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In this episode, I examine Meditation 14 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the nature of time and the present moment. Marcus emphasizes that we cannot lose the past, as it no longer exists, nor the future, as it has yet to arrive. The only thing we can truly lose is the present moment, which is fleeting and finite. He reminds us that regardless of the length of one’s life, everyone loses the same thing in death: the ability to exist in the present.
This meditation encourages us to focus on the now without disregarding our responsibilities to others and the Cosmopolis. While the present moment is the only time we can act, we must also consider the impact of our actions on the future. A Stoic life involves planning and considering our role in society, rather than becoming isolated or overly focused on personal resilience. Marcus’ reflections also critique the tendency to reduce Stoicism to simplistic, individualistic ideas that ignore its foundational emphasis on service and community.
"Even were you about to live three thousand years or thrice ten thousand, nevertheless remember this, that no one loses any other life than this which he is living, nor lives any other than this which he is losing. Thus the longest and the shortest come to the same thing. For the present is equal for all, and what is passing is therefore equal: thus what is being lost is proved to be barely a moment. For a man could lose neither past nor future; how can one rob him of what he has not got? Always remember, then, these two things: one, that all things from everlasting are of the same kind, and are in rotation; and it matters nothing whether it be for a hundred years or for two hundred or for an infinite time that a man shall behold the same spectacle; the other, that the longest-lived and the soonest to die have an equal loss; for it is the present alone of which either will be deprived, since (as we saw) this is all he has and a man does not lose what he has not got." - Meditations 2.14
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In this episode, I review Meditation 13 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the futility of constantly seeking to understand or judge others instead of focusing on our own alignment with Nature. Marcus references Pindar to illustrate how some people waste their lives in endless speculation, failing to see that true fulfillment comes from connecting with the divine reason, or “Daimon,” within each of us. This Daimon represents our inner sense of virtue and alignment with Nature, not an external god. Marcus reminds us that serving this inner divinity means keeping it unsullied by petty concerns, resentment, or trivial worries.
The meditation also addresses the judgment of others, encouraging us to consider the quality of those whose approval we seek. Are they motivated by virtue, or are they driven by shallow pursuits? Marcus believes that when people misunderstand or act against Nature, it is not due to inherent evil but rather ignorance of what is truly good. This ignorance is like a blindness, a disability more severe than the inability to distinguish light from dark. To the Stoics, all vice stems from a lack of understanding, and nothing is worse than living in ignorance of Nature’s moral law.
"Nothing is more wretched than the man who goes round and round everything, and, as Pindar says, 'searches the bowels of the earth,' and seeks by conjecture to sound the minds of his neighbours, but fails to perceive that it is enough to abide with the Divinity that is within himself and to do Him genuine service. Now that service is to keep Him unsullied by passion, trifling, and discontent with what comes from God or men. What comes from the Gods is to be revered because of excellence; what comes from men is dear because they are of one kindred with himself; pitiful too sometimes, humanly speaking, by reason of their ignorance of good and ill. This disablement is more grievous than that which robs the eyes of the power to distinguish light from darkness." - Meditations 2.13
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In this episode, I discuss Meditation 12 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the transient nature of life, death, and the things we often fear or desire. Marcus emphasizes that everything in the Universe is impermanent, including our bodies, desires, and even the monuments we create. These fleeting aspects of life, he suggests, should be seen as trivial or “cheap” when compared to the pursuit of virtue.
Marcus also contemplates death, framing it not as something to be feared but as a natural and necessary part of the Universe’s self-sustaining design. Death is not just Nature’s handiwork; it is her well-being—a crucial component in maintaining balance. By accepting death as a fundamental part of the Cosmos, we can shift our focus from fearing mortality to embracing a life aligned with our values. Marcus further encourages us to consider who we look to for praise and honor, questioning whether their judgments align with virtue or merely societal vanity.
In Stoic philosophy, the true aim of life is not to evade death but to live justly and virtuously. By understanding death as a natural phenomenon, we can resist the urge to abandon our values out of fear. Instead, we stand firm in the pursuit of a life that honors virtue, regardless of life’s brevity.
