Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenHave you thought about the Roman Republic today? In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Josiah Osgood, a professor of classics and author of Uncommon Wrath:  How Caesar and Cato’s Deadly Rivalry Destroyed the Roman Republic. They discuss Cato the Younger, Julius Caesar, and the lessons we can take from both men.(02:21) Cato's Rome(07:30) The Young Caesar and Cato(14:21) Populist vs Aristocrat(16:05) When Did He Become Stoic?(18:30) Cato vs Caesar(25:11) Caesar's Life Philosophy(29:49) Did Cato Do the Right Thing?(37:03) What Can We Learn From Caesar(41:49) Was the Republic Worth Saving?(44:56) Should Stoics Always Resist a Tyrant?(50:59) Fabius Maximus – a Roman Model***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): 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

This episode of the podcast explores the key ideas of Buddhism and their comparisons with Stoicism. They discuss the founding parable, the Four Noble Truths, and the Middle Way. The similarities and differences between Stoicism and Buddhism are also examined. They also touch on topics like building stoic mindfulness and the relationship between propositional claims and Buddhism.

Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on Maven“If a text is not offensive to anyone, it probably isn't very important.”In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Jeremy Wayne Tate, the Co-founder and President of the Classic Learning Test.The Classic Learning Test is bringing back a focus on educating the whole human person by focusing on the great works and fundamental philosophical questions about how to live.If you check out the CLT author bank you’ll find several Stoic names – which we at Stoa love to see.This conversation focuses on the purpose of education, testing, and how to approach the classics today – all with someone who is in the arena shaping how education is done today.https://www.cltexam.comhttps://twitter.com/JeremyTate41(03:31) Telos and Tests(06:06) Why Go Back To The Classics?(08:17) The SAT(09:09) Elite Education(11:05) The Stoics(12:14) Crucial Questions(16:46) How to Approach the Great Works(20:07) C. S. Lewis***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): 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 podcast explores the overlap between contemporary psychology and Stoic philosophy. They discuss the work of Daniel Kahneman and the interaction between system one and system two thinking. The concept of anchoring and its application in everyday life is explored, along with the importance of training attention and raising the baseline. The limitations of human intuition and ways to improve thinking are also discussed.

In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Chris Gill, author of Learning to Live Naturally: Stoic Ethics and its Modern Significance. They discuss topics such as understanding indifference in Stoicism, the connection between human nature and virtue, the perception of the natural world through stoic philosophy, and promotion of upcoming books and resources.

Exploring Stoic perspectives on food, hosts discuss Musonius Rufus and Seneca's views. They debunk myths, emphasize communal significance of food, and highlight the balance between nourishment and social aspects. The chapter delves into virtues, moderation, and aligning food choices with Stoic principles, cautioning against fixation on diet alone.

Gregory Sadler, founder of ReasonIO, discusses criticisms of Stoicism from philosophers like Hegel, Nietzsche, and William James. They explore the importance of understanding these criticisms, the stoic theory of emotions, and the pragmatic approach to truth. They also delve into debates in Stoic philosophy and express gratitude for the opportunity to have a conversation.

Caleb Ontiveros is a Stoic advocate focused on practical applications of ancient philosophy, while Michael Tremblay examines the relevance of these ideas today. They engage in a thought-provoking discussion about why ancient philosophy deserves attention in a modern context. They debate critiques of studying the past, explore how ancient wisdom can guide contemporary life, and draw parallels between philosophy and crafts like organ making. Their insights reveal how merging tradition with innovation enriches personal growth and understanding.

Dana Gioia, poet and translator of Seneca's The Madness of Hercules, discusses Seneca's tragedies and the enduring theme of enduring a world without justice and guarantees. The conversation covers Dana's personal story, Stoicism, Seneca's play, the value of Seneca's violence, reading vs listening vs seeing, Seneca the Playwright vs the Philosopher, Stoicism today, fasting, and more.

Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on Maven"They say that love is an effort to form a friendship because of an impression of beauty in young persons at their prime..."In this conversation, Caleb and Michael talk about the Stoics on eros and romantic love. First, they cover how the Stoics saw the nature of romantic love. Then, they look at what advice they have for us today. Finally, they end on the topic of heartbreak.(01:35) Introducing Love(05:36) Erotic Love(20:18) Friendship(27:00) Stoic Advice for Modern Relationships(30:39) Knowing How To Say The I(36:59) Role Ethics  (41:24) The Stoics on Heartbreak***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): 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