The Learning + Performance Podcast

#14 - Massimo Pigliucci on Stoicism for Learning, Performing, and Living Well

Nov 12, 2024

01:13:43

In this episode of the L&P pod, I speak with Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher, professor, author, and expert on Stoicism and practical philosophy. Massimo and I discuss why humans should study philosophy and how modern people can apply the ancient philosophy of Stoicism to improve our ability to learn, perform, and live well. The episode provides a toolbox of Stoic principles and practices for us all to navigate an increasingly complex, chaotic, and uncertain world.

KEY TOPICS:

In our conversation, Massimo and I hit on a number of topics relevant to learning and performance, including:

What is philosophy and why it matters to the average person
The two main branches of philosophy - theoretical and practical
Stoicism as a philosophy of life
The three main components of philosophies as ways of life
The Origins of Stoicism
The three aspects of human nature
The four cardinal virtues
Key Stoic figures like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca and what they can teach modern people
Common myths and misconceptions about Stoicism and other ancient philosophies
The difference between intentions and outcomes
Analytical and practical techniques devised by the Stoics to help us be wiser and flourish
A whole lot more!

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Massimo is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. Massimo holds PhDs in evolutionary biology and philosophy. He conducts research and teaches classes on topics including philosophy, philosophy of science, and Stoicism. Massimo’s authored several articles and books that make ancient philosophy, especially Stoicism, more accessible and applicable to everyday life. He’s part of Modern Stoicism, a movement to help revive Stoicism that has equipped many with tools to handle life’s challenges more effectively. You can learn more about him from Wikipedia.

CONNECT WITH MASSIMO:

MENTIONS, REFERENCES, AND RESOURCES:

Internal vs. external standards
Biological, machine, and human learning
Definition of Philosophy
Two branches of philosophy - theoretical vs. practical
Eudaimonia - flourishing in life
Plato
Stoicism
The three components of philosophies as a way of life - Meta-physics, ethics, practices
Living in accordance with nature
Zeno of Citium - founder of Stoicism
Three aspects of human nature - biology, rationality, sociality
The four cardinal virtues - practical wisdom, courage, justice, temperance
Marcus Aurelius
Stoic training/practice
How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
The Discourses of Epictetus
Epictetus's Enchiridion
Seneca's Letters
Stoic definition of "passion"
Stoic vs. stoic
Epicurean vs. epicurean
A Handbook for New Stoics by Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez
Contemplative exercise: Philosophical journaling
The myth of learning from experience alone
Musonius Rufus
Physical exercise: Fasting, abstaining, intentional mild discomfort
Dichotomy of control exercise
A Guide to the Good Life by Bill Irvine
Intentions vs. outcomes
Galen
Setting internal vs. external goals
Aristotle and aristotelianism
Epicureanism
The Philosophy of CBT by Don Robertson
The Role Ethics of Epictetus by Brian Johnson
Hic et nunc - "Here and now" tattoo