So, what is the point of reading, researching, and studying Stoicism? Is it to demonstrate your knowledge to others? Not at all! Internalizing Stoic principles will help you become a better person. The old sages emphasized that we must adopt the philosophy as our own, that we should live it and not just study it. At some point, however, we must begin acting upon the principles and ideals of stoicism rather than just reading about them. We must begin to focus on our own self-rescue. 

Remember, there comes time to close the books and put the lessons into real action. We need to adopt the mindset that our deeds will speak for us. Become an example of what a true stoic is about by displaying the correct actions and not just talking a good game. Others will notice, but that isn’t the goal. The objective is to progress from simply studying stoicism to actually living it.

I have a little medallion on my keychain that is a reminder. All that is written is Acta Non Verba, which translates to “Deeds Not Words.” (You might correctly guess that it was the inspiration for this article.) I extend the message beyond simply emphasizing the application of stoic thought. I like to apply it to all facets of life. It serves as a helpful reminder to me that if I don’t follow through on my words, they are completely meaningless. That the proof of my actions greatly outweighs the promise of my words. I try to live my life based on this standard and think about it every day.

So, as you gain more ground in the stoic teachings, put this into practice. Live your philosophy, don’t just study it. Lastly, let your actions speak for you, and do not attempt to sell yourself with hollow words. The phrase “Deeds Not Words” isn’t just a nice catchphrase. It is the cornerstone to truly becoming stoic.