"To wisely live your life, you don’t need to know much. Just remember two main rules for the beginning: You better starve, than eat whatever. And better be alone than with whoever"

Living a wise life doesn’t necessarily require a wealth of knowledge. All you really need are a couple of guiding principles. First, it's better to go hungry than to consume something unhealthy or unsatisfying. Second, it's better to be alone than to keep bad company. When you break it down, it's all about setting standards and sticking to them.

This quote can be traced back to the Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes living in accordance with nature and maintaining personal virtue. The ancient Stoics believed in simplicity, discipline, and the importance of one's own inner peace. They argued that our happiness should not depend on external factors, but rather on our own actions and choices.

Imagine you're at a party. There's a huge spread of food, but most of it is junk—greasy chips, sugary snacks, and things that are going to make you feel gross later. There's a small table in the corner with some fruits and veggies. The principle here is to avoid the junk, even if it means you don't eat as much. You choose quality over immediate gratification. Similarly, when it comes to people, think about that friend who always pulls you into trouble. Wouldn't you be better off alone than constantly dealing with the drama they bring?

To put this wisdom into everyday practice, start by setting clear standards for yourself. When it comes to eating, be mindful about what you consume. Choose nutritious options, even if it means occasionally skipping a meal because healthy choices aren't available. With relationships, surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. It's okay to walk away from toxic friendships or even to spend time alone rather than in negative company.

Here's a scenario to illustrate this: imagine you're a college student, new to campus. You're eager to make friends and fit in. You meet a group that parties hard every weekend, but their antics often land them in trouble. You join them once and feel the negative vibes and the consequences of their actions. Reflecting on the quote, you decide to distance yourself from them. It’s lonely at first, but soon you discover a club of like-minded people who share your passions. Not only do you form genuine connections, but you also thrive academically and personally.

Think about it. If you lower your standards out of desperation, whether it’s for food, friends, or any other aspect of life, you compromise your well-being. Keeping your standards high might feel tough in the short term, but in the long run, it leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life. So, next time you’re tempted to settle, remember: it's better to wait for the right thing than to make do with the wrong one.