There’s a misconception about Stoicism in the modern world that makes people think Stoic philosophy teaches us to care only about ourselves and not think of others. In fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth; true Stoicism teaches that we should always strive to help others, because by doing so we are also helping ourselves.
The ancient Stoics quoted below had a great sense of interconnection and community, and believed that individuals should base their actions not only on what is good for them, but what is good for society as a whole. Helping others — and being a part of making our society better — is the height of wisdom, in their eyes.
There’s no lack of Stoic quotes on helping others, specifically because Stoic philosophers don’t think that kindness to other human beings is a weakness. They look at helping people as a strength, and indeed one of the most noble things we could do.
Stoic Quotes on Helping Others from Marcus Aurelius
“Man is born for deeds of kindness.”
“Constantly think of the universe as a single living being, comprised of a single substance and a single soul; and how all things issue into the single perception of this being, and how it accomplishes all things through a single impulse; and how all things work together to cause all that comes to be, and how intricate and densely woven is the fabric formed by their interweaving.”
Stoic Quotes on Helping Others from Epictetus
“No great thing is created suddenly. There must be time. Give your best and always be kind.”
“It is not a demonstration of kindness or friendship to the people we care about to join them in indulging in wrongheaded, negative feelings. We do a better service to ourselves and others by remaining detached and avoiding melodramatic reactions.”
“Everything has two handles; the one soft and manageable, the other such as will not endure to be touched. If then your brother do you an injury, do not take it by the hot hard handle, by representing to yourself all the aggravating circumstances of the fact; but look rather on the soft side, and extenuate it as much as is possible, by considering the nearness of the relation, and the long friendship and familiarity between you–obligations to kindness which a single provocation ought not to dissolve. And thus you will take the accident by its manageable handle.”
Stoic Quotes on Helping Others from Seneca
“We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.”
“Whatever we give to the wretched, we lend to fortune.“
“A benefit consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.”