Sublime

The secret to attractiveness lies in the unity of heart and mind.

Good character is not about maximizing virtues but moderating them: to be sensitive without being fragile, confident without being cocky, steadfast without being stubborn, driven without being reckless, focused without being obsessed.

But this is a narrow and shortsighted perspective that stands opposed to the more robust, classical understanding: that the good, the true and the beautiful ought to be pursued for their own sake.

Contemporary notions of beauty are ridiculous. Our standards for what’s attractive are incredibly un-Stoic in that we prize and extol things people have almost no control over—high cheekbones, complexion, height, piercing eyes.

True love is the sincere wish for others to have happiness and the conditions necessary for complete and enduring happiness.