Everything Wrong with Stoicism | The Hidden Truth with William Mulligan

In this episode, William takes a bold and introspective look at the flaws and limitations of Stoicism. Despite being a daily practitioner and teacher of the philosophy, he opens up about the challenges he faced when reconciling Stoic teachings with modern psychology, science, and personal experience.

He explores the common criticism that Stoics are emotionless and detached, addressing the misconception that practicing Stoicism means suppressing emotions rather than understanding and managing them. He also discusses the rigid dichotomy of control, questioning whether a more nuanced approach—acknowledging areas where we have partial influence—might be more practical. A major focus is on anger and whether Stoicism’s stance on eradicating it is truly beneficial or if anger, when used correctly, can be a powerful and necessary tool for setting boundaries and enforcing justice.

William reflects on the ways Stoicism has not been fully adapted to modern life, acknowledging that while its core principles are timeless, the philosophy often speaks to an idealized Stoic Sage rather than the everyday person. He shares his thoughts on the need for a clearer structure within Stoicism, making it more accessible and actionable for those seeking personal growth. He also explores the issue of inclusivity, questioning why Stoicism has historically been dominated by male figures and how making it more relatable to all people can enrich the philosophy as a whole.

As he works toward developing a modern, structured approach to Stoicism, William invites listeners to reflect and engage. Do you agree with his critiques? What would you change about Stoicism? This episode is an open discussion on how we can evolve Stoic practice for the modern world without losing its core essence.