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6 Things An INTELLIGENT Person NEVER Says | STOIC PHILOSOPHY

When it comes to Stoic philosophy, an intelligent person recognizes the power of words and the importance of maintaining a rational and calm demeanor in all situations. Here are six things you're unlikely to hear from someone who embodies the wisdom of Stoic principles:

"I know exactly how you feel." – Intelligent individuals understand that personal experiences are deeply subjective. Instead of assuming they can fully understand another person's emotions, they are more likely to ask questions to better comprehend their perspective and offer support without making assumptions.

"This is the worst thing that could ever happen." – Stoics practice the art of perspective. They avoid hyperbole and maintain a balanced view of situations. Recognizing that things could always be worse, they focus on finding solutions rather than exaggerating problems.

"I can't handle this." – Stoicism teaches resilience and the belief in one’s own ability to cope with adversity. An intelligent person influenced by Stoic philosophy trusts in their own capacity to manage challenges, leveraging obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn.

"He's a terrible person." – Stoics believe in looking beyond surface actions to understand deeper motives and circumstances. Rather than labeling people as good or bad, they consider the complexities of human behavior and acknowledge that everyone has the capacity for change.

"It's not fair." – While acknowledging injustice, intelligent individuals avoid dwelling on the fairness of situations since life’s circumstances often fall outside human control. They focus instead on their responses and what they can influence.

"Just my luck!" – Relying on the concept of ‘amor fati’ (a love of fate), Stoics and intelligent thinkers alike do not attribute their experiences to luck. They believe in making the most of what happens by controlling their reactions and making reasoned choices, regardless of external circumstances.

Incorporating these principles into daily life, an intelligent person guided by Stoic philosophy strives to speak thoughtfully and act deliberately, aiming to contribute positively in every interaction. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also encourages a rational, empathetic perspective in navigating life’s complexities.

Accepting one's own reality is the most fruitful step towards mental and spiritual freedom. In this context, evaluating one's abilities and willpower and admitting to oneself what one can and cannot do with this consciousness frees some of the effective psychological dynamics inherent in one's nature from unnecessary burdens and responsibilities.

In her empowering book, "Maybe It's You: Cut the Crap. Face Your Fears. Love Your Life," Lauren Handel Zander offers a no-nonsense approach to personal transformation. Drawing from her extensive experience as a life coach, Zander provides readers with practical tools and insights to help them confront their fears, take responsibility for their lives, and ultimately create the future they desire. This book serves as a wake-up call for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled, encouraging them to embrace change and pursue their dreams with clarity and determination.

Here are lessons from the book:

1. Self-Accountability Is Essential

Zander emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for one’s life. By acknowledging our role in our circumstances, we empower ourselves to make meaningful changes and stop blaming external factors for our unhappiness.

2. Face Your Fears

Confronting fears is a crucial step toward personal growth. Zander encourages readers to identify their fears and take actionable steps to overcome them, fostering resilience and confidence in the process.

3. Cut the Crap

Eliminating self-deception is vital for progress. Zander advocates for honesty with oneself, urging readers to let go of excuses and face the truths about their lives that may be holding them back.

4. Set Clear Goals

Defining what you truly want is fundamental. Zander guides readers through a process of clarifying their desires and setting specific, achievable goals that align with their values and aspirations.

5. Create a Supportive Environment

Surrounding yourself with positive influences is key. Zander highlights the importance of building a network of supportive individuals who encourage growth and accountability, making it easier to stay committed to personal goals.

Lauren Handel Zander's "Maybe It's You" serves as a powerful guide for anyone seeking to transform their life and embrace their true potential. By focusing on self-accountability, confronting fears, and fostering a supportive environment, readers are equipped with the tools necessary to create meaningful change. This book is a compelling reminder that the path to a fulfilling life begins with taking responsibility for our choices and actively pursuing the life we desire.

The Forgotten Village

In a quiet afternoon, Bianca was driving through the countryside, looking for a shortcut to get home before dark. The sky was grey, and the wind felt strange. Her GPS stopped working, and her phone had no signal.

"I’ll just keep driving straight," she whispered to herself, gripping the wheel. "There must be a main road somewhere."

As she drove, the trees grew thicker, and the air got colder. Then, she saw it—a wooden sign covered in moss. It read:

“Welcome to Mariposa Town.”

Bianca frowned. “Mariposa Town? Never heard of it.”

Curious and a little uneasy, she drove into the village. The road was cracked, and old houses stood like forgotten bones. Everything was silent.

No birds. No people. No sounds.

She parked her car and stepped out. The wind howled. Bianca wrapped her arms around herself.

“Hello?” she called out. “Is anyone here?”

No answer.

She walked down the main street. The shops looked old—dusty windows, broken signs. One store had a sign that read “Bakery,” but there was moldy bread still sitting inside. It didn’t make sense.

