Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

A short tour of Marcus Aurelius' four obstacles to happiness and how avoiding them can free you. Conversations cover surrendering to reality, cultivating healthy relationships, resisting being driven by pleasure or pain, and living with clear purpose. A closing reading from Meditations ties the ideas together.

Delve into the practical wisdom of Musonius Rufus, a lesser-known Roman Stoic. Discover his take on philosophical minimalism: he prioritizes simple, strong arguments paired with actionable steps. Musonius advocates for the philosophical education of women while acknowledging distinct social roles. He controversially praises physical labor as ideal for philosophers and offers unique lifestyle advice, from raw diets to growing out your hair. His blend of conservative and progressive views sparks intriguing dialogue on ethics and daily living.

Explore the profound lessons from Miyamoto Musashi, a 17th-century samurai, who shares insights on living well through his classic work. Delve into the importance of mastering a craft as a path to philosophical understanding. Discover the four ways of life—warrior, carpenter, farmer, and merchant—and how adaptability trumps attachment to any one style. Learn about the ethical dimension of living with honesty and the significance of rhythm and timing in both combat and everyday life. Musashi's nine rules provide a practical framework for personal growth.

Explore the Stoic definition of intelligence and its practical applications. Delve into six components of prudence, including sound judgment, circumspection, and shrewdness. Learn how to cultivate these skills with concrete exercises each week. Discover techniques for improving decision-making, maintaining current perceptions, and honing quick reactions. Engage in deeper evaluations and set clear targets to sharpen your thinking. Each facet leads you to a more ingenious approach to problem-solving in daily life.

Michael and Caleb look back on their favorite reads, conversations, and discoveries from the year.They discuss why Cicero’s On Ends deserves a spot on every Stoic’s reading list, what the New Testament and Stoicism have in common, and the power of keeping philosophical maxims close at hand. The conversation covers a Spanish Jesuit’s handbook on practical wisdom, Plato’s failed attempt to mentor a tyrant, and which Stoic exercises actually work in daily life. Finally, they wrap up with moves of the year.(01:00) Cicero’s On Ends: Why It’s the Perfect Second Book(08:10) Reading the New Testament as a Stoic(17:00) The Art of Worldly Wisdom by Baltasar Gracián(24:20) The Life of Plato: Philosophy Meets Tyranny(28:00) Stoic Maxims as Mental Magic(32:20) The 10 Stoic Exercises: What Actually Works(37:20) Movie Picks: Lord of the Rings and The Great BeautyDownload 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/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

The founders of Stoicism—Zeno, Cleanthes, Chrysippus—all wrote about Homer. Zeno’s longest work was called Homeric Problems. When we read the Odyssey, we’re reading what the Stoics read. We’re studying their curriculum.Following this tradition. Michael and Caleb examine what makes the Odyssey Stoic and what makes it decidedly not. Odysseus perseveres through failures, temptations, and divine opposition for twenty years. He just wants to go home. That single-minded endurance is deeply Stoic.But Homer’s hero also cries openly, grieves for years, and slaughters everyone who wronged him. He’s a brilliant bullshitter who tells elaborate lies even to gods. Is that Stoic?The tension between these traditions reveals something important about both.(0:00) Why the Stoics Studied Homer(6:30) Sparknotes(14:30) Stoic Theme: Perseverance Through Failure(22:40) Stoic Theme: Intelligence as Virtue(26:00) Stoic Theme: Cosmopolitanism and Being a Good Guest(35:00) Stoic Theme: Tact as Social Virtue(42:10) Non-Stoic Theme: The Emotional Hero(46:30) Non-Stoic Theme: Revenge and the Suitors(54:00) Non-Stoic Theme: The TricksterDownload 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/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

Who gets to call themselves a Stoic? Michael and Caleb tackle the issue of who is and isn’t a Stoic. Grounding their discussion in Michael’s recent article: (03:00) The Stoic alignment chart: theory purists to rebels(11:00) Benefits of gatekeeping: maintaining truth and standards(21:00) Epictetus as motivating gatekeeper(26:30) Risks: pedantry and missing the forest for trees(40:00) When gatekeeping becomes antisocial(46:30) Finding the balanceDownload 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/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

Explore how Stoic philosophy challenges modern beliefs with seven provocative truths. Happiness isn't determined by politics, and anger is deemed ineffective and harmful. Victimhood and success don't grant moral authority, and our roles in life come with obligations we can't choose. Discover that most people live in luxury today, and some lives are inherently better for flourishing. Plus, delve into the idea that no one truly intends to do evil, highlighting the importance of understanding over judgment.

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Caleb explores Seneca’s warning about wealth from Letter 17 and why material success may be a trap. The episode questions whether financial independence really delivers freedom or just creates new forms of dependence.Download 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/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