Bill Mauro is the author of The Stoic Cop: Policing Through Stoic Virtue. Bill is also a deputy sheriff in Florida with a family in law enforcement. 

A few years ago, Bill found himself struggling with a deep depression and thoughts of suicide. A miraculous intervention with a stranger changed his life and he eventually found his strength and guidance in Stoicism. 

I can’t overstate how important Stoicism has become to my own mindset and personal pursuit of my own virtue. To say it is my religion might be a stretch but not by much.

But what is Stoicism? 

It’s probably not what you think it is. 

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy which teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.

Think of it like an operating system for your life. This isn’t philosophy about the purpose of our existence. This is about how to handle anger, ego, fear, discipline, humility and internal peace. 

Seems worth it, right?

You’ve heard me say, “control what you can control.” That’s a piece of Stoicism. 

Here are the books we talk about in this episode and that I recommend to anyone interested in learning more: 

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius 

The Art of Living by Epictetus

Letters from a Stoic by Seneca 

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