"How all things are vanishing swiftly, bodies themselves in the Universe and the memorials of them in Time; what is the character of all the things of sense, and most of all those which attract by the bait of pleasure or terrify by the threat of pain or are shouted abroad by vanity, how cheap, contemptible, soiled, corruptible, and mortal:—these are for the faculty of mind to consider. To consider too what kind of men those are whose judgements and voices confer honour and dishonour; what it is to die, and that if a man looks at it by itself and by the separating activity of thought strips off all the images associated with death, he will come to judge it to be nothing else but Nature's handiwork. But if a man fears Nature's handiwork he is a mere child; and yet death is not merely Nature's handiwork, but also her well-being. To consider also how mortal man touches God and through what organ of himself, and when that part of him is in what sort of condition." - Meditations 2.12
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In this episode, I discuss Meditation 11 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reminds us to live each moment as if death could come at any time, encouraging a focus on living virtuously. Marcus addresses the nature of death and the existence of gods, framing them in a way that reduces fear. He explains that if gods exist, they are just, so there is no need to fear death. If gods do not exist, then life has no divine meaning, and death is a natural peace. Marcus implies that life is purposeful and that the Cosmos supports virtuous living, so we should focus on actions aligned with our goals and moral growth.
I explore how this perspective allows Stoics to view life’s challenges, including the existence of evil, with less distress. Marcus frames “evil” as ignorance and vice, and by trusting in the rationality of the Cosmos, we believe that every challenge has a virtuous counter. This mindset helps us avoid responding to darkness with darkness. Instead, by seeing every obstacle as an opportunity to act rightly, we resist the urge to adopt negativity in response to life’s hardships. This focus on virtuous action enables us to maintain a Stoic purpose, finding strength in aligning our actions with reason and justice.
"In the conviction that it is possible you may depart from life at once, act and speak and think in every case accordingly. But to leave the company of men is nothing to fear, if gods exist; for they would not involve you in ill." - Meditations 2.11
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In this episode, I cover Meditation 10 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the comparison between faults driven by anger and those driven by desire. He references Theophrastus, who argued that errors rooted in pleasure and appetite are graver than those caused by anger. I explore this idea, explaining how Stoics view actions driven by desire as more deliberate and habituated than those caused by reactive emotions like anger. When we act out of anger, it is often a response to external stimuli, a proto-emotion that we can manage. However, when driven by pleasure, it is a deeper habituation that reflects ongoing indulgence in vice, making it harder to correct.
I also discuss the translation issues around the term "effeminate," which appears in some versions of this meditation. I explain how the term used in Greek more accurately means "morally weak" rather than a critique of femininity. Marcus’ message is not about gender but about the danger of succumbing to our desires without rational consideration, a habit that can lead to greater moral failings over time.
The episode further delves into the concept of habituation as a critical Stoic tool. I emphasize that Stoicism is not just a philosophy but a practice that requires repeated, deliberate actions. Through consistent practice, our responses to situations become reflexive, turning virtuous behavior into a habit. This is why true Stoic progress involves moving beyond conscious effort to a stage where virtue becomes second nature, a goal that even I am still striving to achieve.
"Like a true philosopher Theophrastus says, when comparing, as men commonly do compare, various faults, errors of appetite are graver than errors of temper. For clearly one who loses his temper is turning away from Reason with a kind of pain and inward spasm; whereas he who offends through appetite is the victim of pleasure and is clearly more vicious in a way and more effeminate in his wrong-doing." - Meditations 2.10
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In this episode, I reflect on Meditation 9 from Book 2 of Meditations. Marcus Aurelius reminds us to always remember the nature of the Cosmos and our place within it. He emphasizes that the Cosmos is a rational and self-sustaining system, and as part of it, we share in that logic and beneficence. Marcus urges us to act in accordance with Nature, meaning that we should strive to be rational and beneficent, just as the Cosmos is.
I explore how the Cosmos, though not consciously acting like a human, sustains itself in a way that allows everything within it to exist and perform its roles. By understanding this, we realize that no external force can prevent us from making choices in line with our rational nature. While external circumstances may influence us, it is ultimately our choice how we respond to them. Marcus reminds us that it is not the external situation, but how we make choices, that determines whether we act with wisdom and virtue.
