Practical Stoicism

In this enlightening episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the profound realization that the search for purpose and meaning in life becomes increasingly urgent as we age. I explore the journey from the invincibility felt in youth to the mature quest for fulfillment, highlighting the importance of discovering a purpose that transcends the expectations of others. Drawing on the wisdom of Stoic philosophy and the teachings of Epictetus and Agrippinus, I've come to understand that true purpose is a deeply personal voyage towards enlightenment, free from the constraints of conformity and rebellion. Join me as I navigate the path to uncovering our individual essence through the lens of Stoicism, offering insights into how to lead a life marked by virtue and excellence.--Become a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/membersSubscribe to the weekly newsletter: https://practicalstoicism.net/subscribePre-order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/bookDownload Stoicism260: https://stoicismpod.com/appPodcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ladies and gentlemen, A.A. Long. The man responsible for Stoicism's contemporary revival.We talk about free will, Zeno's criterion of truth, virtue ethics beyond the Classical period, and more.I hope you enjoy this special episode.--Become a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/membersSubscribe to the weekly newsletter: https://practicalstoicism.net/subscribePre-order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/bookA. A. Long's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._A._LongA. A. Long's website: https://dagrs.berkeley.edu/user/40Podcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the Stoic approach to managing anger by understanding proto-emotions and assented-to emotions. Learn how to navigate impressions and judgments with logical reasoning. Discover Stoic views on virtue and vice, focusing on making choices aligned with excellence. Delve into the dichotomy of choice and peace, finding inner peace through accepting what is within our control.

Explore Stoic solutions to procrastination through Memento Mori, productivity traps, and societal pressures. Learn how to redefine priorities, embrace virtue over productivity, and create a plan for a fulfilling life. Discover the power of time management, goal-setting, and the reminder of our mortality to overcome procrastination.

In this episode I delve into the painful experience of losing a relationship, particularly one that we didn't want to end. I highlight the acute distress caused by breakups, where someone actively chooses to leave, unlike death, which is inevitable and beyond anyone's control. I discuss how Stoicism-inspired reasoning can help alleviate the pain of heartache and navigate through the grief that follows a breakup.I emphasize the concept of "indifferents" in Stoicism, things that have no power over our ability to choose virtuously. These indifferents prompt us to make choices, but they do not dictate the choices we ultimately make.The episode clarifies the distinction between "indifferents" and "indifference," explaining that Stoics do not treat indifferents with indifference. Rather, they carefully consider how their choices regarding indifferents reflect their character and virtue.Furthermore, Stoic role ethics are introduced, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's roles in life responsibly. The host explains that heartache can hinder our ability to fulfill our roles effectively and underscores the need to address heartache as an indifferent that could impede our progress toward cultivating a good character.Practical steps for coping with heartbreak are provided, including acceptance, understanding that another person's unhappiness does not define your worth, focusing on fulfilling other roles in life, and practicing self-care.Overall, the episode offers a Stoic perspective on navigating the emotional turmoil of heartbreak with rationality and self-care, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting indifferents while striving to fulfill one's roles in life responsibly.--Become a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/membersSubscribe to the weekly newsletter: https://practicalstoicism.net/subscribePre-order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/bookPodcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delving into the relevance of personality types within Stoicism, the podcast explores skepticism towards classification systems as tools for self-indulgence. It highlights the practical applications of these systems for behavioral insights and therapeutic interventions, emphasizing the importance of using them for self-reflection and personal growth.

Exploring the value of virtue as its own reward in Stoicism, challenges of applying these principles in modern life, debunking misconceptions about asceticism, and finding a balance between ambition and virtue in personal growth and societal contributions.

In today's episode, I delve into the profound theme of Forgiveness within the framework of Stoicism, a topic that resonates deeply with both my personal experiences and the Stoic principles I strive to embody. I commence with a note of gratitude towards new Patrons – Dan Brann, Jenny Kay, and Jay – whose support is instrumental in dedicating myself fully to this podcast. For those contemplating joining our Patreon, it offers an ad-free listening experience, exclusive articles, discussions with special guests, and a vibrant private Discord community.The essence of today's discourse on Forgiveness is drawn from a personal narrative – my journey of forgiving my mother, a path marked by decades of hurt, distance, and ultimately, reconciliation. This story illustrates not just a personal struggle but encapsulates the Stoic view on external events and our control over them. My childhood, marred by broken promises and absent visitations, laid the groundwork for years of resentment towards my mother. However, the Stoic practice of accepting things beyond our control and focusing on our reactions played a pivotal role in navigating this tumultuous relationship.Forgiveness, from a Stoic perspective, is intricately tied to the understanding and acceptance of human imperfection, including our own. It is not merely about absolving others but recognizing the limitations within which everyone operates. This realization does not come swiftly or easily; it is a gradual process of internalizing and genuinely believing in the fallibility of all humans, including those who might have wronged us.The episode breaks down Forgiveness into three actionable steps rooted in Stoic philosophy: Acknowledging our lack of control over others' actions and their inherent imperfections. Internalizing this understanding to a degree where it informs our belief system and reactions. Adjusting our expectations to align with the reality of human imperfection, thereby reducing the likelihood of disappointment. This framework for Forgiveness, though not explicitly outlined in Stoic texts, draws inspiration from Stoic principles, particularly the reflections of Marcus Aurelius on self-awareness and mutual human fallibility.In conclusion, Forgiveness, as discussed in this episode, transcends the personal and delves into the philosophical, offering a Stoic approach to dealing with one of the most challenging aspects of human relationships. It's a reminder of the power of acceptance, the importance of adjusting our expectations, and the virtue of empathy towards ourselves and others.--Become a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/membersPre-order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/bookPodcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring the balance between kindness and justice in relationships, reflecting on endurance and beauty in life, and introducing a new framework of concern management using the Toblerone analogy. The podcast discusses the challenges of aligning actions with Stoic principles and staying true to personal values.

Anya Leonard is my friend and one of my heroes. She's built something really incredible over the last 10-years (ClassicalWisdom.com) and I think it is as important a contribution to mankind as was Britannica compiling the great works of Western literature - she has create a "great works" platform and she provides it for free to everyone. This makes her not just a friend and a hero but also a comrade in arms. In today's episode you'll learn about Anya, some of her history, what inspired her to start Classical Wisdom more than a decade ago, and also about an upcoming talk she's giving at the Plato's Academy Centre on philosophy and kids.--Classical Wisdom: https://classicalwisdom.comGreek Classics Course: https://courses.classicalwisdom.comPlato's Academy Event: https://philosophyandchildren.eventbrite.caBecome a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/membersPre-order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/bookPodcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices