Editing 1course Mindsets (section)

==== Core Principles of Stoicism ====
At the heart of Stoicism are several core principles that guide how we perceive and interact with the world:

'''1. Dichotomy of Control''': Understand what you can control (your thoughts, actions, and reactions) and what you cannot (external events, other people’s actions). Focus your energy on what you can influence.

'''Example''': If you’re stuck in traffic, you can’t control the congestion, but you can control your response. Instead of getting frustrated, use the time to listen to an audiobook or practice deep breathing.

'''2. Virtue as the Highest Good''': Virtue, or moral excellence, is the ultimate goal. Stoics believe in cultivating virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance to live a good life.

'''Example''': Seneca advised practicing justice by treating others fairly and with respect, regardless of how they treat you. This helps maintain your moral integrity and inner peace.

'''3. Living in Accordance with Nature''': Align your actions and desires with the natural order of the world. This means accepting the impermanence of life and understanding that change is a natural part of existence.

'''Example''': Marcus Aurelius reflected on the cycles of nature, reminding himself to accept life’s changes with grace and to focus on what he could control—his own actions and attitudes.