I also touch on the Stoic concept of personal responsibility, explaining how we are always accountable for our choices. Even when provoked, such as by an unkind boss, it is our choice how we react, and only we can choose to act with virtue or vice. The key is not just in the choice itself, but in the reasoning behind that choice. By internalizing the understanding that we are in control of our responses, we can aim to align ourselves with the rational and beneficent nature of the Cosmos.
"Always remember the following: what the nature of the Whole is; what my own nature is; the relation of this nature to that; what kind of part it is of what kind of Whole; and that no man can hinder your saying and doing at all times what is in accordance with that Nature whereof you are a part." - Meditations 2.9
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In this episode, I discuss Meditation 8 from Book 2 of Meditations. Marcus Aurelius reflects on how people rarely suffer from not understanding the thoughts of others but are bound to suffer if they don’t observe their own thoughts. I explain how spending too much time worrying about what others think leaves us no energy to examine our own thoughts and work toward virtue. This meditation is not about ignoring others, but rather about prioritizing our mental energy wisely. We can care for others, but we must avoid wasting time on trivial judgments about why someone acts a certain way or holds an opinion about us.
I tie this to a broader Stoic understanding of how most people are "sick" with ignorance, often chasing material desires or misconceptions about what is good. This lack of understanding causes people to live in private worlds of delusion, where their judgments are skewed by false perceptions. Stoicism, on the other hand, teaches that the only true good is virtue, and once we embrace that understanding, we gain clarity on how lost most people are. By focusing on our own character and its alignment with virtue, we avoid the misery that comes from spending too much time concerned with the faults of others.
"Men are not easily seen to be brought into evil case by failure to consider what passes in another's soul; but they who do not read aright the motions of their own soul are bound to be in evil case." - Meditations 2.8
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In this episode, I discuss Meditation 7 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius advises us to give ourselves moments of quiet to focus on learning something good, while also warning against aimlessness. I explore how modern distractions—whether from media, politics, or content creators—are constantly vying for our attention. Marcus’ advice to focus on "something good" can be interpreted as learning about virtue, which helps quiet the noise of the world. Alternatively, it can mean focusing on something personally meaningful, not driven by fear of missing out, but chosen for its value.
However, Marcus cautions that even when we think we are focusing on something good, we must beware of aimlessness. Those who live without broader goals, Marcus says, waste their lives in trivial pursuits. I analyze how this warning applies to modern content that distorts Stoicism, particularly hyper-masculine and red-pill ideologies that mislead young men by portraying women as distractions. These misguided ideas lead people to chase false solutions to non-existent problems, wasting time and attention.
The meditation emphasizes that distractions are not external forces, but a result of our lack of attention management. A Stoic response is not to eliminate external influences, but to strengthen inner resolve and temperance. Marcus reminds us that a Stoic should not allow external events, like a breakup, to compromise moral character. Instead, the Stoic improves, recognizing that virtue is the only true good, and distractions—whether relationships or the noise of society—are indifferent unless we let them affect us.
"Do things from outside break in to distract you? Give yourself a time of quiet to learn some new good thing and cease to wander out of your course. But, when you have done that, be on your guard against a second kind of wandering. For those who are sick to death in life, with no mark on which they direct every impulse or in general every imagination, are triflers, not in words only but also in their deeds." - Meditations 2.7
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In this episode, I explore Meditation 6 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on how we often fail to honor our own well-being, instead placing it in the hands of others. I dive into the Stoic concept of violence, explaining that true violence, in Stoic terms, is the damage we do to our own moral character through vice, not the physical acts we traditionally associate with violence. Using examples like murder, I explain how Stoicism teaches that no external action can harm another’s virtue, but choosing to act unjustly damages our own character. This episode also touches on the nuanced relationship between Stoicism, religion, and moral decision-making, emphasizing that for Stoics, the measure of uprightness is the quality of one’s character, aligned with Nature and the pursuit of virtue.
