We take a look at one of the most famous metaphors in Stoicism, the notion put forth by Marcus Aurelius that life is a bit like wrestling: we need to be prepared and alert, because the next move may be unexpected. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that logic is crucial in order to figure out how to live a good life. But logic chopping is actually deleterious to it. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that there is a difference among the so-called indifferents. Life, health, and education, for instance, are a bit more highly ranked than your favorite gelato flavor. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

In our 300th episode we look at how Seneca very clearly separates Stoicism (the philosophy) from stoicism (the attitude of going through life with a stiff upper lip). Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that we should interpret other people's actions and words in a generous manner, instead of conjuring the worst possible scenario. It is, after all, the way we would like to be treated. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Epictetus, with his sarcastic sense of humor, reminds a student that he doesn't need to pray to deal with a bad situation. He already has all the tools he needs: courage, fortitude, and endurance. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

If the Pope or the Dalai Lama say that being good is its own reward, usually people take it at face value. But if a Stoic says it, they demand logical proof. Let's discuss this. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca gets to the bottom line of Stoic philosophy: If you wish to set a value on yourself, put away your money, your estates, your honors, and look into your own character. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca agrees with Epicurus: fear of death and poverty is crippling, and we need to work toward overcoming it. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that the tools for becoming a better person are simple and inexpensive. In this episode we discuss the three basic tools of the Stoic practitioner. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

A quote from Marcus Aurelius sounds a lot like what Ayn Rand would say. But it couldn't be further from it. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that it may be just as difficult to deal with good fortune as with the bad variety. Regardless, everything life throws at us is an opportunity to exercise our virtue. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca says that doing without things for a while renews our appreciation for them. In this episode we examine five exercises in mild self-deprivation guaranteed to reset your hedonic treadmill. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that courage is not just for the battlefield, but for the everyday difficulties of life, like being sick. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

A contemporary theory of consciousness, proposed by philosopher Jesse Prinz, recalls Seneca's treatment of the emotions, and teaches us how to avert painful thoughts by focusing on the good things that happen to us. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Epictetus reminds us that the only things that are truly good or bad for us are our judgments, which are under our control. It follows that "happiness," in the sense of a life worth living, is also under our control. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that athletes willingly subject themselves to harsh regimes in order to succeed. But when it comes to becoming a better person most of us think it's just too difficult. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that to indulge in regret is irrational, as the past is outside of our control. That doesn't mean we can't learn from it, though. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca tells us that our happiness, or lack thereof, is a matter of our own opinion. No, he's not making a relativist or post-modernist argument on the nature of knowledge. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Marcus says that once we have observed human affairs for 40 years, it's the same as having observed them for 10,000 years. Surely he is wrong? Not necessarily... Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

The Stoics, the Epicureans, and Aristotle all agreed on one thing: friends are important. In this episode we talk about why, and how the Stoics differ from the other two schools on this topic. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca uses a metaphor that later became famous with Shakespeare: life is like a play, so what counts is not its length, but how well we act our parts. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca points out that people regret not being alive a thousand years from now, and yet are not bothered by the thought of not having been alive for the past thousand years. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca recalls an ancient Roman custom according to which the host of a banquet would distribute gifts to his friends at the end. Consider doing the same after your life has ended. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Epictetus warn us that a little knowledge of philosophy, without proper guidance, can actually turn us onto even more stubborn fools than we were before. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca argues that life is not like a journey. Whenever it is interrupted it is a whole life, if we have been living it virtuously. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Today's quote from Seneca is the root of the modern Stoic technique of premeditatio malorum, a meditation in which we try to get mentally prepared to tackle adversity. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca uses a beautiful analogy to argue that some people may look impressive while they aren't, and other people truly are impressive and yet remain overlooked. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca tells us that virtue is useful not just in order to handle bad fortune, but also, counter intuitively, to deal with good fortune. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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? Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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! Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

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. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca tells us that virtue can be present at all levels, from nations to individuals, and in all circumstances, from wealth to poverty. Let's find out what, precisely, the Stoics meant by virtue and why it's so important. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that a life can be virtuous regardless of its length. And since we have no idea how long we are going to live, the question is: what are you going to do between now and then? Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca warmly invites us to love reason, which will arm us against the greatest hardships. These days, though, reason doesn't have a great reputation. Find out why we should go back to it. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca gives a splendidly clear and cogent description of the Stoic concept of preferred "indifferents," external things that are not under our complete control, and which Fortuna can take away at any moment. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Epictetus notes that nobody tells a doctor that they are rude if the doctor says they are sick and need medicine. But if the philosopher does that with one's moral health... Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca conjures a vivid image of the goddess Fortuna showering mortals with gifts, which are ruined by the eager crowd, or badly used, and that at any rate do not produce happiness. That's because people lack wisdom, necessary to truly enjoy Fortuna's gifts. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Seneca explains that if our happiness depends on externals, like fame or money, we are in the hands of Fortuna, who could take those things away at any moment. But if we are happy because we are good, then Fortuna is powerless. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Seneca states very clearly that wealth is an indifferent, in Stoic terms. It can be pursued if it allows us to do good, but it should be avoided if it corrupts our moral fiber, making us greedy toward luxury and power. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Marcus Aurelius contemplates whether death is a resolution of atoms or a final annihilation. He doesn't seem bothered by either possibility. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca warns us against ambition, understood not as the will to accomplish things, but as the pursuit of fame, money, and power. Modern politicians should be like Cato the Younger, not Alcibiades. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca advises us to be careful how we spend our time, and especially how we respond to other people's demands for it. Life is short, surely you won't regret, on your deathbed, not having attended one more useless office meeting... Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…