The 7 Types of Individuals That Stoicism Warns Against

The great Stoic philosopher Epictetus once said, “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” You’ve probably heard the saying, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Today, we delve into this idea through a Stoic lens, exploring the seven types of people who can derail your progress in Stoic philosophy and how to navigate these challenging relationships.

1. The Complainer: Draining Your Reservoir of Emotional Energy

We all have that friend, family member, or co-worker who finds fault in everything — the perpetual complainer. Stoicism teaches us to focus on actionable solutions instead of dwelling on problems. Limit your exposure to chronic complainers, mentally distance yourself during their diatribes, and steer conversations toward solutions. Guard your mental peace diligently to stay on the Stoic path of resilience and virtue.

2. The Drama Magnet: Navigating Stormy Waters

Imagine navigating your life like a ship through calm waters until you encounter the drama magnet — a whirlpool of crises, conflicts, and controversies. Reflective listening and selective unavailability can help you maintain your course. Remember…