Stoic Concept
Premeditatio Malorum
The premeditation of evils; visualizing negative outcomes.
This Stoic exercise involves regularly imagining potential misfortunes: losing wealth, reputation, loved ones, or health. The goal is not to be pessimistic, but to build psychological resilience. By mentally preparing for adversity, we rob it of its shock value and can face real challenges with greater calm and preparedness, appreciating what we have in the present moment.