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Philosophy For Our Times

Ancient solutions for modern problems | Stoicism Series PART 1 | Massimo Pigliucci

Jan 7, 2025
Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher and biologist known for his work on Stoicism, dives into the timeless wisdom of ancient thinkers. He humorously discusses how Stoicism can help us navigate modern challenges, like dealing with technology. The conversation explores the core principles of Stoicism, comparing it to other philosophies such as Epicureanism and Buddhism. Pigliucci emphasizes practical exercises to focus on what we can control, providing listeners with tools to cultivate a meaningful life in today's fast-paced world.
19:10

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Stoicism emphasizes living according to reason, aligning desires with rational outcomes, and contributing to societal betterment for personal fulfillment.
  • A key principle of Stoicism is the dichotomy of control, encouraging individuals to focus on what they can influence and accept the rest.

Deep dives

Understanding Stoicism

Stoicism is a philosophy of life that emphasizes living in accordance with human nature and improving oneself and society through reason. The philosophy, founded in ancient Athens by Zeno of Citium, is built on the idea that understanding the world helps individuals behave appropriately within it. This involves two core components: a worldview or metaphysics that explains how the universe functions, and an ethical framework that guides behavior. The fundamental tenet of Stoicism is that a fulfilling life, referred to as eudaimonia, stems from using reason to contribute positively to society, as helping others inherently aids oneself.

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