How can Stoicism improve your life? (with Bill Irvine)

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Feb 14, 2024

In this discussion, Bill Irvine, an emeritus professor of philosophy and expert on Stoicism, dives into the relevance of Stoic principles today. He explores how Stoicism can lead to a fulfilling life through negative visualization and personal growth. The conversation touches on the balance between emotions and rationality, the importance of self-reflection, and how to navigate political beliefs with constructive dialogue. Irvine also examines how modern challenges in social media affect our critical thinking and decision-making.

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ADVICE

Negative Visualization

Use negative visualization; imagine losing things you value.
This reactivates your appreciation for what you have.

INSIGHT

Adaptability and Satisfaction

Happiness depends on how we process our situation, not just the situation itself.
Be adaptable and savor what you have; this leads to satisfaction.

ADVICE

Embrace Satisfaction

Learn to be easily satisfied with what you have.
Don't constantly chase bigger things, appreciate your current situation.

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A Guide to the Good Life

William B. Irvine

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

The Stoic Challenge

A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient

William B. Irvine

In "The Stoic Challenge," William B. Irvine presents a practical guide to applying Stoic philosophy to overcome challenges and build resilience. The book delves into core Stoic principles, such as negative visualization and the dichotomy of control, offering exercises and techniques to help readers develop mental toughness. Irvine emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement, encouraging readers to confront their weaknesses and strive for virtue. He provides real-world examples and relatable anecdotes to illustrate the principles, making the philosophy accessible and engaging. The book is a valuable resource for those seeking to improve their emotional well-being and navigate life's difficulties.

The Enchiridion

Epictetus

Tony Darnell

Thomas Wentworth Higginson

The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life. It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations. Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living[1][5].

Read the full transcript here.

Why is Stoicism important and useful today? What are the main ideas of Stoicism? How can you tell if you're "living well"? And if you're not living well, then how can you move yourself in that direction? How can we learn to accept and embrace life as it comes without losing our desire to improve ourselves and the world around us? Do people vary in the degree to which Stoic practices might be beneficial for them? What's the relationship between Stoicism and CBT? What do Stoics have to say about the value or disvalue of emotions? Has Stoicism changed much since its inception? What does it mean to be a "reasonable" person? What are some clear signs that a person is a thinker or a feeler? How might we modify social media and/or ourselves so that our cognitive biases can't as easily be weaponized for political or economic ends? It's easy to see cognitive biases in others; but how can we learn to see them in ourselves?

William B. Irvine is emeritus professor of philosophy at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, USA. He is the author of eight books that have been translated into more than twenty languages. His A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy played a key role in the Stoic renaissance that has taken place in recent years. His subsequent Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient provides a strategy for dealing, in proper Stoic manner, with the setbacks we experience in daily living. He is currently at work on a book about thinking critically, but with an open mind, in the age of the internet.

Further reading

The Enchiridion, by Epictetus
Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
- Spencer's note: The chapter on social priming should be discounted because it is about research by other people that has not replicated.

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Spencer Greenberg — Host / Director
Josh Castle — Producer
Ryan Kessler — Audio Engineer
Uri Bram — Factotum
WeAmplify — Transcriptionists
Alexandria D. — Research and Special Projects Assistant

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