The Daily Stoic Professor M.D. Usher on Living in Accordance with Nature
Jan 15, 2022
M.D. Usher, a professor of classical languages and literature at the University of Vermont, also brings his perspective as a farmer. In this conversation, he delves into the philosophical implications of living in harmony with nature and the moral complexities of farming. Usher shares insights on ancient perspectives on slavery in agriculture, interweaving Stoic principles with modern experiences. He also humorously discusses his relationship with donkeys on the farm, revealing how these creatures embody deeper lessons of stewardship and community.
01:09:57
Cato's Treatment of Slaves
- Cato the Elder, known for his frugality, treated slaves inhumanely, even by Roman standards.
- Plutarch criticized Cato's practice of wearing out slaves and then selling them.
Slavery in Roman Agriculture
- Roman farming heavily relied on slave labor, a practice criticized even by some contemporaries.
- Voices like Seneca and Pliny the Elder condemned slavery, yet no widespread revolt occurred.
The Philosophical Magic of Composting
- Lucretius's philosophy of atomism, illustrated by composting, posits that nothing is created or destroyed, only transformed.
- This resonates with the cyclical nature of life and death.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Farming and Philosophy: A Rural Reflection
02:05 • 5min
Ancient Perspectives on Slavery and Philosophical Cycles
07:17 • 14min
Overcoming Barriers to Therapy and Small Business Hiring Solutions
21:28 • 3min
Farming: Moral Dilemmas and Nature's Lessons
24:33 • 15min
Navigating Control and Community in Stoic Living
39:10 • 3min
Farming Meets Philosophy: A Natural Dialogue
42:20 • 19min
Donkeys: Guardians and Philosophers
01:00:50 • 14min
Reflecting on Progress and Future Generations
01:14:24 • 4min
De Agri Cultura
On Agriculture
Marcus Porcius Cato (Cato the Elder)
De Agri Cultura, written by Cato the Elder around 160 BCE, is the oldest surviving work of Latin prose.
It provides detailed advice on farm management, animal husbandry, and the organization of slaves, reflecting the sophistication of Rome's farming economy.
The text also includes recipes, medicinal remedies, and religious rituals, offering insights into Roman social dynamics and agricultural practices.
The Philosophy of Chrysippus
A Reconstruction of His Thought
Professor Gould
This work provides a comprehensive overview of Chrysippus' philosophy, focusing on his contributions to logic, natural philosophy, and ethics.
It highlights his role as a key figure in Stoicism, emphasizing his influence on the development of Stoic thought.
Fragments of Cleanthes
Preserved Works of the Stoic Philosopher
Cleanthes of Assos
Cleanthes' writings, though mostly lost, have been preserved in fragments by ancient authors like Diogenes Laërtius and Stobaeus.
His works contributed significantly to Stoic philosophy, emphasizing materialism and the concept of tension (*tonos*).
His famous 'Hymn to Zeus' showcases his philosophical views on the divine and the natural order.
The Comedies of Terence
Six Plays of Roman Comedy
Publius Terentius Afer (Terence)
Terence's comedies are renowned for their adaptations of Greek New Comedy, focusing on themes of love, family intrigue, and social dynamics.
His plays are characterized by their conversational style and realistic dialogue, differing from the more exuberant works of Plautus.
The comedies have been studied for centuries as models of pure Latin and continue to influence Western drama.
De re rustica
Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella
De Re Rustica, written by Columella, is one of the most detailed and systematic Roman works on agriculture.
It covers topics such as soil selection, crop care, animal husbandry, and gardening, providing insights into Roman agricultural practices.
The work is structured into twelve books, each addressing different aspects of farming and estate management.
Musonius Rufus' Lectures
Including Views on Farming
Musonius Rufus
Musonius Rufus, a Stoic philosopher, argued that farming is a noble and virtuous occupation that allows for the pursuit of philosophy.
He believed that manual labor in farming does not hinder philosophical thought and can even enhance it by providing time for reflection.
His lectures emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature and cultivating virtues through practical activities like farming.
Against purity
Alexis Shotwell
In *Against Purity: Living Ethically in Compromised Times*, Alexis Shotwell argues that individual purity is unattainable and that recognizing our complicity in systemic problems is crucial for ethical living.
The book explores themes of colonialism, pollution, and social justice, proposing a new approach to ethics that emphasizes interdependence and collective action.
Shotwell suggests that hope lies in speculative fiction, collective activism, and a distributed ethics that acknowledges the complexity of our world.
The golden ass
Apuleius
The Golden Ass, also known as Metamorphoses, is a Roman novel by Apuleius that tells the story of Lucius, a young man fascinated by magic who is accidentally transformed into a donkey.
The novel is filled with inset tales and explores themes of transformation and redemption.
It is considered a precursor to the picaresque genre and has influenced many later writers.
