Modern Wisdom #170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Massimo Pigliucci, a Professor of Philosophy and Stoicism expert, dives into the resurgence of Stoicism and its modern relevance. He explores five practical exercises to boost resilience and happiness, highlighting emotional engagement and self-awareness. The conversation delves into navigating uncertainty and reframing challenges, revealing tools for personal growth and effective decision-making. With insights on luck and daily improvement techniques, Pigliucci shows how ancient wisdom can transform contemporary lives.
01:26:44
Stoicism's Resurgence
- Stoicism's resurgence stems from its applicability to challenging times and its practical advice.
- Unlike some philosophies, Stoicism offers exercises for daily life, not just theories.
Practical Philosophy
- Eastern philosophies often lack Western accessibility due to cultural and linguistic differences.
- Stoicism provides practical exercises, unlike abstract philosophies like Aristotelianism.
Four Cardinal Virtues
- Stoicism's four cardinal virtues are practical wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
- These virtues act as a moral compass, guiding decisions and improving character.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Contemporary Appeal of Stoicism
01:41 • 5min
Stoicism's Practical Wisdom in Turbulent Times
06:43 • 6min
Navigating Uncertainty with Stoicism
12:19 • 29min
Fortuna and the Stoic Approach to Luck
40:59 • 7min
Harnessing Stoic Practices for Daily Improvement
48:00 • 16min
Embracing Stoicism: Reframing Challenges
01:04:24 • 25min
Live Like a Stoic
Live Like a Stoic
52 Lessons to Transform Your Life
Gregory Lopez
Massimo Pigliucci
This book provides a year-long program of practical lessons and journaling exercises to help readers apply Stoic principles in their daily lives.
It aims to help individuals overcome life obstacles by focusing on what they can control and cultivating emotional resilience.
The book is designed to make Stoicism accessible and relevant to modern life.
An Emotional Education
Alain de Botton
A Guide to the Good Life
William B. Irvine
Seneca: Epistles
Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales
Seneca (Lucius Annaeus Seneca)
The Epistles of Seneca, collected in Volumes IV–VI of the Loeb Classical Library, offer a comprehensive insight into Stoic philosophy through personal and ethical reflections.
These letters, written in a relaxed style, explore various moral questions and personal experiences, providing a rich source of Stoic wisdom.
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.
A Handbook for New Stoics
null
Greg Lopez
Massimo Pigliucci
Field Guide to a Happy Life
Massimo Pigliucci
On the Shortness of Life
Seneca
In this essay, Seneca addresses the common complaint that life is too short by arguing that life is sufficiently long if one uses it wisely.
He contends that people waste much of their time in luxury, carelessness, and pointless activities.
Seneca emphasizes the importance of living in the present, pursuing philosophical wisdom, and avoiding the distractions that make life seem short.
He advises readers to organize each day as if it were their last and to avoid procrastination and the preoccupation with future or past concerns.
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Sir Michael Howard
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.
Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature.
Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
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.
Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle
The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life.
The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life.
Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence.
The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.
The Moral Animal
Why We Are the Way We Are
Robert Wright
In 'The Moral Animal', Robert Wright delves into the world of evolutionary psychology to explain human behavior, emotions, and moral conduct.
The book uses Charles Darwin's life and personal conduct in Victorian England as a case study to illustrate how evolutionary forces shape human behavior.
Wright discusses topics such as jealousy, altruism, and social class, arguing that many of our actions are driven by subconscious genetic strategies aimed at survival and the propagation of our genes.
The book also explores the paradox of how moral and responsible actions can emerge from a strictly Darwinian interpretation of human behavior, suggesting that understanding our evolutionary past can help us override our primitive programming and develop a more common moral outlook.
The consolation of philosophy
Boethius
Boethius's 'Consolation of Philosophy' is a philosophical treatise written while he awaited execution.
The work explores themes of fortune, adversity, and the nature of good and evil.
Through a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy, the text examines the relationship between God and the world, grappling with questions of divine providence and human suffering.
It offers a blend of philosophical and theological perspectives, providing solace and insight into the challenges of life.
The book remains a significant work in the history of philosophy and theology.
How to Be a Stoic
Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life.
Massimo Pigliucci
In this book, Massimo Pigliucci provides an introduction to Stoic philosophy, updating it for a contemporary scientific worldview.
The book is divided into three main sections, focusing on the disciplines of desire, action, and assent.
Pigliucci uses personal anecdotes and historical examples to illustrate how Stoic principles can be applied to everyday challenges, such as managing emotions, making moral decisions, and coping with life's uncertainties.
The book emphasizes the distinction between what is within our control and what is not, and offers practical exercises to integrate Stoic practices into daily life.
The Plague
Albert Camus
The Plague, written by Albert Camus, is a philosophical novel that chronicles an outbreak of the bubonic plague in the coastal city of Oran, Algeria.
The story is often interpreted as an allegory for the occupation of France during World War II and the rise of fascism.
The novel follows Dr. Bernard Rieux and his colleagues as they battle the plague, highlighting themes of everyday heroism, the absurdity of human suffering, and the collective response to disaster.
As the city is placed under quarantine, the citizens face isolation, despair, and eventually, a sense of social responsibility and solidarity.
The novel explores existential and theological questions, particularly through the characters of Dr. Rieux and Father Paneloux, and concludes with a reflection on the enduring nature of human suffering and the importance of human solidarity in the face of adversity.
Massimo Piggliuci is a Professor of Philosophy at City College and an author.
Despite being 2500 years old, Stoicism has recently seen a surge in popularity. I wanted to find out why this ancient philosophy has found root in the modern world.
Expect to learn what the underpinnings of stoicism are, how the foundational principles used by stoics made them resilient to setbacks, 5 exercises & thought experiments to help you improve your life, how to focus your attention where it is needed and much more...
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