"You are doing yourself violence, violence, my soul; and you will have no second occasion to do yourself honour. Brief is the life of each of us, and this of yours is nearly ended, and yet you do not reverence yourself, but commit your well-being to the charge of other men's souls." - Meditations 2.6
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In this episode, I begin by correcting a mistake I made about the word "Prokoptôn," clarifying that it is the singular form, not the plural. We then dive into Meditation 5 of Book 2, which focuses on acting with precision, dignity, love, freedom, and justice in every moment, as if it were your last. I break down the importance of being aligned with nature and explain how Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the need to be in awe of the Cosmos, rather than "god-fearing" as some translations might suggest. I also touch on how we should fulfill our roles and responsibilities according to our nature, using the Stoic principle of Oikeiosis to live a life aligned with the Cosmos.
"Each hour be minded valiantly as becomes a Roman and a man to do what is to your hand with preciseness . . . and unaffected dignity natural love freedom and justice; and to give yourself repose from every other imagination. And so you will if only you do each act as though it were your last freed from every random aim from willful turning away from the directing Reason from pretense self-love and displeasure with what is allotted to you. You see how few things a man need master in order to live a smooth and godfearing life; for the gods themselves will require nothing more of him who keeps these precepts." - Meditations, 2.5
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In this week's meditation, we explore Meditation 2.4 from Book 2 of the Meditations. The conversation centers around the inevitability of death, the urgency of utilizing the present moment, and the Stoic approach to perceiving and appreciating life on Nature’s terms.
Meditation Quoted: "Remember how long you have been putting off these things, and how many times the gods have given you days of grace, and yet you do not use them. Now is it high time to perceive the kind of Universe whereof you are a part and the nature of the governor of the Universe from whom you subsist as an effluence, and that the term of your time is circumscribed, and that unless you use it to attain calm of mind, time will be gone and you will be gone and the opportunity to use it will not be yours again." — Meditations, 2.4
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In this episode, we delve into Meditation 2.3 of Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations. We explore the concepts of Providence and the interconnectedness of the universe as understood by the Stoics. We discuss how everything in the cosmos, including human life, is part of a logical and stable system governed by natural laws. Additionally, we touch upon the Stoic view of change and how it contributes to the stability of the universe. The practical takeaway? Embrace the logical nature of the cosmos, understand that change is not our enemy but rather a necessary aspect of existence, and remember that the answer to a contented life doesn’t lie in external sources like books or gurus but in accepting and playing our part in the grand scheme of things.
Quoted Meditation:
“The work of the gods is full of Providence: the work of Fortune is not divorced from Nature or the spinning and winding of the threads ordained by Providence. All flows from that other world; and there is, besides, necessity and the wellbeing of the whole universe, whereof you are a part. Now to every part of Nature that is good which the nature of the Whole brings, and which preserves that nature; and the whole world is preserved as much by the changes of the compound bodies as by the changes of the elements which compose those bodies. Let this be sufficient for you, these be continually your doctrines. But put away your thirst for books, that so you may not die murmuring, but truly reconciled and grateful from your heart to the gods.” — Meditations, 2.3
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In today’s episode, we explore Meditations 2.2 by Marcus Aurelius, diving into the Stoic understanding of our bodies, the concept of the “god” in Stoicism, and the relationship between our physical body, life-sustaining breath, and rational mind. Marcus identifies these three parts of the human being and challenges us to take control of the only one we can—the governing self, or rational mind.
We also touch on the Stoic concept of Logos, the naturalistic “god” that underpins the universe, and discuss the Stoic perspective on the body as a temporary vessel on loan from the universe. Finally, we delve into the importance of not letting our minds be controlled by selfish impulses or distractions, emphasizing the Stoic practice of paying attention to our thoughts and actions as the path to living a virtuous life.
Meditation Quoted:
“This whatever it is that I am, is flesh and vital spirit and the governing self. Disdain the flesh: blood and bones and network, a twisted skein of nerves, veins, arteries. Consider also what the vital spirit is: a current of air, not even continuously the same, but every hour being expelled and sucked in again. There is then a third part, the governing self. Put away your books, be distracted no longer, they are not your portion. Rather, as if on the point of death, reflect like this: 'you are an old man, suffer this governing part of you no longer to be in bondage, no longer to be a puppet pulled by selfish impulse, no longer to be indignant with what is allotted in the present or to suspect what is allotted in the future.'” (Meditations, 2.2)
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In this first episode of Season 2, we dive into one of my favorite meditations from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.1. I’ll be using the Farquharson translation throughout this season, and today, I’m excited to get started.
