Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

This is my attempt to provide a short and simple introduction to Stoic practices, which anyone can begin using right away. It includes:* Brief introduction to Stoicism and dispelling the most common misconceptions* Two basic concepts:* The dichotomy of control* That it’s not things that upset us but rather our judgments about them* Three basic practices:* Objective description* Contemplating virtue and the double-standards strategy* The view from aboveStoicism: 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.The original article on which this audio recording is based can be found on Substack, Stoicism as a Philosophy of Life. Check out my books Stoicism and the Art of Happiness and How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, for more advice on applying Stoicism in daily life.Thank you 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

Eduard Pollhammer, the scientific director of the Carnuntum Archeological Park, shares his expertise on Roman Carnuntum and Marcus Aurelius. He delves into the archaeological significance of Carnuntum, a vital military and trade hub, illuminating its resilience through time. The discussion includes the intriguing cultural importance of amber and Mithraism, along with the potential connections between Marcus Aurelius and the cult of Mithras. Pollhammer also highlights how the site reflects insights from Aurelius' 'Meditations' and showcases captivating Severian period artifacts.

Alexandra Hudson, a writer and founder of Civic Renaissance, discusses the essence of civility in society. She emphasizes the distinction between civility and politeness, advocating for deeper, meaningful conversations. Hudson shares her belief in the enduring relevance of classical wisdom, urging everyone to embrace philosophical ideas regardless of their background. She also highlights the role of storytelling in understanding the human condition, drawing parallels with timeless narratives that resonate across cultures.

Experience a soothing journey of relaxation designed to promote emotional calm and clarity. Close your eyes and imagine warmth enveloping you, guiding you to a deeper state of serenity. This guided exercise encourages emotional stability and boosts self-confidence. Perfect for daily practice, it helps you associate relaxation with a peaceful mind, paving the way for a more centered day ahead. A great tool for anyone looking to cultivate tranquility and mental clarity.

This conversation delves into how Marcus Aurelius applied Stoicism to handle the challenges of the Antonine Plague. It highlights his writings in 'The Meditations' as a personal toolkit for navigating fear and mortality. The importance of virtue is emphasized, offering listeners guidance on how to maintain composure in times of crisis. The dialogue encourages reflection on our own mortality and the Dichotomy of Control, presenting Stoicism as a valuable philosophy for enduring hardships like a pandemic.

Markus Wachter, CEO of the Carnuntum Archeological Park, shares fascinating insights into this ancient Roman site linked to Marcus Aurelius. Listeners discover Carnuntum's archaeological treasures and its pivotal role during the empire. Wachter discusses how Aurelius's Meditations, written amidst military challenges, reflect his struggles and acceptance of life's realities. He highlights the Danube River’s influence on trade and military strategy, and how Aurelius valued diplomacy over conflict. This dialogue brings the rich history and culture of Carnuntum to life.

In this episode, I chat with Massimo Pigliucci, Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York, part of the team responsible for the Modern Stoicism organization, and author of several books on philosophy, including How to be a Stoic and, more recently, The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches us about Our Search for Good Leaders.  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.Topics covered include…* How Massimo first got into philosophy, and into Stoicism * What he learned from writing How to be a Stoic* How he has changed his mind about aspects of Stoicism* The Modern Stoicism org and the modern resurgence of interest in Stoicism? * Why doesn’t there seem to be as much interest in Epicureanism or other ancient schools of philosophy among the general public? * What's The Quest for Character about? * Why write about Socrates and Alcibiades? * What potential do you think Socrates saw in Alcibiades? * What do you think Alcibiades’ biggest flaws were and what was his biggest mistake in life? * Would it have turned out differently if a Stoic like Epictetus had been Alcibiades’ tutor? * To what extent good character, or virtue, can be taught* How we could be doing a better job of teaching virtue today Thank you 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

Tim LeBon, cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist, discusses the relationship between Stoicism and CBT, recent advances in third-wave CBT, and what he has learned as research director with Modern Stoicism. He also introduces his book '365 Ways to be More Stoic', debunking stoic myths and offering daily readings and success stories for applying stoic principles in modern life.

Discover a fascinating vocal technique designed to quiet the mind and enhance focus. It involves gradually fading your voice to silence, promoting relaxation and mental stillness. Learn how this simple method can alleviate ordinary anxiety and insomnia, with practical tips and personal insights shared throughout. Perfect for those seeking effective coping strategies, this technique could be a game-changer for managing stress. Tune in for ideas on improving mental health through innovative relaxation practices!

My wife, Kasey Robertson, writes under the pen name Kasey Pierce. I thought it would be pretty interesting to interview her about her writing. You can follow herKasey Piercenewsletter on Substack. 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.Links mentioned* Kasey’s Amazon author page* 365 Ways to be More Stoic (Harbinger)* Kasey on Medium* Kasey’s Twitter and InstagramThank you 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