Guest Post by Kashish Jain
This is the third in a series of articles born from a collaborative partnership established during the summer of 2025. Kashish Jain, a recent Marketing graduate from Northeastern University, is working alongside Professor Bob—contributing valuable insights and helping him grow his online presence across his blog, Substack, Instagram, and YouTube, while also learning extensively from his expertise and gaining hands-on experience under his mentorship.
Whenever life throws challenges my way—whether it’s overthinking, anxiety, money struggles, love, or the general chaos of living—I’ve found that the ancient philosophy of Stoicism always holds answers. It’s not just some dusty old school of thought; it’s a practical toolkit for navigating modern life with calm, clarity, and resilience.
The Roots of Stoicism: Ancient Wisdom for Today
Stoicism began over two thousand years ago in ancient Greece. It was founded by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE and further developed by philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius—the Roman emperor whose Meditations remains one of the most powerful reflections on how to live well.
At its core, Stoicism teaches us how to focus on what’s within our control and accept what isn’t. This simple yet profound idea helps us live a life rooted in reason, virtue, and emotional balance.
My Personal Journey with Stoicism
Every time I’ve felt lost in the noise of life, Stoicism has been my anchor. When anxiety creeps in, I remind myself of Epictetus’ words: “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” When overwhelmed by uncertainty, I think of Marcus Aurelius reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living with purpose.
Stoicism doesn’t promise a life without hardship, but it offers a way to meet hardship without losing ourselves.
Two of my favorite quotes on Stoicism that have truly stayed with me are from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca. Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” That reminder has helped me stay grounded during moments of chaos, reminding me that peace starts from within.
Another quote that always hits me is from Seneca: “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” It’s made me reflect on how often I let anxiety win — overthinking things that haven’t even happened. These lines keep me anchored when my thoughts try to drift too far.
A couple book recs:
Why You Should Explore Stoicism Today
In a world full of distractions, fear, and uncertainty, Stoicism provides a roadmap back to ourselves. It’s a philosophy of action, acceptance, and inner peace—a guide for anyone wanting to live intentionally rather than reactively.
If you’ve ever struggled with your thoughts or felt powerless in the face of life’s chaos, Stoicism might just be the mindset you need. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.
So take a moment to breathe, reflect, and ask yourself: What can I control right now? That question alone can shift everything.
I’m honored to share this on the platform of Professor Bob Cargill, a professional marketer and personal brand educator who has built his own brand with authenticity and heart. Professor Bob shares his journey on Substack, Instagram, and YouTube, and his book Twenty Jobs, Twenty Lessons is a masterclass in learning from life’s twists and turns. His work inspires me to bring practical wisdom and genuine connection to everything I create—and that’s why working alongside him has been such a meaningful experience.
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