In this episode, I discuss the concept of luck in Stoicism and its portrayal in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. I explore the idea of biased fortune and providence, highlighting the difference between mere chance and acting appropriately.

I also shares the story of the game of riddles between Bilbo and Gollum, emphasizing how Bilbo's actions and virtues influenced the outcomes. Finally, I draw parallels between Stoicism and Christianity, emphasizing the importance of acting virtuously and the potential rewards and consequences that follow.

Takeaways

Luck in Stoicism is not mere chance but biased fortune or providence.
Acting appropriately and virtuously increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Evil and vice ultimately lead to negative consequences.
The Stoic perspective on luck aligns with the Christian concept of grace and rewards for virtuous actions.

This episode is also available on YouTube.
Transcripts can be found on Substack: https://strongstoic.substack.com/

Find this episode on:https://linktr.ee/Strongstoic

The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.

This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblin
Substack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

#309 - Stoic Luck and Providence