Practical Stoicism
Evergreen Podcasts
Stoicism is the pursuit of Virtue (Aretê), which was defined by the Ancient Greeks as "the knowledge of how to live excellently," Stoicism is a holistic life philosophy meant to guide us towards the attainment of this knowledge through the development of our character. While many other Stoicism podcasts focus on explaining Ancient Stoicism in an academic or historical context, Practical Stoicism strives to port the ancient wisdom of this 2300-plus-year-old Greek Philosophy into contemporary times to provide practical advice for living today, not two millennia ago. Join American philosopher of Stoicism Tanner Campbell, every Monday and Friday, for new episodes.
Episodes
Mentioned books
5 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 21min
Habituation and the Practice of Stoic Virtue (Meditations 2.10)
Delve into Marcus Aurelius' insights on the differences between faults driven by anger and those fueled by desire. Discover how Stoics view actions stemming from pleasure as more deliberate and harder to change than those provoked by anger. Explore the nuanced understanding of 'effeminate' in Stoic texts, revealing its true meaning as 'morally weak.' Learn about the significance of habituation in cultivating virtue, emphasizing that consistent practice can transform actions into instinctual behavior, leading to true moral progress.
Oct 15, 2024 • 13min
Embracing The Logic Of The Cosmos (Meditations 2.9)
Discover how Marcus Aurelius connects our actions to the rational nature of the Cosmos. Embrace personal agency and accountability, even in challenging situations like dealing with an unkind boss. Explore the importance of rational choices and the alignment of our actions with virtue. Learn that while external circumstances can influence us, it's our response that truly defines who we are. Dive into the idea that by understanding our role in the self-sustaining universe, we can strive for greater wisdom and beneficence.
Oct 7, 2024 • 10min
Mind the business of your own mind (Meditations 2.8)
Explore the profound insights of Marcus Aurelius on the significance of self-awareness. Discover how focusing too much on others’ opinions drains our energy and hinders personal growth. The discussion emphasizes virtue as the true measure of goodness, contrasting it with the misguided pursuit of material desires. Delve into the complexity of introspection and realize how often we overlook our own thoughts while judging others. Shift your mindset from external validations to cultivating your own character for a fulfilling life.
7 snips
Sep 29, 2024 • 12min
Are you focused on something useful? (Meditations 2.7)
The discussion centers on the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius about finding quiet moments to learn meaningful lessons. It addresses the modern world’s distractions, warning against aimlessness in our pursuits. Misguided ideologies that misinterpret Stoicism are critiqued, particularly those that portray relationships as distractions. The conversation emphasizes that true distractions stem from our inability to manage attention, encouraging listeners to cultivate virtue and stay grounded despite external chaos.
Sep 23, 2024 • 27min
Making morally just decisions (Meditations 2.6)
Discover the profound insights of Marcus Aurelius as he challenges us to prioritize our own well-being over external influences. Explore the Stoic view on true violence, highlighting how vice damages our moral character rather than physical actions. Dive into the empowering self-regulation of Stoicism, contrasting it with organized religion and emphasizing personal virtue. Finally, navigate the complex relationship between morality and empathy, advocating for the Stoic path as a means of aligning one’s ethical choices with nature.
Sep 16, 2024 • 20min
Act with precision, dignity, and love (Meditations 2.5)
The discussion begins with a clarification about Stoic terminology, emphasizing the importance of precise communication. Dive into Meditation 5 reveals how to live each moment with dignity, justice, and love, as if it were your last. The hosts challenge common misunderstandings of Stoic philosophy, promoting a sense of awe over fear. They explore fulfilling personal roles aligned with nature and examine the broader implications of living a meaningful life in harmony with the Cosmos.
Sep 9, 2024 • 28min
How many second chances have you already wasted? (Meditations 2.4)
Explore the inevitability of death and the urgency to embrace the present moment. Dive into Marcus Aurelius's insights on personal growth and the misconceptions surrounding Stoicism. Delve into the contrasts between religious beliefs and atheistic views on morality, questioning how we uphold virtues amid life's uncertainties. Learn how our perspectives shape suffering and how choosing a positive mindset can ease distress. Finally, reflect on life’s finitude and the importance of seizing each moment for a meaningful existence.
Sep 2, 2024 • 27min
Change is not our enemy (Meditations 2.3)
Dive into the profound concepts of Providence and the interconnectedness of the universe as seen through Stoic philosophy. Discover how the cosmos operates as a logical system, where every change is a vital part of existence rather than a threat. Embrace the notion that true fulfillment does not come from external sources but from accepting one's role in the grand scheme of life. Engage with the complexities of translation that shape our understanding of Marcus Aurelius’s thoughts, and gain practical insights for navigating today's chaotic world.
9 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 31min
Start paying attention, or else (Meditations 2.2)
Dive into the depths of Stoicism with insights from Marcus Aurelius. Explore the interconnectedness of the body, spirit, and rational self. Discover the concept of Logos as the universe's guiding principle and the fleeting nature of our physical existence. Emphasize the importance of virtue and self-control over mere physical health. Reflect on managing thoughts and impulses, all while practicing intentional living and engagement with your deeper self.
Aug 20, 2024 • 29min
Viewing others with compassion (Meditations 2.1)
Dive into the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius with reflections on compassion and human nature. Explore how Stoicism teaches us to understand the moral ignorance behind others' actions. The discussion emphasizes the pursuit of Virtue and the interconnectedness of humanity. Unpack the complexities of moral choices and the importance of scrutinizing our beliefs. Discover how unity, service, and justice play a crucial role in our relationships and society.
