Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

The podcast dives into whether Stoics should embrace AI, balancing ancient wisdom with modern technology. It discusses the dangers of overconfidence and the importance of discernment when using AI as a tool, rather than a crutch. Key insights reveal how AI mirrors human intellect, emphasizing the need for genuine understanding and self-mastery. The conversation also explores AI’s role in cultivating relationships, and the ethical considerations of integrating these technologies into our lives, encouraging a reflective and prudent approach.

Caleb and Michael going live with Donald J. Robertson this Thursday at 5 PM ET. Join us on the Substack app!https://open.substack.com/live-stream/53794?r=5jw33r&utm_medium=iosMichael ranks ten core Stoic exercises from least to most transformative based on a decade of practice. One could say he cuts through the theory to share which techniques actually work.All of these practices are good. But Michael uses some more than others.(00:00) Introduction: Personal ranking vs universal truth(03:00) Lower tier exercises(11:40) Middle tier practices(20:00) Top tier transformative practicesDownload 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

Delve into the nuanced world of effective altruism, where helping others is seen as an optimization problem. Can you truly do good if it's not impactful enough? The hosts discuss Peter Singer's morally charged drowning child argument, questioning our obligations to help. They also tackle the superhero efficiency problem, pondering whether boring, high-impact careers might be more heroic than traditional acts of valor. The philosophical clash between effective altruism and Stoicism reveals deeper truths about moral duty and community connections.

Andrew Perlot, a former journalist turned health coach, shares his insights on the intersection of Stoicism, diet, and memory. He discusses the Stoics' fascination with food and its moral implications. Perlot highlights practical eating tips, advocating for whole foods and fasting. He unveils the Method of Loci as a powerful memory tool used by historical figures. The conversation delves into how mastering memory can enhance focus and self-discipline, ultimately leading to a more intentional life.

Caleb and Michael explore Takuan Soho's The Unfettered Mind, examining how Zen Buddhism approaches mental training through the concept of "no mind." They discuss why stopping the mind creates ignorance and how this differs from Stoic approaches to reason and attention.They examine how mental stopping manifests in combat, conversation, and performance - from sword fighting to basketball arcade games.(00:00) Introduction to The Unfettered Mind(06:20) The Affliction of Stopping(14:47) The Beginner vs The Expert(27:22) Training(37:22) Practical Life(43:53) Stoicism vs ZenDownload 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

Philosophy meets biography in this deep dive into Robin Waterfield's new book on Plato. Michael and Caleb explore how the philosopher's life shaped his ideas, from witnessing tyranny and democracy's failures in his youth to his later failed attempt to reform a Sicilian tyrant.Plato was an aristocrat who saw his relatives join the brutal Thirty Tyrants, watched democracy execute his mentor Socrates, and spent decades running a research academy that encouraged debate over dogma. His life and philosophy are worth understanding.(00:05:50) Plato's aristocratic background in Athens(00:06:30) The Thirty Tyrants and family connections(00:08:20) Socrates' execution and its impact(00:10:40) Key philosophical insights from political unrest(00:13:00) The Sophists reconsidered(00:19:20) Establishing the academy as research institution(00:21:00) Early, middle, and later period writings(00:27:20) Plato's caution about passive consumption(00:30:20) Criticism of poetry as ancient television(00:35:40) The religious dimension of Platonic philosophy(00:39:50) Return to Syracuse and the philosopher king project(00:47:40) Philosophy's ambitions beyond ivory towerDownload 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

Michael breaks down the ten most important concepts you need to understand ancient philosophy's most practical school of thought.These are the core ideas that built a 2,000-year-old system for living well. From happiness and virtue to the dichotomy of control, each concept builds on the last to create a complete framework for human flourishing. (00:00:00) Introduction: Why These 10 Ideas Matter (00:01:50) Happiness and Flourishing (Eudaimonia) (00:02:50) Virtue as Excellence (Arete) (00:04:10) Knowledge as the Key (Episteme) (00:05:50) Living According to Nature (Kata Phusin Zen)(00:07:40) Mindful Attention (Prosoche) (00:09:20) Impressions and Assent (Phantasia and Synkatathesis) (00:11:00) The Things Up to Us (Ta Eph' Hemin) (00:12:20) Your Ruling Faculty (Hegemonikon) (00:13:50) Indifferents (Adiaphora) (00:15:40) Passions vs Good Emotions (Pathe vs Eupathe)(00:18:00) How the 10 Ideas Connect (00:21:40) What to Focus on NextDownload 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

What happens when professional excellence clashes with personal virtue? Dive into the complexities of ethical decision-making, exploring modern dilemmas faced by activists, CEOs, and lawyers. The discussion reveals how roles can challenge our moral compass and examines Machiavelli's views on power versus ethics. Solutions include prioritizing roles and breaking virtue into manageable parts. Ultimately, it provokes thought on maintaining integrity while navigating societal expectations and the harsh realities of various occupations.

What if you could do anything without consequences? The discussion dives into Plato's Ring of Gyges, prompting a deep look at morality and ethics. It questions whether our actions are driven by fear of punishment or genuine virtue. The host connects this ancient thought experiment to modern Stoic philosophy, emphasizing that true justice aligns with personal integrity, regardless of external accountability. It's a profound exploration of human nature and the essence of virtuous behavior.

When life hits hard, where do you turn? Philosophy, therapy, or coaching? Michael and Caleb examine and debate the fundamental differences between these approaches to human suffering and growth.They explore why Stoicism offers a prescriptive vision of the good life while therapy remains deliberately non-judgmental. The conversation reveals when philosophy works best as preventative strength training versus therapy's role in acute crisis intervention.(00:00) Introduction: Philosophy vs Therapy(03:20) The Ancient Medical Metaphor(09:00) Different Goals: Prescriptive vs Non-judgmental(23:30) Stoicism as Preventative Training Only(27:30) When People Discover Stoicism After Crisis(32:20) Why Some Stoics Struggle with Crisis Moments(38:00) Questioning the "Solution" Mindset(42:10) Who Should Choose What Path(48:30) Practical Stoic Techniques in Daily Life(52:40) Knowing When You Don't KnowDownload 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