Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

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

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.