I’ve often been called a Stoic, and it’s a label I’ve come to understand and appreciate deeply. Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy, teaches the power of self-control and resilience to navigate life’s challenges. It emphasizes living in harmony with nature and reason, striving for inner peace, and facing life’s ups and downs with a calm mind.

This philosophy has been invaluable to me, both in my investing career and now as I navigate the complexities of living with cancer.

In the world of investing, the worst mistake is to panic-sell at the first sign of a market downturn or to overinvest during a bull market, assuming it will never end. Similarly, those facing cancer can experience devastating setbacks when they prematurely celebrate a victory or lose hope when treatments falter or side effects become overwhelming.

Stoicism’s timeless wisdom reminds us that life is a series of ebbs and flows. It teaches us to maintain a balanced perspective, neither overly elated by success nor crushed by adversity. For this reason, Stoicism remains a relevant and practical philosophy for our modern world, offering a steadying force that helps us manage the inevitable highs and lows with grace and equanimity.