Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

Michael Fontaine, a classics professor at Cornell University and author of 'How to Have Willpower,' explores the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern myths. He discusses the three ancient models for mental suffering: medical treatment, spiritual purification, and personal responsibility. Fontaine contrasts these with contemporary psychiatric approaches. He also delves into Stoic and Epicurean views on virtue, death, and the nature of the mind, urging listeners to embrace ancient philosophies for modern self-empowerment and flourishing.

Caleb delves into the intriguing concept of anger as social currency. He discusses how failing to express anger might signal indifference, raising questions about emotional expectations in relationships. The podcast examines anger's role as a political tool and a tribal signal. Listeners learn that Stoics face the challenge of demonstrating care through actions rather than emotions. Discover how managing emotions is just the first step in navigating social dynamics.

Caleb and Michael interview Donald J. Robertson on Anger and Stoicism.We’ll be doing more live events and chats. Get the Substack app and stay tuned. Get full access to The Stoa Letter at www.stoaletter.com/subscribe

Explore the fascinating intersection of Zen practices and Stoicism! Learn about alert observation—watching your thoughts without getting caught up in them. Discover the power of cessation, where a simple pause can clear your mind from clutter. Insights from Marcus Aurelius emphasize the importance of monitoring thoughts and dismissing false judgments. This conversation promotes a mindful approach to decision-making, steering clear of distractions and focusing on what truly matters in life.

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