Meditation Quoted:
"Say to yourself in the early morning: I shall meet today inquisitive, ungrateful, violent, treacherous, envious, uncharitable men. All these things have come upon them through ignorance of real good and ill. But I, because I have seen that the nature of good is the right, and of ill the wrong, and that the nature of the man himself who does wrong is akin to my own (not of the same blood and seed, but partaking with me in mind, that is in a portion of divinity), I can neither be harmed by any of them, for no man will involve me in wrong, nor can I be angry with my kinsman or hate him; for we have come into the world to work together, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of upper and lower teeth. To work against one another therefore is to oppose Nature, and to be vexed with another or to turn away from him is to tend to antagonism." -- (Meditations, 2.1)
In this episode, I explore how Marcus’s reflection captures the essence of Stoicism by reminding us of the importance of viewing others with compassion, even when they act out of ignorance. We are all striving toward Virtue, and acknowledging our shared imperfections can foster a deeper sense of unity and purpose.
I also discuss the Stoic concepts of Virtue, the Unity of Virtue, and the idea that no one does wrong knowingly. These ideas challenge us to reconsider our judgments of others and ourselves, recognizing that everyone is acting from their own perceived understanding of what is right—even if that understanding is flawed.
Finally, I leave you with two questions to ponder and discuss in the comments: How well do you balance your service to the greater good with your own personal well-being? And how do you manage the conflict between your higher ideals and the distractions of daily life?
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In this primer episode for Season 2, I introduce the reboot of the podcast. If you're new here, welcome—I'm excited to have you join this journey. This season is not a reimagining but a refresh, building on the knowledge I've accumulated since I first started this podcast in 2022. While Season One was an exploratory beginning, Season Two aims to dive deeper into the Stoic canon with greater insight and understanding.
In this episode, I explain some key Stoic vocabulary you'll need to know, such as "Prokoptôn," "Virtue," "sage," "impression," and "assent." I also discuss the Stoic concepts of "Good," "Bad," and "indifferents," clarifying common misconceptions about Stoicism and how it guides us in making moral choices.
Additionally, I touch on the Stoic Circles of Concern and introduce my Pyramid of Concern, a tool I developed to help us better understand and prioritize our roles and responsibilities in the context of Stoic ethics.
Finally, I discuss the Dichotomy of Control—or, as I prefer to call it, the Dichotomy of Choice—emphasizing the importance of focusing on what we can choose and letting go of what we cannot.
This season will revisit the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, starting with Book 2, Meditation 1. Together, we'll explore Stoic philosophy in a way that is both deep and accessible, aiming to help you progress on your path toward Virtue.
Thanks for being here, and I'm looking forward to this journey with you. See you next week!
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Welcome to Season 2 of Practical Stoicism! When I started this podcast in January 2022, I knew very little about Stoicism. Fast forward to today, and the podcast now averages around 4 million plays a year. Along the way, I've written over half a million words on Stoicism, co-authored a book, and gained recognition as a Stoic philosopher within the academic community.
With all this growth and learning, I realized that some of the early episodes of this podcast may not be as accurate or insightful as I'd like them to be today. Rather than delete them, I've moved all 233 of those episodes into Season 1, creating a clear division between where I started and where we’re headed now.
So, what can you expect from Season 2?
I've learned that most of you appreciate a mix of ancient wisdom straight from the source, coupled with informed interpretations on how to apply that wisdom in contemporary life. You’re not necessarily strict Stoics, but rather individuals from diverse backgrounds looking for practical insights to incorporate into your own life philosophies.
In Season 2, I'll continue to provide practical Stoic advice while also diving deeper into the ancient theories and how they can be applied today. The podcast will remain a place for practical guidance, while my weekly digital print publication at stoicismpod.com/print will explore more advanced Stoic concepts for those who want to go further.
