“It is not only the sword and the battle-line that prove the soul alert and unconquered by fear; a man can display bravery even when wrapped in his bed-clothes. You have something to do: wrestle bravely with illness. If it shall compel you to nothing, beguile you to nothing, it is a notable example that you display.” — Seneca
All of this practice, all of this reading about philosophy and training your mind to think logically . . . and for what? Will Stoicism ever avail you in brutal combat, or torture, or prison, or exile to some barren wilderness?
No, nothing so dramatic or dire. The most important application for your training will be something that awaits most of us, if we’re lucky: getting old and facing death. What better test of philosophy could there be?
Look forward to old age — because it will finally bring an obstacle worthy of your training. You’ll have no choice but to confront mounting pain, the loss of loved ones, the deterioration of your body, and your own eventual demise.
Don’t wish that you didn’t have to face these things; instead, be grateful that you have the strength to endure them. Think to yourself “good, this is what I’ve been training for, and now I get to put it to use.”
Remember: there’s opportunity to be found in every situation. Embrace the challenges of old age and choose to be unvanquished by it. Show the world that people are capable of amazing fortitude, even in the twilight of life.
Opportunity can be found even on your deathbed: opportunity to inspire others by facing your end with grace and good cheer. Opportunity to leave an unforgettable example of acceptance. Opportunity to show your loved ones that they have nothing to fear from death.
When the only thing left to do is die, then die well.