Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

Most people learn about Stoicism through the dichotomy of control. It sounds simple: focus on what's up to you, ignore what isn't. But this apparent simplicity is dangerous.The dichotomy of control becomes the lens through which people view all of Stoicism. Get it wrong, and everything else falls apart. You end up passive when you should act, frustrated when you should be patient, or convinced Stoics can't believe in cause and effect.Michael and Caleb walk through four major misunderstandings that stem from getting the dichotomy wrong. From the myth that Stoics are passive observers to the confusion about free will and determinism, these mistakes reveal how a powerful idea can be corrupted when we bring our own assumptions to ancient wisdom.(04:15) Four Confusions(11:17) The Passivity Argument(19:08) Do You Have Immediate Control?(27:45) No Trichotomy(35:58) Is the Dichotomy Incompatible With Determinism?(41:00) Wrapping Up***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): https://stoameditation.com/podIf you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/ Get full access to The Stoa Letter at www.stoaletter.com/subscribe

Are you stressed about the future? Deep-dive into this Stoic exercise from Marcus Aurelius for living the moment, without anxiety or regret.Michael Tremblay covers the Stoic practice of circumscribing the present.***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): https://stoameditation.com/podIf you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/Check out our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoaphilosophyThanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/ Get full access to The Stoa Letter at www.stoaletter.com/subscribe

Discover the philosopher who transformed Zeno from shipwrecked merchant to Stoicism's founder. While modern cynics see only self-interest, Crates lived joyfully with nothing but "a wallet and tattered cloak." This philosopher sold his inheritance, mocked social hierarchies, and treated everyone as equals—from generals to donkey drivers.Michael and Caleb explore how Crates' rejection of convention shaped Stoic philosophy. They examine the benefits of temporarily embracing cynical minimalism as a path to wisdom and why Epictetus admired these philosophical outsiders. A look at the roots of Stoic thought and the value of questioning everything.Evolve Magazine – Cultivating Wisdom and Virtue(03:05) Zeno and Crates(05:11) Crates Life(10:32) What's the point of studying philosophy(12:00) Cynic Reject of Stoicism(16:56) Flatterers(18:27) Everyone Has Flaws(19:48) Insults(21:53) Hipparchia(27:33) Joyous Philosophy(29:55) Hardcore Stoicism(32:40) Benefit of Cynicism***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): https://stoameditation.com/podIf you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/ Get full access to The Stoa Letter at www.stoaletter.com/subscribe

In this episode, Michael Tremblay and Caleb Ontiveros explore Aristotle's ethics, focusing on his doctrine of virtue as the golden mean. They break down how Aristotle's view differs from Stoicism—from his three-part soul to his idea that virtues are skills developed through practice. Learn why Aristotle saw courage as a balance between cowardice and rashness, why feeling the right emotions matters as much as doing the right thing, and how this ancient framework applies to modern life.The conversation unpacks key concepts from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics: habituation, the role of pleasure in virtue, and why context matters in ethical decisions.(08:29) Aristotelian Happiness(10:47) Parts of the Soul(12:44) The Kinds of Virtues(14:04) Virtue as Skill(18:39) Habituation(19:42) The Golden Mean(26:07) Good Reason For Bad Feelings(28:24) Meaning of Virtue(31:37) Self-Reinforcing Virtue(35:31) What the Golden Mean Means(45:02) Key Ideas For Practice(48:03) Differences with Stoicism*** Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): https://stoameditation.com/podIf you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/Check out our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stoaphilosophyThanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/ Get full access to The Stoa Letter at www.stoaletter.com/subscribe

Dive into the philosophical fray as Cicero debates what constitutes a truly good life. Explore his unique Aristotelian-Platonic approach, challenging both Stoicism and Epicureanism. Discover how the interplay of reason, virtue, and external goods shapes our pursuit of happiness. The conversation tackles societal norms around inclusivity, the virtue of character over material success, and the importance of self-knowledge. Engaging insights on how these ancient ideas remain relevant today make for a thought-provoking discussion!

Delve into the hidden wisdom of Epictetus as the hosts explore powerful stoic fragments. They discuss valuing people by their ability to help, rather than harm, and the essence of emotional resilience captured in 'persist and resist.' The conversation touches on how bad characters punish themselves and why true virtue outweighs superficial success. Listeners learn about mastering emotions and the path to freedom through self-discipline. This engaging dialogue unveils how these ancient insights can foster personal growth and ethical living.

Explore the radical teachings of Epictetus on anger and forgiveness. Learn why the Stoics advocate for empathy over resentment when dealing with wrongdoers. Discover how seeing those who harm us as victims of their own confusion can lead to emotional freedom. Delve into the idea that unethical behavior stems from ignorance, promoting compassion in our interactions. This ancient wisdom provides a refreshing perspective on moral struggles and personal peace.

Michael and Caleb tackle classic philosophical thought experiments, including the infamous Trolley Problem. They explore the Stoic approach to complex moral dilemmas, emphasizing character over consequences. Controversial topics like torture and artificial happiness are scrutinized through a Stoic lens. The conversation also addresses the Euthyphro dilemma and critiques utilitarianism. Listeners are prompted to reflect on the nuances of ethical choice-making, highlighting the importance of virtue in navigating life's toughest decisions.

Caleb and Michael delve into Cicero's sharp critique of Stoic ethics, arguing that it oversimplifies the complexities of external goods. They explore the emotional and social dimensions neglected by Stoics, advocating for a more comprehensive Aristotelian approach. The discussion also questions whether Stoicism merely plays with definitions of virtue and good. By contrasting philosophical viewpoints, they reveal how combining insights from both Stoicism and Aristotelianism could enhance our understanding of happiness and human nature.

Discover seven practical Stoic habits that can seamlessly fit into your daily routine. Learn how to enhance your thought processes and build mindfulness while equipping yourself to face adversity. Explore personal challenges in adopting Stoicism, and find out how to select the habits that resonate with you. This engaging discussion emphasizes actionable insights from ancient philosophies to cultivate a more resilient and thoughtful you.