Caleb Ontiveros presents a compelling case for Stoicism, suggesting it's more intuitive than we realize. He questions why we let major setbacks affect us when minor ones don’t. The discussion highlights the link between happiness and virtue, emphasizing that true contentment arises from our character, not external events. It also explores the complex dynamics of suffering and joy, arguing that real fulfillment isn’t found in wealth or pleasure, but in the strength of our internal values.
16:57
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Stoic Happiness
Stoicism claims a happy life comes from cultivating excellent character, making happiness independent of fortune.
This egalitarian view suggests happiness is accessible to all, regardless of external circumstances.
insights INSIGHT
Human Nature and the Good Life
Stoics believe a good life aligns with our nature as decision-making beings, emphasizing excellent judgment (virtue).
Humans, unlike animals, can reflect on impressions before reacting, making rational choices key to a good life.
insights INSIGHT
Setbacks and Happiness
We acknowledge minor setbacks don't ruin our lives, viewing them as indifferent to overall happiness.
Stoicism questions why we grant larger setbacks the power to determine our life's value if minor ones don't.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Antifragile', Nassim Nicholas Taleb delves into the concept of antifragility, arguing that some systems not only withstand stress and disorder but actually benefit from them. The book builds on ideas from his previous works, such as 'Fooled by Randomness' and 'The Black Swan', and is part of his five-volume philosophical treatise on uncertainty, 'Incerto'. Taleb provides examples from various fields, including science, economics, and history, to illustrate how antifragility can be achieved and how it contrasts with fragility and robustness. He also discusses strategies like the barbell strategy and optionality, and critiques modern society's attempts to eliminate volatility, which he believes are harmful. The book is praised for its revolutionary ideas and multidisciplinary approach, though it has also received criticism for its style and some of the author's views on mental health and other topics.
Caleb Ontiveros makes the case that Stoicism is more intuitive than you might think. He argues that if minor setbacks don't ruin our lives, why should major ones? This episode explores how Stoic ideas about virtue, happiness, and adversity align with our deepest intuitions about living well.
***
Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied 