Practical Stoicism cover image

Practical Stoicism

The Obstacle Isn't The Way

Oct 18, 2023
12:44
Snipd AI
The podcast explores the idea of obstacles in stoicism and how they can be turned into opportunities. It discusses the concept of viewing others as obstacles on the path to virtue. The host announces changes to the podcast and introduces a meditation from Marcus Aurelius. It also explores the comparison between stoicism and Buddhism. Listeners are informed about options to remove ads or support the speaker's work.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Obstacles in Stoicism are not external circumstances or other individuals, but oneself.
  • The pursuit of virtue in Stoicism is determined by personal choices and the proper use of the rational faculty.

Deep dives

Meditation 20: Seeing Others as Obstacles

In this podcast episode, Marcus Aurelius' meditation 20 from book 5 is discussed. The meditation highlights the perspective that while humans can be close to us in terms of benefiting or suffering from our actions, they can also become indifferent to us if they hinder our specific duties. Marcus suggests that just like the sun, wind, or any other obstacle, humans can obstruct certain actions but do not hinder our overall impulse and disposition. Marcus emphasizes the power of the understanding which enables us to adapt and alter obstacles, turning hindrances into help and obstacles into furtherance of our objectives.

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