Cato to maintain a clear mind and steady hand in all circumstances. It was a deliberate choice to remain unaffected by the shifting sands of fortune, to hold fast to his principles regardless of the external situation.
In Cato’s view, indifference was a form of armor, a shield that protected the soul from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. It allowed him to navigate the chaotic world of Roman politics with a calm and deliberate demeanor, even in the face of intense opposition or danger. In the Forum and Senate, where emotions often ran high and debates could become fierce, Cato’s indifference allowed him to remain focused on the task at hand. He was not swayed by the passions of the moment, nor was he easily provoked by the attacks of his adversaries. This ability to remain calm and composed was one of his greatest strengths as a leader and statesman.
In his personal life as well, Cato’s indifference served him well. As a father, he faced the inevitable trials and tribulations of family life with the same stoic calm he brought to his public duties. He did not allow the challenges of parenthood to overwhelm him or distract him from his larger goals. Instead, he approached each situation with the same level-headedness, making decisions based on reason rather than emotion. This ability to detach from the immediate emotional impact of events and to consider them from a broader perspective was key to his success in both his public and private life.
Cato’s indifference was not a natural disposition but a skill he developed through years of practice and self-discipline. It resulted from a conscious effort to train his mind and soul to remain steady in the face of adversity. By deliberately exposing himself to discomfort and challenge, Cato built up a reservoir of inner strength to face life’s trials with equanimity. This indifference was not a withdrawal from life but an engagement with it on his own terms, a refusal to be dictated by circumstances.
Training for Life’s Challenges
A relentless pursuit of self-discipline and personal growth characterized Cato’s life. He understood that to be truly resilient, one must prepare the soul as one would prepare the body for physical challenges. Just as a soldier undergoes rigorous training to be ready for the hardships of battle, Cato subjected himself to a series of self-imposed trials designed to strengthen his inner resolve. This was not a life of asceticism for its own sake but a deliberate strategy to build the mental and emotional fortitude necessary to withstand whatever life might throw at him.
Cato’s training regimen was not about grand gestures or dramatic sacrifices. Instead, it was about the accumulation of small, daily acts of discipline that, over time, built a foundation of resilience. By choosing simplicity over luxury, Cato constantly reminded himself of the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of focusing on what truly mattered. Whether it was through his diet, clothing, or exposure to the elements, each choice was a step in building a soul that could remain steady in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
This training extended beyond the physical to the mental and emotional realms. Cato constantly challenged himself to remain calm and rational in situations that would provoke anger or fear in others. He practiced detachment from outcomes, focusing instead on doing what was right, regardless of the consequences. This mental discipline allowed him to maintain his composure in even the most trying circumstances, whether on the battlefield or in the Senate. By constantly testing his limits, Cato could expand them, building a strong and flexible soul, capable of adapting to whatever challenges came his way.
Cato’s training was also about preparation for the unknown. He understood that life was unpredictable and that fortune could change instantly. By subjecting himself to discomfort and challenge in controlled situations, he was preparing himself for the unexpected. This preparation was not about eliminating risk or avoiding adversity but ensuring that he would be ready when adversity did come. Cato’s life was a testament to the power of preparation, the idea that by training the soul to be resilient, one could face any challenge with confidence and grace.
The Modern Application
In today’s world, we are often bombarded with messages encouraging us to seek comfort and avoid discomfort at all costs. We are told that success is measured by the accumulation of wealth and the enjoyment of luxury. Yet, the example of Cato the Younger offers a different perspective, one that values inner strength over external success. Cato’s life reminds us that true resilience comes not from avoiding hardship but from confronting it head-on.
The modern application of Cato’s philosophy does not require us to walk barefoot through the streets or deny ourselves the comforts of modern life. Instead, it challenges us to think critically about the choices we make and the values we hold. Are we seeking comfort at the expense of growth? Are we allowing ourselves to be dictated by external circumstances rather than taking control of our own destinies? By embracing discomfort in small ways—whether through disciplined living, simplicity, or facing challenges head-on—we can begin to cultivate the inner strength that Cato exemplified.
This process of self-discipline and personal growth is not about denying ourselves pleasure, but about building a foundation of resilience that will serve us in all aspects of life. Whether we face challenges in our personal lives, careers, or relationships, our souls’ strength will determine how we respond. By following Cato’s example, we can train ourselves to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity, maintain our focus on what truly matters, and navigate life’s complexities with a steady hand.
In a often unpredictable and chaotic world, the ability to remain resilient and grounded is more valuable than ever. Cato’s life offers us a roadmap for building that resilience, one that is based on the principles of discipline, indifference, and preparation. By applying these principles in our own lives, we can build the strength of soul that will allow us to face whatever challenges come our way, and to do so with confidence, grace, and purpose.
Daily Stoic Meditation: Am I Working to Make My Soul Stronger Than My Fortune?
Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is probably the most successful investor alive. He is well-known to have a modest lifestyle and lives well below his means. There are schools of thought that encourage people to practice austerity and living in some discomfort as a way to train themselves.
Am I doing that? I don’t believe so.
I live a comfortable life. I work from home. I have a great apartment, nice friends, and enough time and resources to pursue my hobbies. I don’t view my life as having much struggle compared to some people that I know.
Until today, I hadn’t asked myself this question. I didn’t clearly understand the idea of living in certain discomfort and avoiding easy relief. However, I do challenge myself intellectually and do try new things that lie beyond my comfort zone. I pursue many of these pursuits to have new experiences, while I pursue others because of curiosity and desire to explore certain activities.
I do strive to live below my means. I don’t buy things unnecessarily until I have a real need. I always ask myself whether I am buying something because of its utility. I don’t have expensive tastes because I don’t see the point in stretching myself too thin for luxuries. I do appreciate the finer things in life but don’t indulge in them.
Conclusion
Seneca eloquently stated that the rational soul is the true architect of our happiness or misery. While fortune may be fickle, the strength of our soul is within our control. By following the example of Cato the Younger, by training our souls through disciplined living and embracing indifference to external circumstances, we can become masters of our own fate. In the end, it is not luck that will determine the quality of our lives but the resilience and fortitude of our souls.
This article is a part of the Daily Stoic Meditations Series based on Ryan Holiday’s book.