Untimely Reflections #32: Dr. Gregory Sadler - On Stoicism & Philosophy as a Guide to Life
Jan 21, 2025
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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.
Gregory Sadler's journey into philosophy illustrates the transformative power of education, propelled by curiosity rather than formal motivation or structured guidance.
The podcast emphasizes the practical application of philosophy, with Sadler advocating for its relevance in everyday life as a means for personal development.
Sadler explores the Stoic distinction between constructive and destructive emotions, suggesting that a balanced approach is essential for rationality and authentic emotional expression.
Deep dives
Gregory Sadler's Journey into Philosophy
Gregory Sadler shares his unexpected path into the study of philosophy, which began with minimal academic motivation during his high school years. Initially aiming for a military career, he realized the challenges of earning a living without higher education, propelling him toward college. His early experiences in philosophy classes were mixed, with a disinteresting official class contrasted by an engaging course led by an enthusiastic teacher focusing on St. Augustine and other philosophers. This combination of stumbling into classes and genuine interest ultimately guided Sadler to declare philosophy as his major, setting the foundation for his future in academia.
Influence of Early Philosophical Education
Sadler reflects on the quality of his professors during his undergraduate studies, noting that many were nearing retirement and lacked enthusiasm for their subjects. This benign neglect allowed him the freedom to explore philosophical texts independently, fostering his love for the discipline. He considers the approach of his early mentors a mixed blessing, as while it enabled self-directed learning, it also lacked structured guidance typically expected in academic environments. Despite this, he credits the loose educational style for his intellectual growth and subsequent success in philosophy.
The Role of Philosophy in Life Coaching
The conversation shifts to Sadler's approach to teaching philosophy, emphasizing its application to everyday life rather than being restricted to theoretical discussions. He highlights the importance of making philosophical ideas accessible and relevant to people outside academia, aligning with the pragmatist tradition. Sadler cites figures like Alistair McIntyre and various modern Stoic philosophers as inspirations who promote the practical use of philosophy. This engagement with philosophy as a tool for personal development helps demystify complex concepts and encourages individuals to apply them in their lives.
Interplay Between Stoicism and Emotion
The discussion touches on the Stoic view of emotions, particularly their belief that certain emotional states are impediments to rationality while others are in harmony with it. Sadler explains the Stoics' distinction between negative emotions, which they see as detracting from virtue, and positive emotions that align with rational thought. He acknowledges Nietzsche's critique of Stoicism as a potential form of self-tyranny, advocating for a more nuanced relationship with one's drives and emotions. Ultimately, the conversation urges a balanced embrace of both the aspirations of Stoicism and a recognition of the value of genuine emotional expression.
Philosophy's Current Landscape and Future
Reflecting on the state of contemporary philosophy, Sadler discusses the proliferation of easily digestible philosophical content, often criticized for its oversimplified nature. He acknowledges the accessibility of philosophy today, which allows broader engagement but often sacrifices depth and complexity. Sadler expresses optimism about a general hunger for meaningful philosophical discourse, asserting that the material available can act as a catalyst for deeper exploration. He suggests that, while schlock exists, the potential for genuine engagement with philosophy persists, encouraging individuals to seek out rich, substantive discussions.
Very pleased to finally be joined by Gregory Sadler on the podcast! Greg is one of the more popular teachers of philosophy in the modern age, and given his recent courses on Stoicism, we decided to make that the focus. I hope you all enjoy our conversation: about philosophy as a guide to life, Stoicism versus Epicureanism, distortions of Stoicism and Nietzsche, whether philosophy is self-help, and the relevance of Stoicism to modern life.
Sadler's Lectures on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lGAsuWNmAfVKL4KDLDO6v