James Romm, an author and classics professor at Bard College, shares insights from his translation of Seneca's thoughts on mortality. He explains how understanding and accepting death can enhance our quality of life. Romm discusses Seneca’s reflections on living courageously and with moral integrity by embracing our mortality. The conversation delves into human resilience, showcasing historical figures who faced death with dignity. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to reframe their fears about mortality as a path to freedom and virtue.
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Practice Death, Live Fully
Practice death and be aware of it.
Don't let time slip by; live fully.
insights INSIGHT
Death as an End to Suffering
The terrors of the underworld, like shadows and prisons, are mere fables.
Death ends suffering and returns us to pre-birth peace.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Julius Canus's Calmness
Julius Canus, facing execution under Caligula, thanked the emperor.
He continued his board game, showing remarkable calmness.
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This book delves into the life of Seneca, a Stoic philosopher, as he navigated the complexities and dangers of serving as an advisor to the Roman Emperor Nero. It examines Seneca's philosophical writings and their relevance to his personal and political struggles, providing insights into the intersection of philosophy and politics in ancient Rome.
How Not to Die
Michael Greger
Gene Stone
In *How Not to Die*, Dr. Michael Greger examines the top 15 causes of premature death in America, including heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's, and high blood pressure. He explains how nutritional and lifestyle interventions can often be more effective than pharmaceutical and surgical approaches in preventing and reversing these diseases. The book includes Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen, a checklist of foods to consume daily for maximum health benefits, and is backed by extensive scientific research and evidence.
Today’s episode features a section from James Romm’s How to Die: An Ancient Guide to the End of Life. How To Die is a modern translation and collection of Seneca’s musings on the shortness of life.
James Romm is an author and professor of classics at Bard College in Annandale, NY. His specialty is in ancient Greek and Roman culture and civilization. His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the London Review of Books, the Daily Beast, and more.
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