Episodes
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Like it says. See you May 6th, Prokoptôn. Take care until then!
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Anya Leonard, creator of Classical Wisdom and Classical Wisdom for kids, is filling in for me today because my wife and I just had our first baby, THIS MORNING, and Anya is a dear friend who wants to help ensure I get a "paternity" leave. Thanks Anya!
Everyone, please check out https://classicalwisdom.com to learn more about Anya, the First Philosophers, and other cool stuff from the Classical Age.
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Missing episodes?
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Apparently this episode got uploaded only in part. I'm sorry it took me nearly a month to realize it (been busy with the new baby), but this is the full episode. Thanks for letting me know and for being patient.
In today's episode of "Practical Stoicism," I tackle the deeply personal and often challenging topic of improving self-esteem. At its core, low self-esteem is a lack of self-approval, a revelation that can evoke a powerful emotional response in many of us. As we delve into this subject, I guide you through an introspective journey, starting with the acknowledgment of our self-disapproval and moving towards understanding and eventually overcoming these feelings. By differentiating the aspects of ourselves that we disapprove of for our own reasons versus those influenced by external expectations, we embark on a path to genuine self-acceptance. This episode not only seeks to deepen your understanding of self-esteem from a Stoic perspective but also to provide practical steps towards cultivating a healthier relationship with yourself.
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Umberto Eco's "On Ugliness": https://amzn.eu/d/7ASfkXw
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In today's episode of "Practical Stoicism," I explore the concept of living simply, not in the sense of minimalism as it's often portrayed—with a focus on physical belongings and a Scandinavian design aesthetic—but in the realm of simplifying our thoughts and, by extension, our lives. While Stoicism isn't about adopting an aesthetic of minimalism, it does advocate for simplicity over complexity in many aspects of life. I delve into how living simply, in a Stoic sense, means focusing on what truly matters, reducing unnecessary mental clutter that leads to physical clutter. By reflecting on Seneca's admiration for Scipio Africanus's modest bathhouse, I illustrate the beauty of simplicity and the Stoic pursuit of focusing on essentials. This episode challenges contemporary culture's superficial grasp of ancient philosophies and invites you to embrace true simplicity by prioritizing virtue and rational choices over material excess.
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Letter 86 from Seneca: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_86
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Who is the current Roman Emperor? Okay, so the Roman Empire no longer exists -- but if it did, who would have rightful claim to the throne?
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In this practical episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the critical art of forming good habits, a cornerstone of personal growth and self-improvement. Starting with a deep dive into the nature of bad habits—those that are not chemical addictions or compulsions but rather result from habituated choices—I draw from the profound insights of Epictetus on the realms of choice and control.
I emphasize that our actions and behaviors are within our grasp, aiming to guide you through the transformative process of becoming your best self by making deliberate choices. By clearly distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, I set the stage for overcoming undesirable habits.
With wisdom from Chrysippus and practical strategies for reshaping our behavior, this episode offers a Stoic roadmap to replace chronic behaviors with virtuous habits, guiding you on a transformative journey towards self-discipline and enlightened character development.
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In this enlightening episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the profound realization that the search for purpose and meaning in life becomes increasingly urgent as we age. I explore the journey from the invincibility felt in youth to the mature quest for fulfillment, highlighting the importance of discovering a purpose that transcends the expectations of others. Drawing on the wisdom of Stoic philosophy and the teachings of Epictetus and Agrippinus, I've come to understand that true purpose is a deeply personal voyage towards enlightenment, free from the constraints of conformity and rebellion. Join me as I navigate the path to uncovering our individual essence through the lens of Stoicism, offering insights into how to lead a life marked by virtue and excellence.
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Ladies and gentlemen, A.A. Long. The man responsible for Stoicism's contemporary revival.
We talk about free will, Zeno's criterion of truth, virtue ethics beyond the Classical period, and more.
I hope you enjoy this special episode.
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A. A. Long's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._A._Long
A. A. Long's website: https://dagrs.berkeley.edu/user/40
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In today's episode, we embark on a Stoic journey to manage anger, exploring how Stoicism provides practical tools for transforming our emotional responses. I delve into the Stoic distinctions between proto-emotions and assented-to emotions, illustrating how understanding these concepts can empower us to master our anger. By examining the role of impressions and the importance of not hastily giving assent, I share insights on how we can approach life's challenges with a calm and rational mindset. Join me as we discover Stoicism's timeless wisdom for managing anger and leading a more harmonious life.
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In today's episode, I delve into the pervasive issue of procrastination, a mental health symptom that seems to afflict us all in various degrees. From the stress of not being able to afford housing to the pressures of societal expectations, procrastination can manifest in many forms.
The Stoics, with their practical philosophy, offered a solution to procrastination through the concept of Memento Mori, or "remember that you must die." By confronting our mortality, we're reminded of the limited time we have and are encouraged to act accordingly. However, as I explore in the episode, simply reminding ourselves of death doesn't always translate into action.
