Explore the resilience of Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Epictetus as they navigated personal hells through creativity and perseverance. Discover how to maintain focus and productivity during tough times, inspired by practical wisdom from history. Learn actionable tips like creating a 'bliss station' and embracing daily routines to foster a sense of normalcy. With insights from Austin Kleon, you'll find motivation to keep pushing forward and doing good for others, proving that even in adversity, you can thrive.
04:02
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Stoics Facing Adversity
Seneca, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius all faced severe hardships.
Despite their struggles, they persevered, demonstrating the Stoic principle of enduring hardship.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Persevere Through Challenges
Keep going even when facing difficulties.
Find a new normal, focus on positive actions, help others, and stay busy.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Austin Kleon's Rules for Difficult Times
Austin Kleon's rules for navigating difficult times include embracing routine, finding joy, and focusing on actions.
Other tips include making gifts, paying attention to the ordinary, and getting fresh air.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
When Seneca was exiled, he wanted to give up, but he didn’t. He wrote. He prepared for the opportunity that would eventually come. When Musonius Rufus was exiled, he did the same. He kept himself busy not just with writing, but by discovering a natural spring on the island he was trapped on, one that provided for inhabitants who had long been without fresh water. When Epictetus was born into slavery, he endured it for thirty years until his freedom finally came. When the plague fell upon Rome during Marcus’s reign, he found a way to create and keep a new normal, for all fifteen years of it. In each case, these Stoics were in a kind of hell. But you know what they did? They did what you’re supposed to do when you find yourself going through hell: They kept going. Which is what we have to do today, through this pandemic and all that life throws at us. We have to keep going. We have to find a new normal. We have to find things to focus on. We have to find ways to do good for others. We have to keep busy. We can also follow this help list of rules from Austin Kleon (who has a wonderful book by the same title): Every day is Groundhog Day. Build a bliss station. Forget the noun, do the verb. Make gifts. The ordinary + extra attention = the extraordinary Slay the art monsters. You’re allowed to change your mind. When in doubt, tidy up. Demons hate fresh air. Plant your garden.Most of all, we have to follow Churchill’s advice to KBO: Keep buggering on. Just keep going. You’ll get through this. ***Today's sponsor is Thrive Market, an online members-only marketplace filled with over 6000 ethical products. Sign up at thrivemarket.com/stoic and receiver an extra 25% off your first order. You'll receive your first 30 days of membership for free as well, and if you spend $49 or more you get free shipping. Join Thrive Market today!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Daily Stoic 