Welcome to The Stoic Ledger, a daily money meditation from one of the stoic sages.

9/365: Epictetus on demanding the best for ourselves

Epictetus urges us to take immediate action toward living life according to our highest principles. 

Is a single-minded pursuit of money the best for yourself?

Under the Stoic school of thought, Epictetus would suggest that true fulfillment comes from cultivating virtue, wisdom, and self-mastery. 

Money, while not inherently bad, is a tool rather than a goal. If the pursuit of money becomes the goal or distracts us from living with virtue, then we are waiting around, denying the best for ourselves.  

What is the best for yourself right now? Don’t delay, tomorrow doesn’t exist.