Personal agency and Stoicism

on the personal agency thing, I recommend Stoicism - or rather - Stoic practice (not being a philosophologist). Most people have a superficial, stereotypical view of Stoicism, but this view is misleading. It is *not* grit or stiff upper-lip or enduring pain without emotion, or coping. It actually makes you see the world differently and understand agency properly to effect positive change in your life and community.

Stoicism is not an 'add-on' or utility to be employed only when you're upset about something, or facing hardship. To counter this view and get value and a proper sense of agency from Stoic practice, all I can say is actually read the words, entertain and reflect on the ideas -- rather than try to win an argument about it. Epictetus directly chastises people who want to argue *about* philosophy, rather than live it in practice.

Epictetus' Enchiridion or Seneca's moral letters are good starting points: texts and audiobook can be found online. William B Irvine's book is alright too. Try to avoid YT vids, as it mostly dribble. imo the free translations of Aurelius' meditations leave a lot to be desired and he should be approached last, because he has a deep metaphysics which takes time to penetrate and is not strictly required for Stoic practice.