Plato's Pigs and Other Ruminations
Ancient Guides to Living with Nature
Mark Usher
This book combines historical analysis with modern environmental concerns, using ancient texts to explore sustainable living.
It covers topics from Presocratic philosophy to Stoicism and Roman agricultural practices, offering insights into how ancient ideas can inform contemporary ecological issues.
The book is a blend of literary criticism, historical study, and personal reflection on sustainable living.
Aristotle's writings on women
Aristotle
Plato's writings
Plato
Natural History
Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder's Natural History is an encyclopedic work that covers a vast range of topics from the natural world.
It is a monumental achievement of Roman scholarship, encompassing geography, zoology, botany, astronomy, and mineralogy, among other subjects.
The work is characterized by its comprehensive scope, detailed descriptions, and incorporation of a wide range of sources.
While not always scientifically accurate by modern standards, it remains a valuable source of information about the ancient world's understanding of nature and its resources.
Its influence on subsequent naturalists and scholars is undeniable, making it a significant contribution to the history of science and knowledge.
Epistulae morales ad Lucilium
Seneca the Younger
The letters, written between approximately 63 AD and 65 AD, are addressed to Lucilius Junior, the procurator of Sicily.
They are not strictly personal correspondence but rather open letters intended for a wider audience.
Seneca discusses various aspects of Stoic philosophy, including the importance of virtue, the fleeting nature of life, and how to deal with daily challenges.
The letters often start with observations of everyday incidents and expand into broader philosophical discussions.
Seneca emphasizes moderation, the importance of living in the present, and the need to cultivate inner strength and wisdom.
Epictetus' Discourses
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Epictetus
Epictetus' Discourses, compiled by his student Arrian, represent a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy.
These teachings emphasize inner freedom, focusing on what we can control—our thoughts and actions—rather than external events.
Epictetus's practical approach to living a virtuous life resonates with readers seeking guidance on managing emotions and navigating life's challenges.
His emphasis on self-awareness and acceptance of what is beyond our control offers a path to inner peace and resilience.
The Discourses remain a valuable resource for understanding and applying Stoic principles in daily life.
Polybius' Roman history
Polybius' Roman history
Polybius
Philosophy as a way of life
Pierre Hadot
In 'Philosophy as a Way of Life,' Pierre Hadot argues that ancient philosophy was not merely a theoretical discipline but an art of living aimed at relieving suffering and transforming the self.
The book delves into 'spiritual exercises' such as self-control, meditation, and the view from above, which were central to the practices of Socrates, Stoicism, and Epicureanism.
Hadot's work emphasizes the importance of these exercises in achieving wisdom and living a fulfilling life, and it highlights the distinction between ancient philosophical practices and the more abstract, theoretical approach of modern philosophy.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.
Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature.
Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
Plato's Republic
Plato
Seneca's Letters
null
Seneca
Seneca's 'Letters from a Stoic' is a collection of personal letters offering philosophical guidance and reflections on life.
Written to his friend Lucilius, these letters cover a wide range of topics, including virtue, happiness, death, and the importance of living in accordance with nature.
Seneca's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex philosophical ideas understandable to a wider audience.
The letters provide practical advice and encouragement for navigating life's challenges and cultivating inner peace.
Their enduring relevance stems from their timeless wisdom and their focus on personal growth and self-improvement.
How to Be a Farmer: An Ancient Guide to Life on the Land
M.D. Usher
This book is an anthology of ancient Greek and Roman writings that explore the philosophy and practice of farming.
It includes translations by M.D.
Usher, featuring works by Hesiod, Plato, Varro, and others, highlighting the dignity of labor and the connection between agriculture and culture.
The book offers a unique perspective on farming as a way of life, emphasizing its ethical, social, and spiritual dimensions.
De Rerum Natura
On the Nature of Things
Titus Lucretius Carus
De Rerum Natura is a six-book poem written in Latin hexameters by Lucretius.
It sets forth the physical theory of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, explaining the principles of atomism, the mortality of the soul, and the natural explanations for various phenomena.
The poem is divided into six books, each addressing different aspects of Epicurean philosophy, including the atomic structure of the universe, the nature of mind and soul, the mechanics of sense perception, and the origins of the world and human society.
Lucretius argues that the universe operates according to natural laws without divine intervention, and he aims to eliminate fear of death and the supernatural by demonstrating that all phenomena can be explained by natural causes.
Ryan talks to professor M.D. Usher about his new book How to Be a Farmer: An Ancient Guide to Life on the Land, the philosophical contradiction of the ancients practice of slavery, what the Stoics mean by living in accordance with nature, and more.
M.D. Usher is a University of Vermont alumnus and joined the UVM faculty in 2000. Before attending UVM as an undergraduate he apprenticed in Germany as a post-and-beam carpenter and later earned his Ph.D. in Classics at The University of Chicago.
Watch the Stoic (and life) Lessons of Hunting video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9IBcoOit_4
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