The Nietzsche Podcast Untimely Reflections #32: Dr. Gregory Sadler - On Stoicism & Philosophy as a Guide to Life
Jan 21, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Gregory Sadler, a renowned philosophy teacher specializing in Stoicism, shares insights on how philosophy can act as a guide in modern life. He contrasts Stoicism with Epicureanism and dives into its relevancy today. The discussion touches on personalizing Stoic practices, the relationship between Stoicism and emotions, and Nietzsche’s critique of Stoic views on passions. Sadler also emphasizes the transformative power of philosophy, all while making ancient wisdom accessible and practical for our daily struggles.
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Sadler's Unconventional Philosophy Path
- Gregory Sadler shares his unconventional path to philosophy, starting with no college plans and a near-mercenary ambition.
- His journey was guided by serendipity and transformative teachers despite early disinterest and disillusionment.
Deep Religious Thinkers' Complexity
- Good religious thinkers complicate rather than simplify, engaging deeply with difficult questions.
- Ideas from religious philosophy can inform secular counseling without requiring religious commitment.
Philosophical Fundamentalism Critique
- Fundamentalist reading, including of philosophers like Thomas Aquinas and Nietzsche, distorts their open, inquiry-driven intentions.
- Nietzsche disliked being reduced to a prescriptive guru or having zealot followers.