Scepticism and open mindedness are key to a healthy mind. We have this psychological phenomenon called confirmation bias. Left to run, it will make us more and more close minded. One of the new ideas is that many of your old ideas are mistaken. Reach out to intelligent, articulate people on the other side of the debate. Almost invariably you can gain something from talking to them.
Author and philosophy professor William Irvine goes in-depth on Stoicism, and why the fundamental tenets of this ancient philosophy can provide answers to some of the toughest problems in today’s society. On this episode Irvine offers a definition and some useful background on Stoicism and its origins, the original Stoics, their thoughts on failure, their advice on decision making, and how we can train ourselves to be more stoic.
Irvine has written seven books including the wildly popular 2008 release A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, and the 2019 follow-up, The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient. Irvine also teaches philosophy and logic courses at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
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