Stoic Meditations

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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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? --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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! --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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? --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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... --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support 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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stoicmeditations/support