Life is a tapestry woven with choices, each thread representing a decision that shapes our journey. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus encapsulated this profound truth: “A podium and a prison is each a place, one high and the other low, but in either place, your freedom of choice can be maintained if you so wish.”
This wisdom reminds us that regardless of our circumstances—wealth or poverty, success or struggle—our power to choose remains intact. Understanding the nature of choice becomes imperative in a world where external factors often dictate our paths.
This article delves into the essence of choice, exploring its significance, the dichotomy of control, the importance of evaluating our decisions, and how to make the most of our agency. As we navigate life’s complexities, the clarity of our choices will ultimately define our experiences.
“A podium and a prison is each a place, one high and the other low, but in either place your freedom of choice can be maintained if you so wish.”
—EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 2.6.25
The Power of Choice: A Universal Constant
The central concept in Stoic philosophy is recognizing what is in our control versus what is not. The Stoics, including Epictetus, consistently remind us that while we cannot always control the external world, we have absolute control over our internal world—our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This distinction between what is within our control and what isn’t is crucial because it empowers us to focus our energy on what we can influence rather than getting bogged down by what we cannot change.
For example, we often feel helpless when facing financial struggles, health problems, or interpersonal conflicts. These external events can feel overwhelming, leaving us with a sense of powerlessness. However, the Stoics urge us to shift our focus. Instead of becoming frustrated with the circumstances, we can control how we respond. We may not be able to change the fact that we face a crisis, but we can choose our attitude toward it. We can face adversity with patience, resilience, and hope instead of succumbing to anger, despair, or resignation.
This control over our internal state is one of our greatest freedoms. Whether we are born into privilege or hardship, whether we are living in prosperity or struggle, the freedom to choose how we respond to life’s circumstances is always within our grasp. This concept of freedom is a timeless truth, offering us agency in a world that often seems out of our control. By focusing on our choices, we reclaim power over our lives, even when the world around us feels uncertain or chaotic.
Our choices are not just reactive; they are also proactive. We choose the mindset with which we approach life. Whether we embrace a growth mindset, focusing on learning from every experience, or a fixed mindset, which keeps us stuck in the past, is entirely up to us. The freedom to choose our perspective is, perhaps, the most liberating aspect of our existence. It allows us to turn obstacles into opportunities, failures into lessons, and setbacks into stepping stones toward growth. The true power of choice lies in its capacity to shape not just our responses but the entire trajectory of our lives.
Evaluating Our Choices: The Key to Meaningful Action
Living wisely and intentionally is not enough to simply recognize that we have the power of choice. We must also evaluate the choices we make. This is where the art of discernment comes into play—the ability to assess each decision based on its alignment with our values, long-term goals, and the well-being of ourselves and others. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, taking the time to evaluate our choices can help us steer clear of unnecessary regrets and ensure that we are acting in ways that reflect our highest aspirations.
Epictetus emphasizes that life is a series of choices, each contributing to our journey’s broader arc. However, not all choices are created equal. Some decisions have a profound impact on the course of our lives, while others are less significant. The Stoic approach focuses our energy on the choices that matter most while letting go of the need to control everything.
Evaluating our choices begins with self-awareness. To make meaningful decisions, we must first understand what truly matters. This requires deep reflection on our core values. Do we value integrity over convenience? Do we prioritize long-term happiness over short-term pleasures? Do we seek to be of service to others, or are we primarily concerned with our success? When we clarify these values, we can measure our choices against them to ensure they align with who we want to be.
Moreover, evaluating our choices requires a degree of humility. It’s easy to make decisions based on impulse, societal pressure, or the opinions of others, but this can often lead to regret. The Stoics encourage us to think critically before acting, to take a moment to pause, reflect, and consider the consequences of our actions—not just in the immediate future, but in the long term. By practicing this discipline, we make choices that are not merely reactive but are guided by a clear vision of our purpose and what we want to achieve.
Evaluating choices also involves understanding their ripple effects. Every decision we make has consequences that extend beyond ourselves. Whether it’s how we treat others, spend our time, or use our resources, our choices create a web of impact. By considering the broader implications of our actions, we ensure that our decisions contribute to the well-being of those around us, fostering a fulfilling and meaningful life.
The Freedom of Choice in Adversity and Advantage
One of the most profound aspects of Stoic philosophy is its relevance in both times of adversity and success. Life is filled with both ups and downs, yet our freedom to choose remains the anchor that keeps us grounded throughout it all. Whether we are struggling through hardship or riding high on success, the Stoic perspective reminds us that our inner world—our thoughts, attitudes, and choices—can be shaped regardless of our external circumstances.
In times of adversity, we often face emotional turmoil, confusion, and frustration. The natural reaction may be to feel defeated or overwhelmed by the weight of our challenges. However, the Stoic view teaches us that we always have a choice in responding to difficulty. Even in the worst of times, we can choose resilience. We can learn from our struggles and use them as opportunities for growth. By reframing adversity as a challenge to overcome rather than a threat to our well-being, we can turn hardship into a tool for personal development.
