Impressions and Ascent of the Will

According to Stoic philosophy, while the impressions we receive through our senses are not within our control, what we choose to assent to and the thoughts, conclusions, and actions that arise from those impressions are within our control. For example, when we see a homeless person, our initial thoughts and perceptions may be influenced by past experiences and unconscious biases. However, by recognizing the difference between sensory perception and judgment, we can take a moment to question our thoughts and ensure that our judgments are sound and helpful.