In this episode I take a current headline—the opening of COP30 in Belém, Brazil—and sit with it like a philosopher, not a pundit. Instead of debating policy language or political victories, I look at what a global event like this means for people trying to live excellently right now. How do we face something as vast as climate change without falling into despair, apathy, or outrage? How do we care well within the limits of what’s up to us?
Through the lens of Stoicism, I explore how the virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance apply to the climate crisis. You’ll hear how to use premeditatio malorum as a calm, practical exercise for readiness; how to transform grief and anger into usefulness; and how to translate anxiety into daily, deliberate action.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
-
The dichotomy of control is not a license to stop caring; it’s a guide for caring well.
-
Virtue lives in the roles we already occupy—parent, neighbor, citizen—not in waiting for permission from global summits.
-
Temperance, courage, and wisdom are not abstract ideals but habits that build resilience and trust where you live.
For an ad-free version of this podcast please visit https://stoicismpod.com/members
For links to other valuable Stoic things, please visit https://links.stoicismpod.com
If you'd like to provide feedback on this episode, or have questions, you may do so as a member. Email sent by non-members will not be answered (though they may be read). This isn't punitive, I just cannot keep up. Limiting access to members reduces my workload. You're always invited to leave a comment on Spotify, member or not.
Thanks for listening and have a great day!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
