Stoic Meditations

We seem to be awfully bothered by the fact that we will one day no longer exist. And yet, we didn't suffer from the equally true fact that for a long time we didn't exist. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Cicero disputes with his friend about whether we should be afraid of the afterlife, and concludes that we will not exist, and therefore we will not be feeling anything. It is superstition that generates fears of death. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Just prove to me that you are trustworthy, high-minded and reliable, and that your intentions are benign, and you’ll find that I won’t even wait for you to open your heart to me, I’ll be the first to implore you to lend an ear to my own affairs. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

As it is, you say, 'I will fix my attention tomorrow': which means, let me tell you, 'Today I will be shameless, inopportune, abject: others shall have power to vex me: today I will harbor anger and envy.' --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Is it possible to escape error altogether? No, it is impossible: but it is possible to set one's mind continuously on avoiding error. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Now if such postponement of attention is profitable, it would be still more profitable to abandon it altogether: but if it is not profitable, why do you not keep up your attention continuously? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

For my part I would be found by death busy with some humane task, whatever it be—something noble, beneficent, advancing the common weal. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

You were shameless and shall be self-respecting, you were untrustworthy and you shall be trusted. If you look for greater things than these, go on doing as you do now: not even a god can save you. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

'Get up', says the trainer, 'and wrestle again, until you are made strong.' Let this be your attitude; for know that nothing is more amenable than the mind of a human being. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Epictetus draws a distinction between natural and greedy desires, reminding us that the first ones are part of a virtuous life, while the second ones are characteristic of a sick soul. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

What then is the subject-matter of the philosopher? Is it a cloak? No, it is reason. What is his end? Is it to wear a cloak? No, but to keep his reason right. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Philosophy has been criticized since antiquity, and Epictetus explains why some of this criticism misses the point, and indeed shows that such critics could benefit from a bit of sound philosophical training. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

'This man washes hastily.' Does he do evil then? Not at all. What is it he does then? He washes hastily. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

When I hear a man called happy because he is honored by Caesar I say, 'What is his portion?' 'A province.' Does he also get a judgement, such as a governor should have? Does he get the skill to use it? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

'But now the time is come to die.' What do you mean by 'die'? Do not use fine words, but state the facts as they are. 'Now is the time for your material part to be restored to the elements of which it was composed.' --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

'Exile?' Wherever I go, it will be well with me: for even here it was not the place that made me well off, but my judgements, and these I shall carry away with me, for no one can rob me of them. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Those who pity me shall take their own views: I have neither hunger nor thirst nor cold, but their own hunger or thirst makes them imagine the same of me. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Although we are capable of writing and reading these sentiments, although we can praise them as we read, yet they do not bring conviction to us, nor anything like it. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

How will those who know despise one who is gentle and self-respecting? By those who do not know? What do you care for them? No craftsman cares for those who have no skill! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support

Is everything judged by its outward form alone? On that principle you must call your waxen apple an apple. No, it must smell and taste like an apple: the outward semblance is not enough. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support