Heroic Chat with William B. Irvine: What It Means To Be a Hero
Sep 24, 2023
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In this Heroic Chat, Brian Johnson interviews William B. Irvine, a professor of philosophy and author of philosophy books for a general audience. They discuss mindful living, the philosophy of stoicism, the power of framing setbacks, stoic responses to insults, living in integrity, and embracing discomfort.
Stoicism offers strategies to manage emotions, embrace setbacks, and focus on what can be controlled.
Seneca exemplified stoicism by navigating challenges with integrity and uplifting others.
Stoicism promotes voluntary discomfort, strategic thinking, and reflection to expand comfort zones and align actions with values.
Deep dives
The Stoic Approach to Negative Emotions and Positive Emotions
Stoicism offers strategies to avoid and minimize negative emotions, while embracing and cultivating positive emotions. It emphasizes framing setbacks in a positive light and focuses on what can be controlled. Stoicism encourages acts of voluntary discomfort and choosing virtues to live by.
Seneca's Heroic Stoic Wisdom
Seneca, a renowned Roman Stoic, exemplified the practice of stoicism in his life. He demonstrated the ability to cheer up others even in the face of his own impending death. Seneca's commitment to his philosophy allowed him to navigate challenges and live in integrity with his highest ideals.
The Trichotomy of Control in Stoicism
Stoicism introduces the concept of the trichotomy of control, which includes things we have complete control over, things we have no control over, and things we have some control over. Stoics emphasize focusing on what we have control over and not worrying about what we can't control. They recognize the importance of strategic thinking and planning while accepting the limits of control.
Living Outside the Comfort Zone
Stoicism encourages individuals to voluntarily seek discomfort, both physically and mentally, as a means to expand their comfort zone and prepare for challenges in life. It promotes pushing boundaries, taking risks, and embracing failure as opportunities for growth and resilience. Stoics also emphasize the value of reflecting on our actions and motivations to align them with stoic values.
Micro Moments of Awesome
Stoicism acknowledges the impact of small acts of kindness and appreciation in our daily lives. By practicing acts of kindness and providing genuine compliments, we contribute to making someone else's day brighter. Stoics recognize the opportunity to bring joy and positivity to others, even through simple gestures.
In today’s Heroic Chat, we are joined by William B. Irvine.
William B. Irvine is professor of philosophy at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Irvine writes books on philosophy for an average audience. He says, “I am not interested, as most of my philosophical colleagues are, in writing primarily for other philosophers. Rather, my intended audience can best be described as intellectually-upscale general readers who have a minimal background in philosophy but who are interested in carefully rethinking the assumptions of everyday life.”
He is also the author of The Stoic Challenge and A Guide to the Good Life.