The Daily Stoic

Scott Thompson on Epictetus and Approaching Life with Laughter

24 snips
Apr 9, 2022
Scott Thompson, a Canadian comedian and actor famed for his roles in The Kids in the Hall and The Larry Sanders Show, shares his unique journey through humor and Stoicism. He discusses how he found laughter amid adversity, including surviving the Centennial Secondary School shooting and battling cancer. The conversation explores the interplay of tragedy and triumph, the transformative power of Stoic teachings from Epictetus, and the importance of resilience and authenticity in confronting life’s challenges, all sprinkled with Thompson's comedic insights.
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ANECDOTE

Stoic Introduction

  • Scott Thompson, a comedian, discovered Stoicism after hearing Ryan Holiday on The Breakfast Club.
  • He was captivated by a quote about facing death and subsequently explored Epictetus' teachings.
INSIGHT

Comedy's Power

  • Humor democratizes everyone, bringing all to the same level.
  • It highlights our shared human experience and pursuit of similar things.
ANECDOTE

Palace Humor

  • Epictetus, a slave, worked for Nero's secretary.
  • He used humor to cope with absurdity, like people fawning over Nero's cobbler.
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