Per Astera Ad Astra
In the heart of every challenge lies an opportunity. This timeless wisdom is at the core of Stoic philosophy, guiding us to view obstacles not as setbacks but as catalysts for growth and self-improvement.
Seneca, another towering figure in Stoic thought, reinforced this idea with his words: Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body. Just as physical exercise strengthens our muscles, mental challenges fortify our resilience and wisdom. Embracing our struggles, rather than avoiding them, shapes us into stronger, more capable individuals.
Per aspera ad astra—through hardships to the stars—beautifully encapsulates the Stoic mindset. This Latin maxim reminds us that our journey to greatness is paved with obstacles. It is through overcoming these hardships that we reach the stars, achieving our highest potential.
In our daily lives, we can apply these Stoic principles by reframing our perspective on challenges. Instead of seeing them as roadblocks, we can view them as opportunities for growth. Each setback is a chance to develop new skills, gain deeper insights, and build greater resilience.
My Story
First and foremost, I want to thank each of you for taking the time to read my blog. Today, I was amazed to see visitors from all around our jolly good planet—from England, where I live, to the USA, Canada, Russia, the Netherlands, France, India, Indonesia, and other places Google didn’t list. Wishing you all the best: stay calm, and strive to savour every moment of your life. I’m doing my best to do the same.
Per aspera ad astra—through hardships to the stars. This Latin phrase suddenly came to me today, bringing back memories from my youth.
During my childhood and teenage years, three wise figures stood out: my grandfather, his brother, who was a priest, and their close friend, also a priest. To me, they were real philosophers. When I think of them, I picture them as modern-day Seneca, Socrates, and Plato. I’m certain that each of you has your own set of philosophers—people whose wisdom warms your heart and, even after many years, brings a tear to your eye.
The phrase they often repeated was Per aspera ad astra. This saying made perfect sense for the two priests, as both were fluent in Greek and Latin, every day reading philosophical texts in their original languages. But my grandfather? He was a farmer—a brilliant and wonderful man, yet still a farmer who spent his days not studying the Bible and others wise books, but working with other farmers and taking care of his fields, cattle, and sheep.
While the other farmers often used strong words when discussing the struggles of daily life, my grandfather had a different approach. His favorite phrase, his version of “swearing,” was always "Per aspera ad astra. He became famous for it. I can still hear him saying things like, “This year we’ve had too much rain, the crops will be poor… Per aspera ad astra. What can we do? Per aspera ad astra.”
My grandmother often teased him about it. “Mr. Perasperaadastra,” she’d call him, laughing, “Grandpa’s off speaking Latin to the sheep again.” And he’d reply, “Why not? They understand me better than people do!”
One day, I asked him why he always repeated that phrase. He smiled and told me a story that I will never forget. These were the last words his mother spoke to him before she died from the Spanish flu. She asked him to look after his younger siblings and never forget: Per aspera ad astra.
Her words became his guiding star. Despite facing immense challenges—the Second World War, the harsh communist regime (he lived in Poland)—my grandfather rose to the occasion and became the head of the family. Through his sacrifices, he shaped himself into the strongest man I’ve ever known. Thanks to him, his brother was able to pursue his calling as a priest and complete his philosophy studies at one of the best universities.
In the spirit of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who said, It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters, my grandfather embodied the essence of resilience. He didn’t just endure adversity—he turned it into strength. His legacy continues to inspire me.
So, to all my readers: Per aspera ad astra. Who are your philosophers? Who are the people whose wisdom and quirks warm your heart, and whose words have stayed with you throughout the years?
As Marcus Aurelius, one of the great Stoic philosophers, said, The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way. This profound insight teaches us that the barriers we face can become the pathways to our greatest achievements. When we encounter difficulties, we are not merely enduring them; we are transforming them into steps toward our goals.
Seneca, another towering figure in Stoic thought, reinforced this idea with his words: Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body. Just as physical exercise strengthens our muscles, mental challenges fortify our resilience and wisdom. Embracing our struggles, rather than avoiding them, shapes us into stronger, more capable individuals.
Per aspera ad astra—through hardships to the stars—beautifully encapsulates the Stoic mindset. This Latin maxim reminds us that our journey to greatness is paved with obstacles. It is through overcoming these hardships that we reach the stars, achieving our highest potential.
In our daily lives, we can apply these Stoic principles by reframing our perspective on challenges. Instead of seeing them as roadblocks, we can view them as opportunities for growth. Each setback is a chance to develop new skills, gain deeper insights, and build greater resilience.
Remember, the obstacles you face are not there to defeat you—they are there to make you stronger. By adopting a Stoic approach to life’s challenges, you not only navigate through difficulties but also emerge victorious, with newfound strength and wisdom.
So, let’s embrace our obstacles, learn from them, and use them as stepping stones toward our goals. After all, Per aspera ad astra—through hardships to the stars.
First and foremost, I want to thank each of you for taking the time to read my blog. Today, I was amazed to see visitors from all around our jolly good planet—from England, where I live, to the USA, Canada, Russia, the Netherlands, France, India, Indonesia, and other places Google didn’t list. Wishing you all the best: stay calm, and strive to savour every moment of your life. I’m doing my best to do the same.
Per aspera ad astra—through hardships to the stars. This Latin phrase suddenly came to me today, bringing back memories from my youth.
During my childhood and teenage years, three wise figures stood out: my grandfather, his brother, who was a priest, and their close friend, also a priest. To me, they were real philosophers. When I think of them, I picture them as modern-day Seneca, Socrates, and Plato. I’m certain that each of you has your own set of philosophers—people whose wisdom warms your heart and, even after many years, brings a tear to your eye.
The phrase they often repeated was Per aspera ad astra. This saying made perfect sense for the two priests, as both were fluent in Greek and Latin, every day reading philosophical texts in their original languages. But my grandfather? He was a farmer—a brilliant and wonderful man, yet still a farmer who spent his days not studying the Bible and others wise books, but working with other farmers and taking care of his fields, cattle, and sheep.
While the other farmers often used strong words when discussing the struggles of daily life, my grandfather had a different approach. His favorite phrase, his version of “swearing,” was always "Per aspera ad astra. He became famous for it. I can still hear him saying things like, “This year we’ve had too much rain, the crops will be poor… Per aspera ad astra. What can we do? Per aspera ad astra.”
My grandmother often teased him about it. “Mr. Perasperaadastra,” she’d call him, laughing, “Grandpa’s off speaking Latin to the sheep again.” And he’d reply, “Why not? They understand me better than people do!”
One day, I asked him why he always repeated that phrase. He smiled and told me a story that I will never forget. These were the last words his mother spoke to him before she died from the Spanish flu. She asked him to look after his younger siblings and never forget: Per aspera ad astra.
Her words became his guiding star. Despite facing immense challenges—the Second World War, the harsh communist regime (he lived in Poland)—my grandfather rose to the occasion and became the head of the family. Through his sacrifices, he shaped himself into the strongest man I’ve ever known. Thanks to him, his brother was able to pursue his calling as a priest and complete his philosophy studies at one of the best universities.
In the spirit of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who said, It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters, my grandfather embodied the essence of resilience. He didn’t just endure adversity—he turned it into strength. His legacy continues to inspire me.
So, to all my readers: Per aspera ad astra. Who are your philosophers? Who are the people whose wisdom and quirks warm your heart, and whose words have stayed with you throughout the years?
___
Images: Mila Morris and Open AI
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