Practical Stoicism

Delving into Marcus Aurelius' teachings on maintaining rational control over bodily afflictions. Exploring the difficulty of practicing Stoic teachings in real life, especially when dealing with anger. Reflecting on Seneca's wisdom about the universality of human error and the importance of forgiveness. Recommending a practical approach of giving ourselves space and time to process our feelings before confronting the source of our anger.

In this episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the profound teachings of Enchiridion 9, a text that compellingly explores the concept of freedom of choice. The irony isn't lost on me that we're discussing this topic, especially as we anticipate introducing the third guest in our series soon.Enchiridion 9 teaches us that our physical conditions, like sickness or lameness, do not impede our ability to choose. This wisdom comes from a former slave who experienced physical torment firsthand, urging us to realize that our choices, not our circumstances, define us.I take this opportunity to question the very essence of how we perceive experiences and their impact on us. For instance, if being robbed makes us live in fear of a repeat incident, is it the event itself or our irrational fear that shapes this reaction? I also extend this discussion to the concept of psychological trauma, which I'm starting to see as a series of unchecked, illogical choices that solidify into behaviors. This perspective might be contentious, but it's vital to explore how our choices, rather than experiences, mold us.Our discussion then shifts to the role of experiences in shaping our character. While they offer opportunities to make choices, they don't necessarily constrain us - only our decisions can do that. I relate this to a video game concept where choices impact a character's appearance, symbolizing how actions, more than circumstances, define our moral and ethical makeup.Finally, I examine how circumstances influence our choices, using the example of stealing out of necessity. I argue that even in dire situations, our choices, guided by virtue or vice, are paramount. In Stoicism, the pursuit of virtue is the ultimate goal, transcending even the instinct for survival.In conclusion, this episode underscores that in the realm of Stoic philosophy, it's always our choices, not our experiences or circumstances, that hold the true power.--Get the lifetime ad-free deal : https://stoicismpod.com/lifetime--Support my work directly on Patreon : https://stoicismpod.com/membersSubscribe to my Everyday Stoicism blog : https://everydaystoicism.comJoin the Actual Stoicism discord community : https://stoicismpod.com/discord--Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharsonOnline copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast discusses Marcus Aurelius' meditation on responding to the wrongdoings of others, emphasizing the importance of focusing on our own character and actions. It explores the relationship between others' actions and character, and highlights the significance of evaluating our own character before intervening. The podcast also explores the concept of roles and attributes in helping others, emphasizing that bravery and effectiveness don't always require physical strength.

In this podcast, Dr. William O. Stephens discusses free will in Stoicism. The Stoic view combines fate and individual agency, allowing for free will within causal determinism. They explore Stoic psychology and the concept of 'lecta' as propositions, emphasizing the freedom of ascent. The episode also touches upon different philosophical positions on determinism and free will.

This podcast explores the topic of free will through the lens of Stoicism and its modern interpretations. It challenges the notion that our decisions are predetermined by past events and discusses the potential dangers of embracing determinism. The host critiques the deterministic view of the ancient Stoics and presents their own theory that fate exists but is suspended in the human mind. Overall, the podcast delves into the complexities of free will and the importance of upholding its existence.

In this episode, they delve into the Stoic concept of our minuscule existence in the universe, the importance of practicing philosophy in daily life, and the empowering purpose of Marcus Aurelius' words. They also discuss embodying Stoic principles in daily life and reflecting on mortality and connection to the universe.

Want for anything that comes your way, for there is no other way but the miserableness of a kicking and screaming child.--#1: Get rid of ads and support my work : https://actualstoicism.com/support#2 : Read Actual Stoicism : https://read.actualstoicism.com#3 : Read Everyday Stoicism : https://everydaystoicism.com#4 : Join the Discord : https://stoicismpod.com/discord--Online copy of Meditations (George Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-longOnline copy of Meditations (Meric Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubonOnline copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharsonOnline copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.htmlOnline copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can never step into the same river twice.--#1: Get rid of ads and support my work : https://actualstoicism.com/support#2 : Read Actual Stoicism : https://read.actualstoicism.com#3 : Read Everyday Stoicism : https://everydaystoicism.com#4 : Join the Discord : https://stoicismpod.com/discord--Online copy of Meditations (George Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-longOnline copy of Meditations (Meric Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubonOnline copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharsonOnline copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.htmlOnline copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters--Check out Neurohacker's QualiMind at https://neurohacker.com/practical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traveling to the UK by way of Canada today, finally reuniting with my wife! Because it made more sense schedule wise, we're going to move Marcus and Epictetus to Wednesday and Friday this week (respectively). Today I'll be reflecting on the Dichotomy of Control, and why we should stop calling it that once and for all.--#1: Get rid of ads and support my work : https://actualstoicism.com/support#2 : Read Actual Stoicism : https://read.actualstoicism.com#3 : Read Everyday Stoicism : https://everydaystoicism.com#4 : Read Uphill From Here : https://read.uphillfromhere.com#5 : Join the Discord : https://stoicismpod.com/discord--Online copy of Meditations (George Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-longOnline copy of Meditations (Meric Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubonOnline copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharsonOnline copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.htmlOnline copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters--Check out Neurohacker's QualiMind at https://neurohacker.com/practical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great question from a Patron this week, and one that catches me out as speaking non-Stoically on a Stoicism podcast. Oh the shame! Don't forget to register for this weekend's free workshop with William Stephens (on Epictetus and the Dichotomy of Control). Do that here: https://actualstoicism.com/workshop--#1 : Get rid of ads : https://practicalstoicism.supportingcast.fm#2 : Support my work : https://actualstoicism.com/support#3 : Read Actual Stoicism : https://read.actualstoicism.com#4 : Read Everyday Stoicism : https://everydaystoicism.com#5 : Read Uphill From Here : https://read.uphillfromhere.com#6 : Join the Discord : https://stoicismpod.com/discord--Online copy of Meditations (George Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-longOnline copy of Meditations (Meric Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubonOnline copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharsonOnline copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.htmlOnline copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters--Check out Neurohacker's QualiMind at https://neurohacker.com/practical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices