4 Stoic Habits That Will Make You a Better Student (and a Better Person)
- Shriram Rajagopal
- May 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 26, 2025
Being a student today means more than just memorizing facts or finishing assignments. It means learning how to live correctly. That's where the Stoics can help; not with formulas or shortcuts, but with habits forged through challenge and clarity. Marcus Aurelius wrote Meditations in his spare hours, not to impress, but to survive his own mind. Seneca sent his letters to a friend, but really, to himself. Both left behind messages that provide insight into how we ought to conduct ourselves. Simple principles that helped them endure the chaos of their world. Here are four principles, made for students, but valuable to anyone trying to live well.
1. Learn With the End in Mind
"You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book II, Entry 11
School can feel endless. Deadlines pile up. Days blur. But the Stoics remind us that time is always running out. That's not meant to scare you, it's intended to sharpen you. When you study, remind yourself why it matters. You're not just preparing for a test, you're preparing for life. Use your utmost effort every step of the way.
The length and quality of one's life have no relation. Think about what you can do in the short term. This isn't about being perfect. It's about the impact we can make, even with limited time on this planet.
2. Build the Habit, Don't Go Overboard
"Associate with people who are likely to improve you. Welcome those whom you are capable of improving." - Seneca, Letter VII
A Stoic doesn't wait for motivation; they build it. They surround themselves with people who value growth. You don't need to study for five hours in a frenzy. You need to show up every day and give it your full effort, even if it's only 15 minutes. Don't chase motivation; cultivate discipline. Surround yourself with people who will support you, and support those who come to you.
3. Let the Work Change You
"Dig deep; the water—goodness—is down there. And as long as you keep digging, it will keep bubbling up." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book VII, Entry 59
The point of hard work isn't the reward. It's the refinement. When something is difficult, that's when it matters most. Approach your studies as training. Not just for the mind, but for the soul too. Writing that paper? Solving that problem? Let it shape your patience; don't take the easy way out.
4. Keep a Journal
"People try to get away from it all—to the country, to the beach, to the mountains. You always wish that you could too. Which is idiotic: you can get away from it any time you like. By going within." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book IV, Entry 3
Marcus didn't post his thoughts for publicity; he just wrote them to stay sane. You should try to do the same. Whether tracking your goals, reflecting on a hard day, or reminding yourself of what matters, writing will provide clarity. It doesn't have to be long; just a few lines each night will suffice. Ask yourself: What did I learn? Where did I fall short? What will I try again tomorrow?
This is how you live intentionally.
Conclusion: Philosophy in the Real World
You don't need to be a philosopher to live by Stoic principles. You just need to be willing to pause, reflect, and practice. Let the others chase fame and applause. You? You're training for something more profound.
Start studying with your whole self. Start living like it matters.
Keeping a journal is really good advice. When I got into a rhythm of writing every night, it really helped me destress and just get away from the craziness of the real world at the end of the day.