Top 7 Things I Learned about Stoicism from Running (Episode 168)
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Jan 28, 2025
Running is more than just a physical challenge; it embodies core Stoic principles. Pain is reframed as a temporary hurdle, showcasing the power of perception. The discussion highlights the importance of action and being present, encouraging engagement with the community. Listeners learn how the strides taken on the track resonate with life’s philosophies, emphasizing endurance and mindfulness. Discovering these lessons through running reveals profound insights into everyday experiences.
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insights INSIGHT
Pain is Subjective
Pain is not objective but depends on our perception of it.
Physical exertion, like running, demonstrates this by changing how we experience sensations.
insights INSIGHT
Anticipation vs. Reality
The fear of doing something, like running, is often worse than the actual experience.
This highlights how our anxieties about the future can be unfounded.
insights INSIGHT
Pain's Temporary Nature
Pain, like that experienced during a run, is temporary and comes in waves.
We can endure anything our minds deem endurable.
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Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
Letters from a Stoic
Seneca
Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic" comprises a collection of personal letters offering practical advice on living a virtuous life according to Stoic principles. Written to Lucilius, a friend and student, the letters cover a wide range of topics, including dealing with adversity, managing emotions, and finding inner peace. Seneca's writing style is engaging and relatable, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience. The letters offer timeless wisdom on self-improvement and ethical living. They remain a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges.
Discourses
Epictetus
The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of informal lectures written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical, directing students to focus on their opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires to distinguish what is within their control from what is not. The teachings aim to make people free and happy by living virtuously and 'according to nature.' The Discourses cover a wide range of topics, including friendship, illness, fear, and poverty, and how to acquire and maintain tranquility. They are set in Epictetus' classroom in Nicopolis and reflect his earnest and often humorous style of teaching[3][4][5].
Ancient and modern Stoics aren't just thinkers - they are runners too.
In this episode, Caleb explores how the simple act of running illuminates core Stoic principles about pain, perception, and perseverance.
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