Stoic Meditations

Latest Episodes:

544. The inner citadel Feb 10, 2020

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The mind that is free from passions is a citadel, for we have nothing more secure to which we can fly for refuge and repel every attack.

543. The courage to stay Feb 07, 2020

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Marcus Aurelius reminds himself that if life is unbearable, one has the option to leave. But we have a duty, toward ourselves and others, to stay, if at all possible.

542. Value judgments are not inherent in things Feb 06, 2020

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If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you, but your own judgment about it. And it is in your power to wipe out this judgment now.

541. Achieving ataraxia Feb 05, 2020

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Take me and cast me where you will; for there I shall keep my divine part tranquil, that is, content, if it can feel and act conformably to its proper constitution.

540. On fame, posthumous or not Feb 04, 2020

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Those who rather pursue posthumous fame do not consider that the people of tomorrow will be exactly like these whom they cannot bear now; and both are mortal.

539. Three things to care about Feb 03, 2020

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It is my delight to keep the ruling faculty sound without turning away from any of the things that happen to people, but looking at and receiving all with welcoming eyes and using everything according to its value.

538. The nuanced conflict between pleasure and virtue Jan 31, 2020

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I see no virtue that is opposed to justice; but I see a virtue that is opposed to love of pleasure, and that is temperance.

537. How not to get overwhelmed by problems Jan 30, 2020

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Do not let your thoughts at once embrace all the various troubles that you may expect to befall you: but on every occasion ask yourself, What is there in this that is intolerable and past bearing?

536. A prepared mind is a mark of wisdom Jan 29, 2020

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All things happen in a more endurable fashion to people who are prepared for them.

535. The true meaning of human freedom Jan 28, 2020

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Freedom consists in raising one’s mind superior to injuries and becoming a person whose pleasures come from himself alone.