William Irvine

William Irvine, a philosophy professor at Wright State University and author of several books on Stoicism, discusses the relevance of this ancient philosophy in today’s world. He emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and decision-making for a meaningful life. Irvine shares his own journey from Zen Buddhism to Stoicism, highlighting strategies like negative visualization and the dichotomy of control. The conversation also explores teaching Stoicism to foster resilience in children, navigating difficult relationships, and embracing failure as part of personal growth.

William Irvine, an emeritus philosophy professor and author, dives into Stoicism and its relevance in modern life. He shares his personal journey into Stoicism, sparked by a midlife crisis. Listeners learn strategies for handling insults and managing anger through humor. The conversation covers reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth and emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships over fame. Irvine also explores the dual impact of social media on society and how Stoicism can bolster psychological resilience amidst life's challenges, including the ultimate test of death.

Life is often filled with hardships and tragedies. For thousands of years, philosophers have come up with strategies to help us cope with such hardship. This week, we revisit a 2020 conversation with philosopher William Irvine about ancient ideas — backed by modern psychology — that can help us manage disappointment and misfortune.If you like this show, please check out our new podcast, My Unsung Hero! And if you'd like to support our work, you can do so at support.hiddenbrain.org.

Life is filled with hardships and tragedies — a fact that 2020 has made all too clear for people across the globe. For thousands of years, philosophers have come up with strategies to help us cope with such hardship. This week on Hidden Brain, we talk with philosopher William Irvine about ancient ideas — backed by modern psychology — that can help us manage disappointment and misfortune.

William Irvine, a professor of philosophy and author of notable works on Stoicism, shares his journey into Stoicism and its vital role in shaping a fulfilling life. He discusses the perils of ‘Enlightened Hedonism’ and presents Stoicism as an antidote to societal pressures. Irvine explores how techniques like negative visualization foster gratitude and how embracing virtues leads to resilience. He contrasts modern life with historical struggles, urging appreciation for current privileges and emphasizing the transformative power of adversity in personal growth.