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Philosophy For Our Times

Stoicism for contemporary society | Stoicism Series PART 3 | Nancy Sherman

Jan 14, 2025
Nancy Sherman, a Georgetown University philosophy professor and author of "Stoic Wisdom," explores the enduring appeal of Stoicism in today's world. She discusses how its principles can aid personal growth and address contemporary challenges, highlighting its community-oriented focus. Sherman also examines the connection between Stoicism and therapeutic techniques, revealing how reflective practices can enhance emotional management. Additionally, she shares insights from teaching Stoicism to Naval Academy midshipmen, linking its wisdom to resilience and mental health in military contexts.
26:03

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Quick takeaways

  • Stoicism emphasizes the importance of developing virtues and self-mastery to achieve inner happiness and resilience against life's challenges.
  • The philosophy highlights the communal aspects of human connections, advocating for empathy and global citizenship beyond individualistic pursuits.

Deep dives

Understanding Stoicism

Stoicism is an ancient Greco-Roman philosophy that emphasizes the importance of virtue as the key to happiness, arguing that external goods can disrupt one's inner stability. It teaches that developing habits and practices can help individuals distance themselves from emotional turmoil caused by the outside world. Stoics believe in self-mastery and practicing virtues to achieve a state of flourishing, termed eudaimonia. The philosophy encourages individuals to build resilience against life's challenges, enabling them to endure hardships such as war or loss with grace.

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