We discuss the societal obsession with productivity and the relentless pursuit of efficiency, which often leads to burnout and anxiety. Despite our efforts to maximize productivity, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of endless tasks and obligations, with little time for genuine relaxation or self-reflection.
But there's a way out of this cycle. By redefining our priorities and embracing a mindset focused on virtue rather than productivity, we can reclaim control of our time and lives. This involves recognizing the inherent value of rest, leisure, and personal fulfillment, rather than constantly striving for external measures of success.
Ultimately, the key lies in two practices: Memento Mori, as a gentle reminder of life's finite nature, and the creation of a plan to guide our actions and priorities. With these tools, we can navigate the complexities of modern life with clarity and purpose, free from the burden of endless productivity.
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In this episode I delve into the painful experience of losing a relationship, particularly one that we didn't want to end. I highlight the acute distress caused by breakups, where someone actively chooses to leave, unlike death, which is inevitable and beyond anyone's control. I discuss how Stoicism-inspired reasoning can help alleviate the pain of heartache and navigate through the grief that follows a breakup.
I emphasize the concept of "indifferents" in Stoicism, things that have no power over our ability to choose virtuously. These indifferents prompt us to make choices, but they do not dictate the choices we ultimately make.
The episode clarifies the distinction between "indifferents" and "indifference," explaining that Stoics do not treat indifferents with indifference. Rather, they carefully consider how their choices regarding indifferents reflect their character and virtue.
Furthermore, Stoic role ethics are introduced, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's roles in life responsibly. The host explains that heartache can hinder our ability to fulfill our roles effectively and underscores the need to address heartache as an indifferent that could impede our progress toward cultivating a good character.
Practical steps for coping with heartbreak are provided, including acceptance, understanding that another person's unhappiness does not define your worth, focusing on fulfilling other roles in life, and practicing self-care.
Overall, the episode offers a Stoic perspective on navigating the emotional turmoil of heartbreak with rationality and self-care, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting indifferents while striving to fulfill one's roles in life responsibly.
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Greetings, listeners. It's remarkable to witness our community's growth, now exceeding 100,000 listeners every Monday and Friday. Your continued support is truly appreciated.
Today's episode delves into a thought-provoking query posed by Griff, a dedicated listener and Patron, regarding the relevance of personality types within the context of Stoicism. Griff questions whether such classifications confine individuals rather than foster personal development.
From my perspective, I maintain a degree of skepticism towards these systems. They often serve as tools for self-indulgence rather than avenues for genuine self-improvement. However, I do recognize their practical applications. They can provide valuable insights into our behaviors and guide therapeutic interventions.
While these systems may offer useful insights, it's crucial not to allow them to define us. Instead, we should view them as tools for self-reflection and growth. Let's utilize them wisely, not as rigid identity markers, but as resources for enhancing our understanding of ourselves and facilitating personal development.
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In today's episode, I tackle the enduring Stoic principle that "Virtue is its own reward." This exploration is a personal journey into the heart of Stoicism, examining whether this ancient wisdom holds true in our contemporary lives, and I won't shy away from getting a bit salty or taking some swipes along the way.
We begin with Meditation 11.4 as our focal point, which encourages us to reflect on our contributions to the common good and to find contentment in these efforts as our reward. This meditation is the springboard into a deeper discussion about the role of Virtue in our lives.
I openly acknowledge the practical realities of living by Stoic virtues. If I weren't compensated for producing this podcast, I simply wouldn't be able to do it. This admission leads us to the crux of today's topic: how to apply Stoic Virtue in our everyday existence. While Stoicism places Virtue as the highest good, it doesn't ignore the modern complexities we all navigate.
I critique the notion that to live a Stoic life, one might need to adopt an ascetic lifestyle, devoid of personal belongings or societal ties. However, this view aligns more with Cynicism than Stoicism. Stoicism doesn't advocate for unnecessary hardship but rather for a meaningful life, where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth, not as goals in themselves.
The discussion challenges the misconception that Stoics should live in extreme self-denial. Stoicism recognizes our natural human desires, emphasizing that it's possible to want things, be part of a community, and pursue goals that positively impact the Cosmopolis, or the global community.
At its core, today's episode reveals that Stoicism teaches Virtue is indeed its own reward, but this doesn't mean withdrawing from the world. Virtue manifests through our actions, decisions, and our influence on our Circles of Concern—the people, animals, and environment we interact with. Stoics are encouraged to live lives that harmonize personal ambitions with the collective good, always acting with the welfare of the community in mind.
The key takeaway is that Stoicism is about active participation in life, not seclusion from it. It's about chasing what we want, within reason, and contributing to society in meaningful ways. Stoicism doesn't force us to choose between living virtuously and living fully; it suggests that a truly good life includes both.
Remember, it's about being a Human Being, appropriately, engaging with the world, pursuing Virtue, and finding fulfillment in the good we do for both others and ourselves.
