Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied Dana Gioia on Seneca and The Madness of Hercules (Episode 74)
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Sep 1, 2023 Dana Gioia, poet and translator of Seneca's The Madness of Hercules, discusses Seneca's tragedies and the enduring theme of enduring a world without justice and guarantees. The conversation covers Dana's personal story, Stoicism, Seneca's play, the value of Seneca's violence, reading vs listening vs seeing, Seneca the Playwright vs the Philosopher, Stoicism today, fasting, and more.
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Dana Gioia's Unconventional Path
- Dana Gioia, from a working-class LA background, pursued a career in arts despite its unconventional nature.
- His journey included studying music, poetry, business, and government, driven by personal experiences like his son's death and a house fire.
Choosing Art over Money
- Offered $600,000 to write about MBAs' negative impact on business, Gioia declined.
- He chose to prioritize writing projects aligned with his artistic vision.
Early Education and Stoicism
- Gioia's early education in a Catholic school emphasized philosophy and Latin, which he found surprisingly relevant later in life.
- His introduction to Seneca during college resonated with him, recognizing stoicism as a practical philosophy.