We’re starting this new season by revisiting the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, beginning with Book 2. This is a reboot, and I’m bringing all the knowledge I’ve gained since the podcast began.
I hope you enjoy this refreshed journey into Stoicism. Thanks for being here.
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In this episode, I delve into the concept of identity from a Stoic perspective, prompted by recent thoughts and experiences. I discuss how we often identify with various subordinate identities, such as our gender, profession, nationality, or personal preferences, and how these can sometimes overshadow our true identity.
I propose that, according to Stoic philosophy, we all share a single Cardinal Identity: Human Citizen of the Cosmos. This identity transcends all subordinate identities and unites us as part of a greater whole. I explore the potential pitfalls of over-identifying with our subordinate identities, which can lead to division and a narrow view of ourselves.
Through this discussion, I aim to shift the focus from these subordinate identities to our shared Cardinal Identity. By recognizing and embracing this Cardinal Identity, we can better fulfill our roles and contribute to the greater good of the cosmopolis.
Join me as I explore how understanding our true identity can help us live more virtuous and fulfilling lives, and how we can balance our various roles and characteristics without losing sight of our shared humanity.
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In this episode, I open up about my own health challenges, sharing that while I am "blood healthy", I am also carrying around some excess weight. This personal context sets the stage for a broader discussion on health and Stoicism.
I emphasize that taking care of our bodies is generally morally appropriate, but our approach to health must be contextually related to our abilities and circumstances. Stoicism teaches that the moral judgment of our approach to health is not linked to outcomes but to the moral reasoning guiding our actions.
I discuss the importance of balancing our roles and ensuring they do not conflict with one another. Using the example of a university student named David, I illustrate how different roles must be fulfilled in harmony, without one undermining another. David’s approach to health is contextually appropriate, balancing his roles as a student, family member, partner, friend, and aspiring Stoic.
I also address the misconceptions promoted by some "Stoic" masculinity influencers, who wrongly associate Stoicism with physical prowess and aggressive masculinity. True Stoicism is about logically understanding reality and making just moral choices, not about meeting arbitrary physical standards.
The key takeaway is that while physical health is an indifferent, our choices regarding health are not. Making contextually appropriate efforts toward health is a reflection of our moral character. I urge listeners to be honest with themselves about their efforts and to avoid using Stoic concepts as excuses for inaction.
Join me as I explore the intersection of health and Stoicism, and how we can make virtuous choices to support our well-being.
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Welcome back, my dear Stoic progressor. In today’s episode, I dive into a topic that may seem unfamiliar to some but is deeply relevant to many – the pressures and anxieties faced by students in the Philippines. Drawing on personal insights and the experiences shared by a listener, I explore the unique challenges that Filipino students encounter, from economic hardships to intense familial expectations.
As someone who has gained a unique perspective on Filipino culture through my marriage and personal experiences, I aim to provide valuable advice not just for Filipino students but for all young people struggling with the anxiety of school, whether it be college, high school, or earlier grades. I discuss the strong sense of familial duty ingrained in Filipino culture and how it often leads to a repression of individuality, creating a complex dynamic between personal ambitions and family obligations.
Throughout the episode, I will share practical Stoic wisdom to help students navigate these pressures. We'll explore the importance of focusing on what we can control – our attitudes, thoughts, and emotions – and how to cultivate a healthy relationship with expectations. By examining scenarios relatable to Filipino students, I offer strategies to balance familial responsibilities with personal growth, emphasizing that the pursuit of Virtue is central to Stoic philosophy.
Whether you’re a student in the Philippines or anywhere else, this episode aims to provide you with tools to manage stress and anxiety, honor your commitments to family, and stay true to your personal goals. Join me as we journey through these challenges together, seeking to live morally and justly while striving for inner peace and contentment.
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Become a Patron : https://stoicismpod.com/members
Download the Stoicism260 app : https://stoicism260.com
Subscribe to the Newsletter : https://practicalstoicism.net
Enroll in the course : https://understandingstoicism.com
Order my book : https://stoicismpod.com/book
Join the Society of Stoics : https://societyofstoics.org
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