#002: How to Live Happily Anywhere

Over 2000 years ago, the Stoic philosopher Seneca wrote, 'he who cannot live happily anywhere, will live happily nowhere.' These words are strikingly relevant today, especially as we find ourselves in an increasingly global and nomadic society.

Consider what most of us would consider the perfect job - traveling the world, eating delicious food, and meeting interesting people. Most of us would do this job for free! Yet, in his 2019 stand-up special, comedian Dave Chappelle reflected on the death of Anthony Bourdain. He says, 'Anthony Bourdain had the greatest job that show business ever produced. He flew around the world and ate delicious meals with outstanding people! THAT man, with THAT job, hung himself in a luxury suite in France.' This tragic story underscores a sobering reality: true happiness extends beyond our occupations, locations, wealth, or surrounding and is more internal.

We are all too familiar with stories of individuals who grapple with profound unhappiness despite having everything by societal standards. This reality should shatter the illusion that mere geographic relocation can magically imbue our lives with happiness. Seneca wrote, 'We travel, as children run up and down after strange sights, for novelty, not profit; we return neither the better nor the sounder; nay, and the very agitation hurts us.'

Traveling with happiness as the destination is often a path to disappointment.

So, how does one find true happiness?

Stoicism offers us a guide. At the heart of Stoic philosophy is 'eudaimonia,' a term often translated as 'flourishing' or 'fulfillment.' Stoics believed that true happiness isn't a product of external circumstances or material wealth, but a consequence of cultivating virtue and living in alignment with reason and nature.

To a Stoic, happiness is an internal state nurtured by wisdom, self-discipline, courage, justice, and other virtues. It involves finding contentment and tranquility by harmonizing one's thoughts and actions with the natural order of the universe. Thus, where you are in the world is not part of the happiness equation. If you cannot live happily in New York, Tulum wouldn’t make much of a difference.

Yet, if you can unlock the secret to true happiness, finding contentment, whether you are in Bangalore or Boston, you have a superpower. This superpower isn’t about conquering the world, but mastering our inner world.

How can you cultivate this superpower? Focus on what's within your control - your thoughts, attitudes, and actions - and accept what's outside your control with equanimity.

Stoic wisdom teaches us that happiness lies in the pursuit of virtue, living harmoniously with reason and nature, and deriving contentment from what's within our control rather than attaching our happiness to external circumstances.

This mastery over personal happiness can be achieved by practicing acceptance, resilience, and detachment from external outcomes, which leads to inner peace and flourishing, even amidst adversity.

Regardless of our geographic location, it is within our reach to practice and achieve this state of happiness. Therefore, it is also true that '(s)he who can live happily anywhere can indeed live happily everywhere.'

In conclusion, true happiness isn't determined by where you are or what you have but by who you are and how you respond to life's ups and downs. As we navigate the complexity and chaos of modern living, let's cultivate the Stoic superpower of inner peace and contentment, fostering resilience, wisdom, and fulfillment in our lives, no matter where our travels take us.

Next time you find yourself seeking happiness outside of yourself, remember my slightly amended version of Seneca’s words: 'He who can live happily anywhere can live happily everywhere.'

As travelers on the journey of life, we are here to support each other. Let's continue to explore Stoic wisdom and practical philosophy together, applying it to our daily lives and experiences.

If you found this newsletter insightful, I encourage you to share it with your friends and fellow digital nomads. Let's grow this community of mindful travelers and create an environment of shared understanding and growth.

I’d love your feedback. Feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts, questions, or suggestions. Until next week, safe travels, and stay Stoic!

See you on the road.

And remember, the road to happiness begins within.