“This place looks… dead,” she whispered.

Then she saw a figure.

An old woman stood at the end of the street. Her dress was black. Her skin looked dry, like paper. Her eyes were grey and wide open.

Bianca gasped. “Ma’am? Are you okay?”

The woman slowly raised a hand and pointed to a small church at the end of the road. Then she vanished.

Bianca blinked. “What the hell…”

She ran toward where the woman had been, but there was nothing there. No footprints. No sign she had ever been there.

Her heart pounded. “Maybe I imagined her. I should leave.”

She turned back toward her car—but it was gone.

“What?” Bianca shouted. “Where’s my car?!”

She ran to where it had been parked. The spot was empty. No tire marks. No sign of it.

Panic hit her. “Okay, okay. Maybe someone towed it. I need help.”

She walked to the church. The door creaked as she pushed it open.

Inside was cold. Rows of wooden benches faced a small altar. Candles were lit—even though no one was there.

Suddenly, she heard whispers.

She turned around. No one.

“Who’s there?” she called.

The whispers grew louder. She could hear her name.

“Bianca… Bianca…”

She backed away. “No, no, no. This is not real.”

She ran out of the church, her breath shaking.

Then she saw them.

People.

Men, women, and children. Standing in the street. All dressed in old clothes. All pale. All staring at her.

“Hello?” she said, her voice small.

They didn’t answer.

She stepped back. “What is this place?”

A little girl stepped forward. Her dress was torn, her pupils pitch red.

“You shouldn’t be here,” the girl said.

“I didn’t mean to come,” Bianca replied. “I got lost.”

The girl shook her head. “This village doesn’t exist. Not anymore.”

Bianca looked around. “Then how—”

“They died,” the girl whispered. “All of them. A hundred years ago. Fire. Sickness. Darkness.”

Bianca’s throat felt tight. “But… you’re all here.”

“They can’t leave,” the girl said. “And now… you can’t either.”

Bianca backed away, trembling. “But you’re alive!”

The girl shook her head slowly. “Not alive. Not like you.”

Bianca stumbled back. “This is a nightmare.”

Bianca turned and ran. She ran past the houses, past the church, deeper into the woods. Branches scratched her skin. Her legs ached. But she didn’t stop.

Finally, she found a small wooden cabin. She burst inside and slammed the door shut.

She sat on the floor, gasping. The room was dark, but quiet.

A man’s voice spoke behind her.

“You saw them, didn’t you?”

She turned. An old man sat in a rocking chair, holding a lantern.

“You’re alive?” Bianca asked.

“Barely,” he said. “I’ve been hiding for years. Don’t go back out there.”

“I have to get out,” she said. “My car is gone. My phone doesn’t work.”

He nodded slowly. “That’s what they do. They trap you. Just like they did to me.”

Bianca looked at him, confused. “How long have you been here?”

He stared at the wall. “Since 1945.”

Her eyes widened. “But… that’s over eighty years!”

He didn’t blink. “Time moves differently in Mariposa town.”

Bianca stood up. “No. I can’t stay. I need to get out.”

The man grabbed her arm. His hand was ice cold.

“They’ll find you. Run! Hide!”

Suddenly, the lantern flickered and went out.

The door creaked open.

They were here.

The villagers stood outside. All of them. Smiling. Staring.

Bianca screamed and ran out the back door into the forest.

She didn’t know where she was going. Only that she had to run. Run far away from Mariposa town.

But the trees never ended.

The village never ended.

Every path led back to the church.

Every time she ran, she ended up at the same spot.

The little girl waited for her at the church steps.

“I told you,” she said. “You can’t leave.”

Bianca dropped to her knees, crying. “Please… let me go…”

The girl tilted her head. “Only one way out.”

Bianca looked up. “What is it?”

The girl smiled. “You must forget. Everything.”

“What?”

“Forget your name. Your life. Your past. Then you can be one of us.”

Bianca screamed, “No!”

Behind her, the old man stepped out of the shadows. He wasn’t breathing. His eyes were pale. He didn’t blink.

“You were helping me,” Bianca said.

His voice was cold. “I’ve always been with them.”

The girl smiled. “Yes. We wait. We always wait.”

“For what?” Bianca asked.

The girl’s eyes sparkled black.

She stepped forward.

“For someone like you.”

Then she turned to the old man and whispered: “Now… we have food.”

Bianca screamed as the darkness closed in.

One year later…

A man was driving through the countryside. His GPS failed. His phone died. He saw an old wooden sign:

“Welcome to Mariposa town.”

As he drove in, he noticed a young woman standing near the church, her eyes empty, her clothes old, her smile soft.

She whispered in the wind, “You shouldn’t be here…”

He stepped out of the car.

By the church steps, a little girl in a white dress stood, waving kindly.

An old man sat nearby, smiling … without blinking.