Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast Stoicism in a Time of Pandemic
Jan 11, 2023
This conversation delves into how Marcus Aurelius applied Stoicism to handle the challenges of the Antonine Plague. It highlights his writings in 'The Meditations' as a personal toolkit for navigating fear and mortality. The importance of virtue is emphasized, offering listeners guidance on how to maintain composure in times of crisis. The dialogue encourages reflection on our own mortality and the Dichotomy of Control, presenting Stoicism as a valuable philosophy for enduring hardships like a pandemic.
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Marcus Aurelius and Plague Meditations
- Marcus Aurelius wrote The Meditations during the Antonine Plague, reflecting on how to cope with a deadly pandemic.
- His meditations served as personal advice for managing fear, pain, anxiety, and loss amidst immense mortality.
Dichotomy of Control Explained
- Stoics distinguish between what is under our control and what is not, a concept called the dichotomy of control.
- Our distress arises not from events themselves but from our opinions and judgments about them.
Emotions Stem From Opinions
- Stoicism teaches us that fear and anger stem from our opinions, not from external causes like viruses or others' actions.
- Changing our judgments can lessen negative emotions during crises such as pandemics.
