Exploring Stoicism and its relevance today, focusing on ethics, reason, and duty. Discussing virtue, character, and alignment with human nature. Exploring modern Stoicism, core tenets, ethical development, and emotional growth within the philosophy.

Register for a free workshop January 3rd: stoameditation.com/workshopAre New Year’s resolutions Stoic?Caleb and Michael talk about the Stoic cases for and against the practice. Then they move to what we can learn from the Stoics about setting resolutions well.(01:41) Against Resolutions(09:44) The Case For Resolutions(18:47) Making New Year’s Resolutions Well(24:14) Getting Concrete(26:55) Realistic and Ambitious(33:14) Stoic Principles(37:25) Michael's Planning(40:09) Caleb Is Too Impulsive(45:50) Summary(49:54) Stoicism Applied***Learn more about our new year’s course: stoameditation.com/courseSubscribe 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/

In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Aiste Celkyte about the Stoic theory of beauty. They cover what the Stoics saw as beautiful, how their aesthetics expresses their ethics, and the practical application of this neglected topic.Aiste Celkyte is a professor at the university of Leiden and author of The Stoic Theory of Beauty.(00:57) What Is Beautiful For The Stoics?(06:51) Ancient Sources(09:55) What Makes Stoicism Different(18:18) Beauty And Morality(28:00) Practical Application(30:43) Convential Beautfy(39:24) Moral Responsibility(43:33) The Most Important Insight***Learn more about our new year’s course: stoameditation.com/courseSubscribe 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/

Learn how Stoicism can help you overcome procrastination by identifying value judgments, tackling tasks directly, and motivating yourself with philosophy. Discover the importance of building trust and self-trust through commitment, balancing realistic goals, and applying Stoic principles to combat procrastination.

Rob LaFleur, Professor of Anthropology & History at Beloit College, discusses the similarities and differences between Stoicism and Confucianism, emphasizing virtue ethics, relationships, hierarchy, and filial piety. He explores the challenges in understanding The Analects and offers advice on how to study Confucianism effectively.

Caleb and Michael debate the role of politics in the modern Stoic life. Caleb argues that Stoics should stay away from politics – like the Epicureanism. Michael thinks this couldn’t be any more wrong. Heated, if Stoic, debated ensues.(05:18) Arguments Against Politics(25:49) The Wisdom of Epicurus(33:52) Justice Without Politics(37:57) The Stoic Case for Politics(51:33) The Norms for Engaging Well***Learn more about our new year’s course: stoameditation.com/courseSubscribe 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/

In this episode, Caleb speaks with Mahmoud Rasmi, a former philosophy professor from Lebanon, on philosophy, business, and the importance of asking questions well.Philosophy for Business Leaders: https://amzn.to/3NeQ7gihttps://twitter.com/Decafquest(03:04) Getting Into Philosophy(12:26) Losing Your Business(14:11) Philosophy vs Critical Thinking(25:23) Are Philosophers The Best Thinkers?(32:09) Getting Down to Business(38:46) Asking Questions(48:49) Leaving Academic Philosophy(54:44) Shifting Perspective(58:22) Stoa***Register for our freeworkshop: stoameditation.com/workshopSubscribe 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: stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/

Caleb and Michael discuss Existentialism and its contrast with Stoicism, emphasizing authenticity, bad faith, and radical freedom. They explore human subjectivity, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a world without inherent purpose. The conversation touches on navigating life's challenges with existentialist tools and Stoicism, offering insights for personal growth and authenticity.

The hosts discuss Marcus Aurelius's Meditations 2.1, emphasizing premeditation and dealing with others. They explore the Stoic perspective on seeing goodness, overcoming anger, and working with others. The podcast also touches on the importance of the divine connection, responsibility of knowledge, and Stoicism's contrast with popular culture. Navigating social adversity is discussed as well.

Caleb and Michael talk about forgiveness and clemency. How does the Stoic idea of forgiveness differ from the popular account – and when should we pardon other’s wrongdoing or address it head on?(01:16) What Is Forgiveness?(15:59) The Stoic Account(25:00) Forgive Everyone At Once(28:18) Clemency(35:10) Is Clemency Only A Tool For The Strong?(45:07) Challenges***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/