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Stoicism 101 | Nancy Sherman

Nov 4, 2024

Nancy Sherman, a Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University and expert in ethics and Stoicism, dives deep into the philosophy often misunderstood as emotional suppression. She clarifies that true Stoicism involves understanding emotions rather than ignoring them. Sherman introduces practical techniques like 'premeditation of evils' and stresses the importance of vulnerability and community in resilience. The discussion reveals how ancient teachings can enhance modern emotional awareness and support, making Stoicism relevant in today’s fast-paced world.

01:06:42

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Nancy Sherman

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Quick takeaways

Stoicism is misinterpreted by many as merely suppressing emotions, whereas it encourages a deeper understanding of thought patterns and emotional responses.

The philosophy emphasizes the importance of community and shared humanity, highlighting that true resilience comes from mutual support rather than individual toughness.

Practices like 'premeditation of evils' help individuals prepare emotionally for potential hardships, fostering resilience and enabling them to cope with adversity more effectively.

Deep dives

Understanding Stoicism

Stoicism is an ancient Greco-Roman philosophy that emphasizes virtue and the management of one's emotions in the face of life's challenges. Unlike the common notion of stoicism as merely suppressing feelings or 'sucking it up,' it advocates for a deeper understanding of one's thought patterns. The Stoics believed in reflecting on vulnerability and our shared humanity, promoting resilience not just through individual strength but also through community and connection. This philosophical approach resonates strongly today as many seek ways to find calm amid uncertainty and develop meaningful relationships with others.

Stoicism: More Than Emotional Suppression

02:32

Intro

5min

Exploring the Depths of Stoicism

3min

Reinterpreting Stoicism: Vulnerability and Community

13min

Promotions for Personal Well-being and Mindfulness Practices

4min

Stoic Reflections and Emotional Resilience

22min

A Personal Gift and Hiring Solutions

2min

The Stoic Approach to Impulses and Resilience

24min

Exploring Stoicism: Books and Resources

3min

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What ancient Greeks and Romans figured out about stress reduction.

You may have heard about stoicism, in the common parlance, as having a stiff upper lip, sucking it up, grinning and bearing it, suppressing your emotions, etcetera. Or you may have heard of Stoicism, the ancient Greco/Roman philosophy, that has become the de rigeur set of life hacks among millennial self-optimizers.

In this episode, guest Nancy Sherman argues that Stoicism is way deeper than any of that. She will argue that, in fact, Stoicism is kind of the opposite of all the above. It’s a way to truly know your patterns of thought and emotion.

Nancy Sherman is a Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University. She is an expert in ethics, the history of moral philosophy, moral psychology, military ethics, and emotions. Her most recent book is called Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience.

This episode is a rebroadcast from 2021: it’s one of our most-listened episodes, and we thought it might be particularly useful in this time of election-related stress.

In this conversation, we:

cover the basics of Stoicism,
how and why capital “S” Stoicism is often misinterpreted,
a meditation practice called “premeditation of evils,” which is far more practical than it may sound,
and another practice designed to make you feel “at home in the world”.

Content Warning: There is a brief reference to suicide.

Related Episodes:

Ancient Strategies for Managing Stress & Anxiety | Ryan Holiday

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