Stoics found peace by controlling only what they could

Ancient Stoic philosophers, like Epictetus and Emperor Marcus Aurelius, taught that true tranquility comes from focusing solely on what's within our power: our thoughts, desires, and actions. They believed distress arises from trying to control external things like other people's behavior or health. This powerful mindset, developed around 300 BCE, helped even a former slave like Epictetus find inner freedom. It's still relevant today, influencing modern therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, by fostering resilience in an unpredictable world.