What We Read, Watched, and Learned in 2025 (Episode 216)

Michael and Caleb look back on their favorite reads, conversations, and discoveries from the year.

They discuss why Cicero’s On Ends deserves a spot on every Stoic’s reading list, what the New Testament and Stoicism have in common, and the power of keeping philosophical maxims close at hand. The conversation covers a Spanish Jesuit’s handbook on practical wisdom, Plato’s failed attempt to mentor a tyrant, and which Stoic exercises actually work in daily life. Finally, they wrap up with moves of the year.

(01:00) Cicero’s On Ends: Why It’s the Perfect Second Book

(08:10) Reading the New Testament as a Stoic

(17:00) The Art of Worldly Wisdom by Baltasar Gracián

(24:20) The Life of Plato: Philosophy Meets Tyranny

(28:00) Stoic Maxims as Mental Magic

(32:20) The 10 Stoic Exercises: What Actually Works

(37:20) Movie Picks: Lord of the Rings and The Great Beauty

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations:

https://ancientlyre.com/

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