Stoicism proposes a simple but demanding practice: don’t immediately “sign off” on your first impression. When a harsh email arrives, the first impression may be “I’m under attack,” followed by a surge of panic or rage. Aurelius would counsel a delay—describe the event in neutral terms (“I received critical feedback”) before adding value-laden labels.
This is not passive resignation; it is strategic clarity. By withholding assent, you create room to choose a response aligned with your values: ask questions, correct a mistake, set a boundary, or let the comment pass. The distress lessens not because the world is gentler, but because your estimate becomes more disciplined. [...]
