Philosophize This!

Episode #237 ... The Stoics Are Wrong - Nietzsche, Schopenhauer

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Sep 30, 2025
Delve into critiques of Stoicism by Friedrich Nietzsche and Arthur Schopenhauer. Nietzsche argues that Stoicism denies life's vibrant moments, preferring a philosophy of becoming over static being. He sees Stoic indifference as a suppression of passion and creativity. On the flip side, Schopenhauer claims Stoicism avoids suffering and values tranquility too highly, missing crucial insights gained through hardship. Discover the tensions between virtue and emotional detachment, and explore if Stoicism truly captures life's complexities.
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INSIGHT

Being Versus Becoming

  • Nietzsche sees Stoics as imposing static 'being' onto a dynamic world of becoming.
  • He thinks this denies creativity, passion, and the emergent nature of life.
INSIGHT

Affirm Fate Without Illusion

  • Nietzsche criticizes Stoic indifference as projecting values onto an indifferent universe.
  • He urges affirming fate passionately whether the world is ordered or chaotic.
ANECDOTE

Messy Relationship Example

  • West gives a messy relationship example to contrast Stoic and Nietzschean responses.
  • Nietzsche treats messy, excessive experience as fuel for self-overcoming and growth.
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