Stoic Meditations

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Religion & Spirituality
**Stoic Meditations**

Occasional reflections on the wisdom of Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers with Prof. Massimo Pigliucci. Complete index by author and source at https://massimopigliucci.org/stoic-podcast/. (cover art by Marek Škrabák; original music by Ian Jolin-Rasmussen).

Latest Episodes:

64. The advantages of old age Mar 09, 2018

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Seneca tells Lucilius to pay attention to the joys of old age, and to be grateful for every day we live.

63. Fame is fleeting, focus on the here and now Mar 08, 2018

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Marcus Aurelius engages in a view from above meditation, reminding himself that the quest for fame is just plain irrational.

62. Make sure you work on your faculty of judgment Mar 07, 2018

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Epictetus reminds us that when we face an impression about an external thing we should consider carefully whether to assent to it, withhold assent, or remain neutral.

61. Pick a role model Mar 06, 2018

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Seneca advises Lucilius to choose a good role model to improve his character, for we cannot straighten what is crooked unless we use a ruler.

60. Philosophy as medicine for the mind Mar 05, 2018

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Musonius Rufus says that philosophy is like medicine: if it does not make you a healthier person, it is not useful.

59. With great power comes great responsibility Mar 02, 2018

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Epictetus reminds people with power that they should remember whom they have power over: fellow human beings, made of the same stuff, wanting the same things.

58. Keep a sound and upright soul, despise Fortune Mar 01, 2018

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The wise person, according to Seneca, needs others to live her life, but not to live a life worth living. For that, all she needs is to keep her faculty of judgment in good order.

57. Work for the public good Mar 01, 2018

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Marcus Aurelius reminds us that we need to work for the public good, not pursue power, fame, or pleasure.

56. Judgments, Not Externals Mar 01, 2018

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Epictetus reminds us that we are in charge of our judgments about things, and talks about Socrates, who chose to be in prison

55. It's All About Character Mar 01, 2018

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Seneca says that it makes no difference whether your house has a roof of gold, what matters is the character of the person who lives there.