Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

In this episode, Caleb and Michael review the 2023 film "Seneca, On the Creation of Earthquakes" starring John Malkovich. They explore how the movie portrays the Roman Stoic philosopher during his final day, examining themes of hypocrisy, performance versus genuine philosophy, and the challenges of living up to Stoic ideals.(00:00:56) Background on the film(00:04:07) Overall impressions(00:08:38) Play by play of the plot(00:13:58) Discussion of Agrippina's portrayal(00:16:31) Analysis of the Thyestes play scene(00:21:00) Examination of slavery themes(00:24:15) Seneca's hypocrisy and wealth(00:27:43) Seneca's death scene(00:30:06) Theme: Can you separate philosophy from philosopher?(00:35:15) Theme: What the film says about Stoicism(00:39:53) Theme: Criticism of pointless political art***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

The discussion dives into Marcus Aurelius' unique take on reading, urging listeners to reconsider their literary pursuits. He believed that books should inspire self-transformation rather than serve as distractions. Challenging the conventional Great Books movement, the conversation highlights the importance of choosing texts that promote moral and spiritual growth. The value of reading for leisure is also explored, emphasizing its potential to catalyze personal development and enhance one's engagement with life.

This discussion dives into Cicero's six Stoic paradoxes, revealing how radical concepts like virtue being the only good challenge conventional ethics. Listeners learn about true happiness rooted in virtue, while external possessions are deemed insufficient. The dialogue also tackles the idea that wisdom defines freedom and richness, not material wealth. By navigating these paradoxes, the hosts engage in a thought-provoking critique of Stoic ideals versus everyday applications, fostering self-improvement and connection through shared human experiences.

Dive into the intricacies of Stoicism as misconceptions about the dichotomy of control are unraveled. Discover how misunderstandings about passivity and control can twist the essence of Stoic philosophy. The conversation challenges the notion of Stoics as mere observers and explores the balance between free will and determinism. Learn how acknowledging true control can foster personal growth and emotional regulation. This enlightening discussion will reshape how you perceive ancient wisdom in today's context.

Explore the Stoic exercise of circumscribing the present, inspired by Marcus Aurelius. Discover how focusing on the now can alleviate stress and anxiety about the future. Delve into the idea that many struggles arise from clinging to the past or future, and embrace mindfulness as a path to peace. Learn about the concept of decomposition, promoting an appreciation for life's simplicity and the clarity that comes with living fully in the moment.

Explore the life of Crates, the philosopher who influenced Zeno to found Stoicism by embracing a joyfully minimal lifestyle. Discover how Crates sold his inheritance and challenged social hierarchies with a wallet and a tattered cloak. The conversation touches on the risks of flattery and the importance of accepting imperfections. Joy, humor, and humility in philosophy shine as we look at radical living and its educational benefits, revealing how Cynicism can enrich Stoic practice.

Dive into Aristotle's fascinating concept of the golden mean, where virtues like courage find balance between extremes. Discover how his views on ethics differ from Stoicism, emphasizing the importance of emotions alongside actions. Explore his tri-partite soul framework and the role of habituation in developing virtues. The conversation highlights the complexity of moral decision-making and the need for practice in cultivating a good life, making ancient wisdom relevant for modern audiences.

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.