A quote from Seneca leads us into a discussion of the difference between Stoicism and modern philosophies of despair. For the Stoic, knowledge of the vastness of time and space is no excuse for nihilism, but simply a way to put things in perspective and get back to the task of living well. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/st ...…

Seneca tells Lucilius how Cato, after losing an election, went out to play; and how, before taking his own life, he retired to his room to read a book. Stoicism isn't just about enduring things, it's about achieving serenity in the face of ill fortune. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Seneca invites his friend Lucilius to consider that philosophy is too serious a business to be left only to professional philosophers, especially those who engage in clever wordplay and logic chopping just to show how smart they are. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Seneca makes an argument for why we should adopt a philosophy of life (be it Stoicism or something else). It provides us a framework to make decisions and prioritize things. The rest is details. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca elaborates on how the Stoics see suicide: nature gave us one entrance into life, but many exits. And it is the existence of these exits that guarantees our freedom. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca continues his discussion of suicide with his friend Lucilius, arguing that maintaining agency and exercising our judgments are fundamental ingredients of a good life. It follows that we should be in charge of when and how to quit. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Seneca makes a point that is still controversial two millennia later. The important thing about life is not its length, but its quality. And it is up to the individual to judge the quality of her own life. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca gives some very commonsensical advice, backed up by modern psychological research, on how to best avoid temptation. Which leads us to a discussion of what we should avoid, and what, by contrast, we should seek out in order to act virtuously. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Seneca says to his friend Lucilius that he is no wise man or doctor, but rather an unwise and sick person. Which brings us to a discussion of Stoic humility and how it is that we can all make progress toward wisdom. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca argues that tranquillity of mind is the result of an active, but realistic, engagement with the problems posed by life. By contrast, refusing to rise up to challenges simply leads to a flat and meaningless calm. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Marcus Aurelius reminds us that people do and say things not because they are evil, but because they are mistaken. The proper response, then, is education and pity, not hatred. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Musonius Rufus advises us to follow a minimalist life style, closer to the so-called "Cynic" wing of the Stoic movement. Why is that? Because reducing temptations helps us practicing virtue, as we'll see by way of an example featuring gelato. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Epictetus says that a lyre player plays beautifully when he practices on his own. But gets very nervous in front of an audience. That's because he wants something that is not under his control. Learn and internalize this lesson and your life will be happy and serene. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Seneca argues that the four cardinal virtues are a tightly coordinated council, which makes the best possible decisions for us. In this episode we explore the Stoic concept of the unity of virtue, and make sense of it by analogy with going to the gym to improve our health. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/su ...…

Illness is not something to look forward to, as Stoics are not mad. But it is a fact of life, and so it becomes a question of how we deal with it: by kicking and screming, or as a test of our virtue of temperance? Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca argues that, strange as it may seem, prosperity is to be endured, just as bad times are. It's yet another Stoic "paradox," of which we make sense in this episode. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Epictetus tells the story of when he first started preaching, instead of teaching, philosophy. It did not go well, and he got punched on the nose. He quickly learned the difference between preaching and teaching. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca recounts the last, painful day, of the life of the rival philosopher Epicurus, who claimed that even that day he was happy. Which leads us into a discussion of what the Stoics and Epicureans meant by happiness. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca states the fundamental Stoic principle that the measure of a person has nothing to do with externals like wealth, health or good looks. It depends on one thing and one thing only: goodness of character. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca gives a straightforward, simple, yet rich definition of virtue to his friend Lucilius. It has huge consequences for every one of us, every day. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Marcus Aurelius says that other people do wrong out of lack of wisdom, and so do we, which means we should be forgiving toward others. Besides, life is short, and others can't harm the most important thing: our faculty of judgment. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Epictetus reminds us that Socrates made an effort to talk to people while avoiding rudeness and invectives. Imagine if we did the same today, instead of indulging in the current climate of acrimony about social and political issues. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Seneca says that one shouldn't love a person because they are rich, or strong, but because they are virtuous. Which gets us into a discussion of the meaning of the word "axia," referring to things that have value but are not crucial. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Seneca says that being rich does not make you a good person, nor does being poor make you a bad one. We then use this quote to explore the relationship between externals and virtue. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca says that it is natural to seek joy and avoid pain. But the virtue involved in both cases is the same. In the quote we examine today, then, there are a lot of crucial Stoic concepts to be parsed out. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca tells us that virtue lies in how you handle things, both good and bad. If you are sick, be gentle with those who are taking care of you. If you get a promotion, don't brag to your colleagues. It's the virtuous thing to do. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support…

