The Dichotomy of Control

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What’s required for freedom? What does self respect demand?

In this conversation, Caleb Ontiveros speaks with William Stephens about Epictetus’s Handbook.

They discuss Epictetus’s conception of freedom, self-respect, and end with a discussion on his role ethics.

We’ve had several conversations with William Stephens, he’s one of the foremost philosophical experts on Epictetus, so we’re excited to share another one.

Epictetus’s 'Encheiridion': A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics

(01:56) What is the Handbook?

(05:53) Historical Impact of Epictetus

(11:26) How Epictetus Understood Freedom

(24:18) Tranquility

(28:33) Self-respect

(32:09) Role Ethics

(37:59) Epictetus on Career Choice

(41:54) Stoic Heroes

(45:39) Stoic Antiheroes

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Stoa Conversations is Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay’s podcast on Stoic theory and practice.

Caleb and Michael work together on the Stoa app. Stoa is designed to help you build resilience and focus on what matters. It combines the practical philosophy of Stoicism with modern techniques and meditation.

Download the Stoa app (it’s a free download): stoameditation.com/pod

Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/

Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe

Caleb Ontiveros has a background in academic philosophy (MA) and startups. His favorite Stoic is Marcus Aurelius. Follow him here: https://twitter.com/calebmontiveros

Michael Tremblay also has a background in academic philosophy (PhD) where he focused on Epictetus. He is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His favorite Stoic is Epictetus. Follow him here: https://twitter.com/_MikeTremblay

Thank you to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/