Stoic Meditations

Latest Episodes:

274. We are all going to die, but until then? Jan 07, 2019

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Marcus Aurelius takes for granted that death is a natural and unavoidable end. The real question is what you are going to do between now and then.

273. Would you buy a car based on its color? Jan 04, 2019

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Seneca explains that there are certain attributes of things and people that are important, and others that are irrelevant. Somehow, we keep focusing on the irrelevant ones.

272. Why virtue is the only good Jan 03, 2019

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In this episode we explore a quote from Seneca presenting the Stoic argument for why virtue is the only true good. And if it is, then shouldn't you pursue it above all else?

271. Virtue will not fall upon you by chance Jan 02, 2019

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Seneca already understood two millennia ago that there is no such thing as a self-made man, because luck is needed for externals. But not in order to be virtuous.

270. Bad judgment is a disease, Stoic practice is the cure Jan 01, 2019

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Seneca says that people arrive at wrong judgments about what is valuable or desirable, and a major goal of Stoic training is, accordingly, to make us less unwise about values and desires.

269. Change your mind, if reason prompts you Dec 31, 2018

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Epictetus chastises one of his students for wanting to stick with a decision just because he said he would. Which leads us to a discussion of the roles of reason and emotion.

268. Practice, practice, practice Dec 28, 2018

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Stoicism is a practical philosophy, but how does that work, exactly? Not very differently from the practice of religions like Christianity and Buddhism. Find out in this episode!

267. Here and now Dec 27, 2018

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Seneca reminds us that the past is not under our control, and neither is the future. Our only locus of action is the present, and that's where our attention should be.

266. How to behave during a storm at sea Dec 26, 2018

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Seneca reminds us that those who study philosophy are human beings, subject to the physiological responses and emotions of the case. The difference is in how they reflect on and react to circumstances.

265. Retreat into your Inner Citadel Dec 24, 2018

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Marcus Aurelius reminds us that, when we need to regain serenity, we may retreat into ourselves and recharge our batteries. In this episode, learn about the ruling faculty and its neural correlates.

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