Epictetus reminds us that it is senseless to talk to others just in order to score points. That way we don't learn, understand, or persuade; we just puff ourselves up and waste opportunities. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca states the classic Stoic view that all virtues are aspects of a single underlying one: wisdom. In this episode we explore what that means in practice, every day. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca tells us of one of the well known Stoic paradoxes (i.e., uncommon opinions): it is equally good to be joyful or to endure torture. How can we make sense of this? Find out in this episode. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca is at peace with the notion of death, and in this episode we talk about why the Stoic attitude toward this natural process of cosmic recycling makes a lot of sense. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca suggests that we should remember and honor the people that have made positive contributions to humanity, and I add that perhaps, conversely, we should get away from modern "celebrity" culture. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca is asking for trouble. Well, not exactly. But he reminds us that Stoicism is about constant practice, so we shouldn't just be prepared to meet a challenge, but positively welcome it. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca says that we have no idea when Fortuna will take friends and loved ones away from us, so the sensible way to live our lives is to take full advantage of every moment we spend with them. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca says that making friends is one way to counter the doings of Fortuna, because having friends is one of the great consolations in life, no matter what happens to us. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Marcus Aurelius reflects on the famous concept the Stoics inherited from the pre-Socratic Heraclitus: panta rhei, everything changes. What would happen if we took this seriously, in our everyday life? Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Epictetus says that if we encounter someone who is lost we don't make fun of him, but give him directions. Why, then, do we engage in sarcasm against people who disagree with us? Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Musonius Rufus reminds us that self control is a crucial component of the cardinal virtue of temperance. This doesn't mean we cannot enjoy pleasures, only that we need to do it in proper measure. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca says that we should greedily enjoy our loved ones, right now. Because we have no idea how long we will enjoy the privilege of their company and affection. Pay attention to the here and now. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Stoicism is often accused of counseling to suppress emotions. This quote from Seneca clearly shows it doesn't. Then again, we don't want to wallow in grief and let it paralyze us, because we have duties toward the living. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds us that one of the simplest and cheapest of pleasures is to engage in a continuous conversation with the best minds humanity has ever produced. By reading a (good) book. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca suggests that we should change our attitude toward being busy: don't surrender yourself to your affairs, but loan yourself to them and you will live a happier life. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca says that for many people the furnishings of their lives are more than enough, but they keep wanting more, thus dooming themselves to unhappiness and turmoil. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca clarifies one of the famous Stoic paradoxes: no, you shouldn't live every day as if it were your last. But you should live every day to the fullest because you don't know which one will be your last. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca reminds Lucilius that a full human life is about being useful, and particularly about helping others. Sure, you can withdraw from the world and live in peace, but then you are arguably already dead. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Marcus tells us that, regardless of how people around us behave, we should keep following our moral compass, just like an emerald keeps its color regardless of what others are doing. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Epictetus engages in a short dialogue with one of his students, asking him a trick question. How would you answer the question of whether pleasure is a good thing, something to be proud of? Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Musonius Rufus articulates the Stoic equivalent of "no pain, no gain," in part as a rebuke to the Epicureans. Engaging in social and political life is painful, but it's the right thing to do. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca is critical of the fact that many ships are required to convey the requisites for a single meal, bringing them from no single sea. Still today so many people indulge in pleasures that cost a lot and cause much environmental damage. Time to revise our priorities about where our food comes from? Become a supporter of this podcast:https://a ...…

Let's talk about the ancient Roman goddess Fortuna, or what the Greeks called Tyche, to whom Seneca often refers in his letters to Lucilius. Why does she play such an important role in Stoic philosophy? Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Seneca argues that we want joy in life, and we want it to last. And yet, we insist in seeking it in all the wrong places, from ephemeral pleasures to the fickle praise of others. Become a supporter of this podcast:https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support