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In today's episode, I delve into the profound theme of Forgiveness within the framework of Stoicism, a topic that resonates deeply with both my personal experiences and the Stoic principles I strive to embody. I commence with a note of gratitude towards new Patrons – Dan Brann, Jenny Kay, and Jay – whose support is instrumental in dedicating myself fully to this podcast. For those contemplating joining our Patreon, it offers an ad-free listening experience, exclusive articles, discussions with special guests, and a vibrant private Discord community.
The essence of today's discourse on Forgiveness is drawn from a personal narrative – my journey of forgiving my mother, a path marked by decades of hurt, distance, and ultimately, reconciliation. This story illustrates not just a personal struggle but encapsulates the Stoic view on external events and our control over them. My childhood, marred by broken promises and absent visitations, laid the groundwork for years of resentment towards my mother. However, the Stoic practice of accepting things beyond our control and focusing on our reactions played a pivotal role in navigating this tumultuous relationship.
Forgiveness, from a Stoic perspective, is intricately tied to the understanding and acceptance of human imperfection, including our own. It is not merely about absolving others but recognizing the limitations within which everyone operates. This realization does not come swiftly or easily; it is a gradual process of internalizing and genuinely believing in the fallibility of all humans, including those who might have wronged us.
The episode breaks down Forgiveness into three actionable steps rooted in Stoic philosophy:
Acknowledging our lack of control over others' actions and their inherent imperfections.
Internalizing this understanding to a degree where it informs our belief system and reactions.
Adjusting our expectations to align with the reality of human imperfection, thereby reducing the likelihood of disappointment.
This framework for Forgiveness, though not explicitly outlined in Stoic texts, draws inspiration from Stoic principles, particularly the reflections of Marcus Aurelius on self-awareness and mutual human fallibility.
In conclusion, Forgiveness, as discussed in this episode, transcends the personal and delves into the philosophical, offering a Stoic approach to dealing with one of the most challenging aspects of human relationships. It's a reminder of the power of acceptance, the importance of adjusting our expectations, and the virtue of empathy towards ourselves and others.
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It is not always Just to be nice, but it is always nice to be Just. This is easier said than done. Can Meditations 5.32 and a bit of heavy Monday morning reflection help us get better? If not, there's a Toblerone at the end of this episode that you might be interested in.
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Anya Leonard is my friend and one of my heroes. She's built something really incredible over the last 10-years (ClassicalWisdom.com) and I think it is as important a contribution to mankind as was Britannica compiling the great works of Western literature - she has create a "great works" platform and she provides it for free to everyone. This makes her not just a friend and a hero but also a comrade in arms. In today's episode you'll learn about Anya, some of her history, what inspired her to start Classical Wisdom more than a decade ago, and also about an upcoming talk she's giving at the Plato's Academy Centre on philosophy and kids.
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Classical Wisdom: https://classicalwisdom.com
Greek Classics Course: https://courses.classicalwisdom.com
Plato's Academy Event: https://philosophyandchildren.eventbrite.ca
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Tanner Campbell converses with Michael Tremblay, an MMA fighter, writer, and co-creator of Stoa Stoic Meditations app. They delve into several topics, including the role of sport and exercise in addressing rage and anger.
Michael Tremblay shares his insights on the practice of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and its philosophical alignment with Stoicism. He emphasizes how martial arts were his first exposure to explicit moral education, teaching not just physical skills but also the importance of character development, self-control, and ethical behavior.
Discussing anger, Tremblay highlights the Stoic perspective, as outlined by Seneca, which views anger as a reaction to perceived harm that demands punishment. He distinguishes between two types of anger: the immediate, reactionary kind often experienced in daily frustrations, and a deeper, more persistent anger stemming from significant personal betrayals or grievances.
Tremblay notes that while physical activities like martial arts can effectively mitigate the immediate, reactionary anger, they are less effective in addressing deeper, long-standing feelings of rage or betrayal. He explains how Stoicism helps navigate these emotions by encouraging a present-focused mindset, acknowledging past mistakes while striving to change and improve.
In dealing with regret, Tremblay and Campbell agree that while Stoicism advocates for acceptance and moving forward, it also acknowledges the natural feelings of sadness and shame that come with regret. They underscore the importance of understanding and transforming these feelings constructively, focusing on the present and future actions rather than dwelling on past errors.
The conversation also touches upon Epictetus, his background as a slave, and his philosophical teachings. Tremblay provides insights into Epictetus's approach to teaching young Roman men destined for politics or industry, emphasizing the importance of not just learning philosophy but living it.
In summary, the podcast highlights the value of physical disciplines like martial arts in managing immediate anger and stress, while recognizing the need for philosophical reflection and self-improvement in addressing deeper emotional issues. The discussion reinforces the Stoic principles of focusing on present actions, accepting the past, and continually striving for personal growth and ethical living.
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Check out Neurohacker: https://neurohacker.com/practical
Podcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com
Stoa Conversations: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7wHSqUf6BZDIUBDu0YgAAs
Stoa Meditation App: https://stoameditation.com
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