Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Shermin Kruse. Shermin is a globally recognized negotiation consultant, law professor at Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law, and TEDx producer. She is the author of the recently published book Stoic Empathy: The Road Map to a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity. We discuss empathy and how it can be combined with Stoic resilience to help us maintain our compassion while avoiding burnoutStoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Highlights* How did you become interested in Stoicism?* What is Stoic Empathy – and how does it differ from unhelpful forms of empathy?* What are the most common misconceptions about empathy that you encounter?* What’s the relationship between empathy and anger in your view?* In your book, you discuss why traditional models of compassion might fall short. * From your perspective, what are the key limitations of these models, and what does neuroscience reveal about why a different approach might be necessary?* What tools do you recommend for people who want to maintain healthy empathy and compassion?* How can we face injustice and suffering in the world without shutting down or freaking out?Links* Stoic Empathy on Amazon * Shermin Kruse’s Website Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

In this discussion, Raymond DiGiuseppe, a Professor of Psychology and expert in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, explores anger management through a Stoic lens. He contrasts Marcus Aurelius' strategies with modern psychotherapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding character and context before reacting. They delve into the futility of venting anger and how empathy can reshape emotional responses. The conversation highlights Stoic ideas on revenge and the role of compassion in managing conflict, promoting a deeper awareness of our emotional landscapes.

Matthew Gindin, a writer, editor, and former Buddhist monk, delves into the intriguing interplay between anger, Stoicism, and Buddhism. The conversation highlights how both philosophies perceive anger as a barrier to enlightenment and well-being. Gindin explores the historical context of Buddha and Heraclitus, revealing their insights on impermanence. They also discuss the importance of mindfulness, critiquing its commercialization, while showcasing shared meditation practices that foster self-reflection and resilience in facing life's challenges.

Explore the pervasive presence of anger in today’s society and how media amplifies emotional reactions. Unpack the Stoic critique of modern self-improvement cultures that often overlook deeper issues of aggression. Delve into the philosophical roots of psychotherapy as influenced by figures like Seneca. Discover how anger often clouds judgment and leads to impulsive actions, while alternative motivators like love can inspire constructive change. Finally, learn the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in effectively managing this complex emotion.

Anya Leonard, the founder of Classical Wisdom, shares her unique insights into the philosophy and psychology of anger. She discusses its historical significance and how it’s often overshadowed by anxiety and depression. Anya highlights the complexity of anger, exploring its cultural dimensions and its role in social media. Drawing from ancient philosophers like Seneca and Aristotle, she advocates cognitive strategies for managing anger. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and channeling anger for personal growth and emotional intelligence.

Windy Dryden, Emeritus Professor of Psychotherapeutic Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, is a leading expert on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. He shares insights on the evolution of psychotherapy since the 1970s and the significance of emotional flexibility in therapy. Dryden explains the unique aspects of REBT and the ABC model, along with the benefits of single-session therapy. He also delves into managing anger, distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy expressions, and offers practical advice for personal growth.

Dive into a transformative meditative experience that enhances mindfulness and self-awareness. Listeners embark on a journey of breath awareness and visualization, cultivating a broader perspective on life. The session encourages reflection on personal connections to the universe, guiding participants to embrace a deeper understanding of themselves. It's an enlightening exploration of how meditation can lead to profound insights and a more enriched life.

Join Chuck Garcia, founder of Climb Leadership International and author of The Moment That Defines Your Life, as he shares insights on Stoicism and emotional intelligence. He discusses the transformative power of mortality on personal philosophy and leadership styles influenced by Marcus Aurelius. Listeners will discover how Stoicism can mitigate anger and enhance decision-making in high-pressure situations. Chuck also connects his experiences as a mountaineer to Stoic principles, advocating for a balanced approach to emotional resilience and personal growth.

Erick Cloward, an executive coach from Amsterdam and former tech CTO, discusses his journey into Stoicism and leadership coaching. He dispels misconceptions about Stoicism, emphasizing its emotional depth and relevance today. Erick reveals insights from his upcoming book, "Stoicism 101," focusing on how Stoic principles like the dichotomy of control can strengthen leadership and resilience. He highlights the importance of emotional regulation, particularly regarding anger, and shares how understanding historical figures enriches one's Stoic practice.

Benny Voncken, a life coach and co-founder of Via Stoica, shares his transformative journey with Stoic philosophy, which helped him conquer anxiety and anger. He discusses how Stoicism offers practical strategies for emotional management, emphasizing the value of personalized coaching over traditional self-help. Topics include mastering emotions, the paradox of anger, and the importance of self-awareness in personal growth. Voncken encourages listeners to explore Stoicism's applications in modern life as a means to enhance resilience and emotional clarity.