Self-discipline is crucial for taking control of one's life and not being influenced by external factors.
Stoicism offers practical strategies for living well, making it popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
Stoicism teaches the acceptance of failure, emphasizing mental preparation, gratitude, and finding joy in life's experiences.
Deep dives
The Significance of Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is emphasized as a means of taking control of one's own life and not allowing external factors to dictate one's decisions. The importance of recognizing that one has the ability to shape their own life and not waste it is highlighted.
The Rise of Stoicism
Stoicism is discussed as a philosophical approach to life, with a focus on its practical strategies for living well. The popularity of stoicism in recent years is attributed to its simplicity and effectiveness as a form of mental training.
Understanding Stoicism and Its Origin
The origins of stoicism are traced back to Zeno of Citium, who founded a philosophical school in ancient Greece. The influence of Roman stoics such as Seneca and Marcus Aurelius is also highlighted. Stoicism is described as a philosophy that aims to live a life of positive emotions and minimize negative emotions.
The Stoic Approach to Failure
The stoics view failure as a natural part of life, and they offer strategies to cope with it. By preparing oneself mentally for setbacks, adopting a proper frame of mind, and practicing gratitude for what one has, it is possible to find joy and appreciate life's experiences.
Mastering Decision Making with Stoicism
Stoic advice on decision-making emphasizes focusing on what one can control and letting go of what cannot be controlled. Mapping out options, considering potential outcomes, and making rational choices are key elements of stoic decision making. The importance of being both open-minded and skeptical is also highlighted.
Author and philosophy professor William Irvine goes in-depth on Stoicism, and why the fundamental tenets of this ancient philosophy can provide answers to some of the toughest problems in today’s society. On this episode Irvine offers a definition and some useful background on Stoicism and its origins, the original Stoics, their thoughts on failure, their advice on decision making, and how we can train ourselves to be more stoic.
Irvine has written seven books including the wildly popular 2008 release A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, and the 2019 follow-up, The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient. Irvine also teaches philosophy and logic courses at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
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