The Stoic Discipline of Assent: Control Your Mind, Control Your Life

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.

In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Assent, the practice of choosing how we respond to impressions, rather than being led by impulse or unexamined opinions.

In an age of fast judgments, social media scrolls, and reactive emotions, this discipline gives us a way back to clarity. Stoicism teaches that when something happens, we don’t have to accept what our emotions or impressions tell us immediately. With assent, rejection, or withholding judgment, we can learn to meet life with presence, wisdom, and truth.

Drawing on Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Zeno, Benny walks through the stages of assent: noticing first impressions, pausing, investigating what’s really going on, then either approving, rejecting, or suspending judgment. You’ll discover how this discipline helps with emotional regulation, clearer decision-making, healthier relationships, and a more grounded view of what’s true.

If you’ve ever felt dragged along by rush judgments or upset by your immediate reactions, this episode will show you tools and practices to slow down, check your impressions, and act from virtue.

For more on this topic, see the full guide:
👉 https://viastoica.com/how-to-practice-the-stoic-discipline-of-assent/

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