Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied Michael Bonner on the Rise and Fall of Civilization (Episode 24)
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Stoics have a contemplative practice called The View From Above – it involves looking down on our life from a larger vantage point. An excellent way to do that is to zoom out and look at history, the rise and fall of civilizations. When we do that, the trivial falls away and what is important remains.
This conversation with Dr Michael Bonner takes that larger perspective. Michael is a classist, civil servant, an expert on the Islamic Golden Age, and the author of In Defense of Civilization, an expert on the Islamic Golden Age.
He and Caleb discuss the nature of civilization, ideas of renewal, beauty, and order, what it means to be civilized, and what it means to be human.
(01:54) Introduction
(05:18) What is Civilization?
(11:38) The Beginning of Civilization
(17:39) Ancient Greece
(22:06) The Role of Philosophy in Civilization
(34:05) The Challenge to Civilization
(46:37) What Should We Do?
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Stoa Conversations is Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay’s podcast on Stoic theory and practice.
Caleb and Michael work together on the Stoa app. Stoa is designed to help you build resilience and focus on what matters. It combines the practical philosophy of Stoicism with modern techniques and meditation.
Download the Stoa app (it’s a free download): stoameditation.com/pod
Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
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Caleb Ontiveros has a background in academic philosophy (MA) and startups. His favorite Stoic is Marcus Aurelius. Follow him here: https://twitter.com/calebmontiveros
Michael Tremblay also has a background in academic philosophy (PhD) where he focused on Epictetus. He is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His favorite Stoic is Epictetus. Follow him here: https://twitter.com/_MikeTremblay
Thank you to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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