Practical Stoicism The Obstacle Isn't The Way
Oct 18, 2023
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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Marcus on Humans as Obstacles
- Marcus Aurelius views other humans as close to himself only insofar as he must do good to them and endure them.
- When others obstruct his duties, they become indifferent like sun or wind, mere obstacles to be adapted around.
Running Game Analogy for Obstacles
- The infinite running game analogy illustrates how obstacles in life are like pixels to dodge, not malicious forces.
- Marcus treats people as inert obstacles, similar to weather, requiring navigation rather than emotional reaction.
Obstacles Are Only Our Choices
- External events cannot truly impede our virtue; only our choices about them do.
- Fear or disruption caused by external factors is a failure of our rational navigation, not the external factor's doing.