Stoic Meditations

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