Nature as Our Best Provider — Letters from a Stoic

"Borrow from yourself!” No matter how small it is, it will be enough if we can only make up the deficit from our own resources."

Context: On inner credit

Contentment is capital.

In Today's Words:

Seneca cites Cato's command to borrow from yourself when seeking riches. Inner sufficiency funds peace without brokers. Draw on discipline and perspective before chasing external credit. Apply that test to one real decision you face in the next few days. Apply that test to one real decision you face in the next few days.

"The important principle in either case is the same—freedom from worry"

Context: On craving vs owning

Disposition beats quantity.

In Today's Words:

Seneca says whether you crave nothing or possess something, the principle is freedom from worry. Amount matters less than anxious attachment. Audit peace of mind before auditing your balance sheet. Apply that test to one real decision you face in the next few days. Apply that test to one real decision you face in the

"Nature does not care whether the bread is the coarse kind or the finest wheat; she does not desire the stomach to be entertained, but to be filled."

Context: On simple food

Need, not display.

In Today's Words:

Seneca says nature does not care whether bread is coarse or finest wheat; she wants the stomach filled, not entertained. Luxury adds anxiety to necessity. Let hunger choose plain food without apology. Apply that test to one real decision you face in the next few days.

"Money never made a man rich; on the contrary, it always smites men with a greater craving for itself."

Context: On craving more

More money, more hunger.

In Today's Words:

Seneca says money never made a man rich; it smites men with greater craving for itself. Possession enlarges appetite instead of ending it. Call enough a stopping point before the next raise arrives. Apply that test to one real decision you face in the next few days.