“If a thing is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it.”
– Marcus Aurelius
The modern marketplace is loud.
Flashy. Fast.
It’s designed to keep you moving — to keep you buying — without asking too many questions.
As Stoics and vegans, we’re taught to question everything.
To pause.
To examine what’s behind the choice.
And in the marketplace, that pause is radical.
What Are You Really Buying?
Every product has a backstory:
- Who made it?
- Who was exploited to produce it?
- Who (or what) suffered so it could be cheap?
Veganism calls this out in food.
Stoicism demands we extend that same scrutiny to all consumption.
Because nothing is truly external if it affects your conscience.
Your Wallet Is a Vote
The Stoics didn’t preach asceticism.
They wore togas, drank wine, and ran empires.
But they believed that every choice should align with virtue.
The same applies now:
- Do you buy things because they’re marketed well — or because they serve your values?
- Do you support brands that mirror your ethics — or just your habits?
The vegan Stoic doesn’t chase deals.
They chase clarity.
And when the two conflict?
Clarity wins.
Ethical Consumption in an Unethical System
You won’t get it perfect.
You’re still in the world.
But you’re not obligated to fund harm just because it’s legal, popular, or convenient.
A Stoic doesn’t fear inconvenience.
They fear moral compromise.
So when you shop, don’t just bring a list.
Bring a compass.
Ask, “Does this purchase serve virtue or vanity?”
And let your choices answer with action.
Photo by Swarup Sarkar
Cameron is a prolific blogger with a number of sites where he shares his thoughts on a wide range of topics.
His main site is CameronBlewett.blog
You can find Cameron on Twitter, and MeWe by following the links.