The Sunday Stoic: Recent Episodes
Steve Karafit
Navigating through life can be nearly impossible without a guide. The philosophy of Stoicism is tried and true guide for living a good life. Join Steve every Sunday for interviews with modern Stoics, readings of ancient texts, and advice for implementing Stoicism in your daily life. Carpe Diem!
Steve and Dan discuss the first lecture of Musonius Rufus, "That There is No Need of Giving Many Proofs for One Problem." Musonius Rufus argues that rather than endless proofs of philosophical concepts, it is better to provide a few lucid and powerful proofs, enough to convince the student of the truth of the claims being presented. Musonius further argued that it is of the utmost importance that the teacher of philosophy not only be able to utter truthful and impactful aphorisms, but he must also put what he says into practice so as to be a good example to his students and avoid being a hypocrite.
https://archive.org/stream/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS_djvu.txt
What makes a true friend? This week, Marcus Aurelius reminds us that we exist for one another, while Seneca argues that genuine friendship is an act of virtue—not a transaction based on convenience or personal gain. Join us as we explore what it means to become the kind of friend who remains loyal in hardship, gives without expecting a return, and helps strengthen the human hive. After all, the truest test of friendship isn't what we receive, but what we're willing to give.
Steve and Dan discuss Seneca's Letter 95, "On the Usefulness of Basic Principles." Are precepts, rules and lists of do's and don'ts sufficient to live a good life? Or do we need doctrine, a philosophical framework through which you can evaluate every sense impression and develop an impulse to appropriate action?
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_95
Dan discusses how the contemplation of Cosmic Flux can reduce anxiety, put the importance of events into perspective, and help us break free from ruminations on the past and feelings of anxiety about the future. Also ... beavers!
This week on The Sunday Stoic, we're joined by Daniel Strain, founder of the Spiritual Naturalist Society and former Executive Director of the Society, for a thought-provoking conversation exploring the intersection of Stoicism, Spiritual Naturalism, Humanism, and Buddhism. Together we examine how these philosophical traditions can help us cultivate wisdom, compassion, resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world without relying on supernatural beliefs.
Whether you're a practicing Stoic, a Humanist, or simply curious about finding meaning through reason and nature, this episode offers an engaging discussion on living a thoughtful and flourishing life.
🎥 Prefer to watch? This episode is also available in video format.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
• The Spiritual Naturalist Society: https://www.snsociety.org/
• Stoicism and Compassion: https://www.snsociety.org/compassion/
• British court ruling recognizing Stoicism as a protected philosophical belief: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8962815/Stoicism-recognised-religion-landmark-legal-ruling.html
• Daniel Strain's Stoic Emblem and the story behind its design: http://humanistcontemplativeblog.blogspot.com/
If you enjoy conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life, be sure to subscribe and share the episode with a friend.
Steve and Dan discuss Seneca's Letter 105, wherein Seneca has advice for how to lead a more tranquil life. Seneca describes how to minimize other people's envy, hatred, fear and contempt, so as to have a smooth flow of life.
This week I’m revisiting a conversation with my former colleague Dr. Ben Waggoner, who joined me to explore his translation of the Hávamál. This Old Norse poem—preserved in medieval Iceland—offers a blend of practical wisdom, sharp observations about human nature, and guidance for living well. In our discussion, Ben walks us through the cultural background of the text, the challenges of translating Old Norse, and the surprising ways the Hávamál echoes themes familiar to students of Stoicism.
If you’d like to hear more from Ben, you can find his podcast Heathen History at: https://www.heathenhistory.com/
His translations of Old Norse and related works are available through The Troth:https://www.thetroth.org/shop/books-and-magazines.html
Stoicism often gets a reputation for being stern and unyielding, but the ancient Stoics never intended us to become detached spectators of our own lives. Their goal was to help us engage more deeply with the world around us. In this episode, we talk about the importance of balancing philosophy with joy—getting out there, making memories, appreciating the people we love, and living a full and meaningful life.
In this episode, Dan discusses the Stoic Spiritual Exercise of Circumscribing the Present. Dan describes how Circumscribing the Present can:
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Ensure we do not suffer more than is necessary,
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Help us in moments when circumstances are threatening to overwhelm us, and
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Help us to be more effective actors in the world while we are fulfilling our social roles through appropriate action.
Dan also touches on how Circumscribing the Present intersects with other Stoic practices and concepts like Prosoche and the Dichotomy of Control.
