PNTV: The Stoic Challenge by William B. Irvine (#399)
Aug 17, 2021
auto_awesome
In this podcast, Brian Johnson interviews William B. Irvine, a professor of philosophy and practicing Stoic philosopher. They discuss setback exemplars, antifragility, the Stoic Challenge, gratitude, and closing the gap between the best and worst versions of ourselves. Highly recommended for those seeking greater resilience and personal growth.
Setbacks can be overcome by drawing inspiration from setback exemplars who have faced and triumphed over challenges.
Challenges should be viewed as opportunities for personal growth, embracing the concept of antifragility.
Deep dives
Setback exemplars and the range of responses to setbacks
In the podcast, the concept of setback exemplars is discussed, highlighting that when faced with setbacks in life, there is a range of potential responses. The speaker emphasizes that suffering in the face of setbacks is optional and encourages listeners to look towards exemplars who have faced and overcome challenges. Specific examples of setback exemplars are mentioned, such as Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who continued pursuing her passion after losing her arm to a shark, and Stephen Hawking, a theoretical physicist who persevered despite Lou Gehrig's disease. The message is to draw inspiration from these exemplars and challenge oneself to overcome setbacks.
Embracing antifragility in the face of challenges
The concept of antifragility is discussed in the podcast as a state beyond resilience. Antifragility is the idea that challenges and obstacles can actually make one stronger and fuel personal growth. The podcast emphasizes that instead of viewing challenges as threats, individuals should approach them as opportunities to develop resilience. The analogy of the wind extinguishing a candle but fueling a fire is used to illustrate the concept of antifragility. The message is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow stronger and adopt the mantra 'obstacles make me stronger'.
Confronting and overcoming personal limitations
The podcast explores the idea of confronting personal limitations and striving for personal growth. The speaker shares a personal story and refers to Professor William B. Irvine, who calls his lesser self 'Lazy Bill', highlighting the importance of closing the gap between one's best self and the version that tends to be lazy or limited. The message is to consistently challenge one's limitations and strive to express the best version of oneself each day. By running protocols and choosing to do what is best even when faced with resistance, individuals can develop anti-fragile confidence and respond to life's challenges with determination.