Join Igor Grossmann, a psychology professor and wisdom expert from the University of Waterloo, as he unpacks the essence of wisdom. He discusses whether wisdom is static or dynamic and its interplay with abstract and concrete thinking. Intellectual humility, open-mindedness, and distanced reflection emerge as key elements in fostering wise reasoning. Grossmann also explores how understanding wisdom can aid in coping with anxiety and depression, comparing his research to insights from ancient philosophers and addressing the challenges posed by modern technology.

Listen to our live How to Think Like Socrates book launch from 19th Nov. Phil Yanov was kind enough to send me this recording of the event.Stoicism: 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.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

Discover how Stoic philosophy, rooted in Socratic thought, can transform modern lives through self-improvement. Learn about the synergy between Stoicism and cognitive behavioral therapy, offering resilient coping strategies. Explore cognitive distancing for emotional clarity and effective anger management techniques. Dive into Marcus Aurelius's insights on impermanence, urging you to cherish the present. Lastly, embrace curiosity in today’s media landscape to cultivate open-mindedness and promote personal growth.

In this discussion, Dr. Walter Matweychuk, a psychologist and REBT expert, delves into the intriguing connections between Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Stoicism. He highlights how both approaches emphasize emotional resilience and acceptance. Dr. Matweychuk explains the evolution of REBT, comparing it with traditional cognitive therapies, and the role mindfulness plays in healing. He also discusses the technique of rational emotive imagery and explores how visualization can reshape our responses to anxiety, merging ancient philosophy with modern therapy for personal development.

Dr. Gad Saad is a Professor of Marketing and an influential figure in evolutionary psychology. In a thought-provoking discussion, he defines happiness and challenges modern misconceptions about it. Saad critiques consumerism and celebrity culture as sources of discontent. He emphasizes emotional resilience's role in happiness and shares secrets to achieving a fulfilling life. The conversation also touches on the impact of woke culture, the complexities of anger in young men, and the importance of meaningful relationships over materialism.

Discover the fascinating human side of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor, through transformative anecdotes from his life. Learn how his early experiences shaped him into a reflective philosopher, blending emotion with Stoic principles. Delve into the misunderstood nature of Stoicism and its profound impact on Aurelius's character and moral evolution. This insightful exploration uncovers the complexities of his reign and philosophical journey, offering a fresh perspective on a legendary figure.

Discussing the dangers faced by democracy, the historical influence of demagogues, analogies of statesmen and demagogues in politics, navigating modern challenges with stoicism, handling rhetoric and cognitive distancing, and managing anger and political influence with Stoicism.

Olympic gold medallist Mark Tuitert discusses how Stoicism influenced his speed skating career and life. Topics include dealing with anger, the connection between sports and Stoicism, favorite Stoic exercises, and reflections on visiting Athens.

Anthony Magnabosco discusses Street Epistemology, a method focusing on civil conversations to challenge beliefs. He explores its relation to the Socratic Method, therapy potential, and future developments. The podcast covers engaging dialogues, critical reflection, and the application of SE in various contexts.

Colin Elliott, an economic and social historian, discusses the Antonine Plague in Ancient Rome and its impact on society and military capability. They explore Marcus Aurelius' perspective, religious interpretations, and potential parallels to our own pandemic. The conversation covers the limited sources of information, the peculiar snake-like creature known as Sweetie, and the promotion of individuals from lower social classes during the plague.