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:

674. The opposite of mercy is cruelty Aug 13, 2020

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The virtues are never in contradiction with each other. The vices are never good for the people who indulge them.

673. The nature and importance of mercy Aug 12, 2020

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We should all follow Seneca's advice, resisting the urge for revenge and punishment, and practicing mercy and forgiveness.

672. When cruelty becomes pleasure Aug 11, 2020

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Both rulers and ordinary people sometimes turn cruelty into a pleasure. It seriously undermines the most precious thing we all have: our character.

671. Let us be more forgiving Aug 10, 2020

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Seneca reminds us that the human animal is a delicate thing, forgiveness for his mistakes is often in order.

670. The right and the wrong times to use violence Aug 07, 2020

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Turns out that, when the proper criteria are followed, it is almost never the time to use violence, either as a society, or as individuals.

669. People can change, and so can we Aug 06, 2020

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Seneca provides a historically accurate analysis of the life of Octavian Augustus, the first Roman emperor. With implications for how to live our own lives.

668. The tyrant will not be able to hide Aug 05, 2020

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A cruel reign is disordered and hidden in darkness, and while all shake with terror at the sudden explosions, not even he who caused all this disturbance escapes unharmed.

667. Beware of the corruption of the justice system Aug 04, 2020

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Seneca reminds us that prosecutors and judges might be corrupted, and that we have to take this into account when we act.

666. Do not support leaders who drag their office into the mud Aug 03, 2020

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Seneca issues a stern reminder to Nero about the responsibilities of government. It can all too easily be applied today.

665. War is cruelty on a massive scale Jul 31, 2020

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Seneca warns that the cruelty of people in charge of government can have massive consequences.