The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of informal lectures written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical, directing students to focus on their opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires to distinguish what is within their control from what is not. The teachings aim to make people free and happy by living virtuously and 'according to nature.' The Discourses cover a wide range of topics, including friendship, illness, fear, and poverty, and how to acquire and maintain tranquility. They are set in Epictetus' classroom in Nicopolis and reflect his earnest and often humorous style of teaching[3][4][5].
In 'On Anger,' Seneca the Younger provides a thoughtful and instructive analysis of anger, laying bare its roots and exposing its many faces. The essay guides the reader through a series of reflections on understanding the cause of anger and learning how to control it. Seneca argues that anger is a powerful and destructive emotion that can harm the person experiencing it more than others, and he offers practical advice on how to manage and overcome it. The work remains relevant today, offering wisdom and eloquence on a complex emotion that has been a part of human experience since ancient times.
This extensive work, written in the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD, provides historical accounts and biographical sketches of prominent Greek philosophers. It divides Greek philosophy into two main schools: the Ionian, from Anaximander to Theophrastus, and the Italian, from Pythagoras to Epicurus. The text includes insights into the thoughts, contributions, and contexts of these philosophers, making it a crucial source for the history of Greek philosophy. Despite its value, the work is often criticized for its lack of critical evaluation of sources and focus on trivial details.
Cicero's On Duties is a philosophical treatise exploring moral obligations and ethical conduct, covering topics such as justice, honesty, and the proper role of citizens in society.
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
Seneca's "On Benefits" explores the nature of beneficence and the importance of giving and receiving kindness. He examines the various forms of benefits, both material and immaterial, and discusses the proper motivations for giving and receiving them. Seneca emphasizes the reciprocal nature of beneficence and its role in fostering social harmony. The work offers practical guidance on how to cultivate generosity and gratitude. Its enduring value lies in its timeless insights into human relationships and its practical advice for living a virtuous life.
Cicero's "Paradoxes of the Stoics" presents a series of seemingly contradictory statements from Stoic philosophy, aiming to challenge common misconceptions and highlight the nuances of their ethical system. The work explores themes such as the nature of good and evil, the importance of virtue, and the role of reason in achieving a fulfilling life. Cicero's engagement with Stoic ideas provides valuable insights into their core principles and their practical implications. The work's enduring value lies in its ability to stimulate critical thinking about ethical issues and its contribution to the understanding of ancient philosophical debates.
Cicero's "On the Ends" (De Finibus) is a comprehensive exploration of ethical theories from various schools of ancient philosophy, including Stoicism. The work presents dialogues between different philosophical viewpoints, allowing readers to compare and contrast their arguments. Cicero's own perspective emerges through his engagement with these different schools of thought. The book explores the nature of the good life and the role of virtue in achieving it. Its enduring value lies in its clear presentation of complex philosophical ideas and its contribution to the understanding of ancient ethical debates.
In this episode, I talk to Gregory B. Sadler. Through his public speaking, content production (including videos for a YouTube channel with over 150,000 subscribers), consulting, and philosophical counseling, Greg makes classical and contemporary philosophy accessible to non-philosophers.
I really enjoyed this conversation, in which we mainly discussed the many misconceptions there are about what Stoicism really is. Greg did a great job of clearing these misunderstandings up, so I think this will be a really useful episode for those who want to learn more about Stoicism to listen to. I hope you enjoy.
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Unbroken Tranquility And Unending Freedom
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The What Is Stoicism? Podcast 
