The book 'Lives of the Stoics' provides stoic examples and philosophical case studies, offering valuable insights into the lives, thoughts, and actions of Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
The upcoming Stoicism Applied course emphasizes social support and motivation in applying stoic lessons to daily life, providing a three-week intensive program for individuals serious about embracing stoic principles.
The lives of Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius showcase the challenges of ambition, moderation, freedom, and leadership, raising thought-provoking questions about the balance between extremes and the influence of virtue and personal reflections on stoic practices.
Deep dives
Stoic Examples and Philosophical Case Studies
This podcast episode discusses Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman's book, Lives of the Stoics, which focuses on the big three Roman Stoics: Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. The book provides stoic examples and philosophical case studies, presenting anecdotes of people acting stoically or displaying stoic virtues. It explores the lives of these stoics and delves into their philosophies, offering valuable insights into their thoughts and actions.
Stoicism Applied to Life
The podcast episode highlights the upcoming live course called Stoicism Applied, which is grounded in Epictetus' disciplines of desire, judgment, and action. It emphasizes the importance of social support and motivation in applying stoic lessons to daily life and offers a three-week intensive course for individuals serious about walking the stoic path.
Seneca: Striving and the Dangers of Ambition
The episode explores the life of Seneca, a widely renowned stoic philosopher who faced the challenges of ambition and moderation. It delves into the complexities of Seneca's life, discussing his role as a tutor to Nero and the ethical dilemmas he encountered. The podcast raises thought-provoking questions about the balance between moderation and extremism and the influence of ambition on virtuous behavior.
Epictetus: Freedom and Stoic Philosophy
The episode delves into the life of Epictetus, a stoic philosopher born into slavery, who later became known for his teachings and his emphasis on freedom. It explores how Epictetus questioned different forms of slavery, including physical and philosophical, and presents his philosophical insights on what it truly means to be free. The discussion sheds light on his distinctive perspective and its relevance in Stoic philosophy.
Marcus Aurelius: Virtuous Leadership and Personal Reflections
The podcast explores the life of Marcus Aurelius, a stoic philosopher who became the Roman emperor. It highlights the challenges he faced, such as the plague, invasions, and internal conflicts, and reflects on his role as a leader. The episode emphasizes the significance of Marcus Aurelius' personal reflections, as revealed in his private journal known as 'Meditations,' and how these insights shaped his stoic practices and leadership style.
In this conversation, we review Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman’s Lives of the Stoics, focusing on their accounts of the big three Roman Stoics: Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. This is a great episode for getting a sense of the lives of key figures we talk about.