Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied How to Resist Pressure (Episode 210)
Nov 18, 2025
Caleb and Michael delve into Plutarch’s insights on resisting social pressure, revealing that oversensitivity to shame is often at the root of being a pushover. They discuss historical examples of the dire consequences of conceding, like the stories of Creon and Medea. The hosts share practical strategies for building resistance, such as tackling social drinking and providing honest feedback. Humor is highlighted as a tool for tactful refusals, while they outline ten key reflections to help navigate societal norms without compromising personal integrity.
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Episode notes
Oversensitivity To Shame Drives Caving
- Plutarch locates pushover behavior in an oversensitivity to shame he calls disopia.
- This excessive shame makes people prioritize appearance over choosing the best action.
Shame Can Help Or Harm
- Healthy shame (self-respect) helps improvement while dysopia harms action.
- Plutarch warns therapists not to cut out all shame when correcting someone.
Creon's Day Of Reprieve
- Creon granted Medea a day's reprieve and later suffered catastrophic consequences.
- Plutarch uses this myth to show how caving to requests can destroy one’s world.