Stoicism also offers a practical framework for managing the emotions that arise in adversity. Instead of allowing fear, anger, or despair to control us, we can acknowledge these emotions and respond in a way that aligns with our values. This doesn’t mean suppressing our feelings; rather, it means exercising our agency to act in deliberate and thoughtful ways rather than reactive or impulsive ones.
On the other hand, when life is filled with success, it’s easy to become complacent or attached to external achievements. Success can be a double-edged sword: while it brings temporary satisfaction, it can also lead to pride, envy, or the fear of losing everything. In moments of abundance, Stoicism teaches us to maintain our humility and not become overly attached to material wealth or public recognition. Instead, we can remain grounded in our principles and use our success as an opportunity to give back, serve others, and continue our personal growth. In this way, adversity and success become platforms for maintaining our integrity and living a life of purpose.
Whether we face struggle or triumph, the common thread is our ability to choose how we engage with the world. By focusing on the internal rather than the external, we free ourselves from being victims of our circumstances. Instead, we empower ourselves to navigate life’s challenges with grace, wisdom, and resilience, no matter where we find ourselves.
Living with Clarity: The Art of Choosing Wisely
To live with clarity is to live intentionally. It is the practice of making conscious choices that align with our deepest values and long-term aspirations. Epictetus urges us to understand the power of choice and encourages us to exercise this power with wisdom. Living with clarity requires constant vigilance and self-reflection in a world filled with distractions, temptations, and conflicting priorities.
Clarity is not simply about seeing the path ahead; it’s about understanding where the path leads and whether it aligns with who we want to be. When we are clear about our values, we are less likely to be swayed by external pressures or short-term desires. Instead of being led by the whims of others or by immediate gratification, we can make decisions rooted in long-term fulfillment and purpose.
Living with clarity also involves understanding the difference between wants and needs. In a consumer-driven society, getting caught up in pursuing things that provide fleeting satisfaction is easy. However, the Stoics remind us that true contentment comes not from material wealth or external approval but from cultivating virtue, wisdom, and self-discipline. By living with clarity, we prioritize what is truly meaningful—relationships, personal growth, contribution to the world—and let go of the distractions that can lead us off course.
Clarity also involves being honest with ourselves. It means recognizing when we make decisions out of fear, insecurity, or a desire for validation. When we choose based on these motivations, we compromise our authenticity. But when we make decisions based on our true desires and values, we not only stay true to ourselves but also create a more fulfilling life aligned with our deepest purpose.
Living with clarity is an ongoing process of refining our choices. It requires a commitment to self-awareness, a willingness to examine our motivations, and the courage to make decisions that may not always be easy but are always in alignment with our true selves.
How Will You Answer Life’s Questions?
Epictetus’s central question—how will you respond to life’s circumstances?—is not just theoretical; it is practical and immediate. Every day, we are faced with choices. Some are large, life-altering decisions, while others are small, everyday choices we might overlook. But in each of these moments, we are asked to decide how to engage with the world.
This question requires us to reflect on our core values and aspirations. It asks us to consider what kind of person we want to be and whether our choices reflect that vision. Will we choose kindness in the face of cruelty? Will we choose integrity when no one is watching? Will we choose patience when frustration threatens to take over?
The answers to these questions are not always easy, but they are the key to living a life of purpose and meaning. By choosing wisely, we shape the story of our lives. The choices we make in the face of adversity, success, and everyday challenges create the person we become. And in the end, it is not our circumstances but our choices that define us. Life is constantly asking us this question: how will you respond? And in our answer lies our freedom, growth, and potential to live a life of wisdom and fulfillment.
Daily Stoic Meditation: Good or Bad, High or Low, Do I Still Have Choices?
One of the tenets of Stoicism that resonates with me deeply and that attracted me to Stoic philosophy revolves around control and choice. You must recognize the factors in your control and what’s beyond your control.
I believe that I always have a choice. If I think I don’t have a choice, I am helpless. If I am helpless, I won’t think of possibilities. That’s why knowing you always have a choice is the starting point when engaging in any situation.
You always have options. They are still there even if you don’t like any of them. Pick the least objectionable one if you must choose from all the bad options. You still get to pick. It’s about perspective.
If something beyond your control and adversity strikes, you can still exercise choice by thinking that you chose this adversity. It is easier said than done and it takes a lot of time once you overcome denial. But, if you think about your adverse situation and choose it in your heart, that’s the first step to acceptance. At least you are still here. It’s a matter of perspective.
No matter what, I always have a choice, and you do too.
Conclusion
In the grand narrative of our lives, the freedom to choose stands as a constant beacon, guiding us through the highs and lows of existence. No matter our circumstances, the power of choice allows us to shape our destinies and respond to life’s challenges with resilience and intention.
By embracing the principles of Stoic philosophy, we learn to focus on what is within our control, evaluate our decisions thoughtfully, and live with purpose. As we reflect on the questions life poses—What are my choices? How will I evaluate them? How can I optimize them?—we empower ourselves to take charge of our journey.
Ultimately, our choices illuminate our paths, reminding us that even amidst adversity, we can carve out a life that resonates with our deepest values and aspirations.
This article is a part of The Daily Stoic Meditations Series based on Ryan Holiday’s book.