Steve and Dan discuss the Stoic practice of Voluntary Hardship (aka Voluntary Discomfort and Voluntary Suffering), which is physical discomfort that we choose to expose ourselves to for the purpose of improving ourselves. Voluntary Hardship is implemented for practice in the Discipline of Desire & Aversion with a view to cultivating the Cardinal Virtues of Temperance and Courage. Examples of Voluntary Hardship include things like fasting, confining beverage consumption to water, wearing light clothing in cold weather, strenuous exercise, and foregoing other pleasures, among many others.
Steve and Dan discuss Diogenes the Dog (aka Diogenes of Sinope), who founded the Cynic movement, and was a precursor of the Stoic school. Some of the most important Stoic concepts come to Stoicism though Diogenes. For example, Living According to Nature, Virtue is the Only Good, and Cosmopolitanism. Steve and Dan discuss their favorite Diogenes the Dog anecdotes, who was an undeniably shocking and revolutionary thinker.
SundayStoic@Gmail.com
In this episode, Steve and Dan discuss the Stoic concept of Amor Fati (Love Your Fate). They explore whether Amor Fati is tenable under different conceptions of Divine Providence.
Dan expands on the discussion regarding Marriage and Stoicism that began in Part 1. Dan begins by presenting the position of Musonius Rufus that it is the duty of a Stoic practitioner to marry and have children, and then presents his reasons to disagree with that position. Dan goes on to discuss how the Stoic Spiritual Exercises of Prosoche and Memento Mori relate to marriage. He also expands the discussion regarding the importance of evaluating the character of the person you are choosing as a spouse-to-be, and why it is important to avoid choosing a spouse based on their Externals, like their beauty, wealth, power, influence, prestige, etc.
In this continuation of Mary Miller’s interview on The Sunday Stoic, Steve and Mary explore how Stoic philosophy can shape courage, leadership, parenting, resilience, and moral clarity in the modern world. Drawing from her father’s deeply practical wisdom, Mary shares unforgettable stories from her childhood, her groundbreaking career in the nuclear Navy, and the hard-earned lessons that taught her to lead with integrity under pressure.
The conversation weaves together the teachings of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and James Stockdale with real-life experiences involving bullying, authority, toxic workplaces, emotional discipline, religion, and the importance of protecting one’s mind from manipulation and social pressure.
Mary reflects on tactical Stoicism in high-stakes naval environments, explains how practical wisdom is learned through struggle rather than theory, and discusses how parents can model virtue through their actions instead of merely preaching it. The episode also explores the dangers of modern “brainwashing” through media and social influence, the importance of choosing one’s battles wisely, and how true leadership often means creating safety and accountability for others.
This episode is a profound meditation on Stoic virtues—wisdom, justice, temperance, and courage—and how ancient philosophy can still guide us through the chaos of modern life.
In this deeply personal episode of The Sunday Stoic, Steve sits down with engineer, Navy captain, and consultant Mary Miller to explore the profound influence of her father — an Air Force fighter pilot, test pilot, engineer, and quiet Stoic philosopher.
Through unforgettable porch conversations, Mary’s father taught her timeless lessons about character, responsibility, freedom, and choosing one’s own path in life. From survival school wisdom about “owning your mind” to lessons on picking battles, mastering your craft, and becoming a “citizen of the universe,” this episode reveals how Stoic philosophy can be lived and passed down through everyday parenting.
Mary shares stories of growing up in the 1960s as a girl determined to become an engineer, inspired by a father who believed that what matters most is not what you do, but who you choose to become. Along the way, listeners will hear reflections on Marcus Aurelius, Musonius Rufus, courage, independence, and the lifelong pursuit of meaningful work.
This is an episode about mentorship, resilience, identity, and the rare kind of wisdom that shapes a life forever.
Steve and Dan explore the topic of marriage as it relates to Stoicism. What did the ancient Stoics have to say on the topic of marriage? Do Stoic practitioners have a duty to marry? To have children? How much of what the ancient Stoics had to say regarding marriage is still persuasive in the 21st century?
In this classic episode, Dr. Benjamin Rider joins the show to discuss the similarities between the ancient philosophy of Daoism and Stoic Philosophy
The fear of death has haunted humans for as long as we’ve been able to imagine the future. The early Stoics knew this, and they insisted that learning to face mortality with clarity—not panic—is one of the first steps toward real freedom. This week, we open the worn pages of Marcus Aurelius’ journal to explore how he wrestled with anxiety, impermanence, and the stories the mind invents when we’re afraid.
Marcus doesn’t offer melodrama or mysticism. Instead, he gives us three grounded reminders:
- Death is natural—as natural as fruit ripening and falling. What is natural is not to be feared.
- Stay with the present moment—most of our suffering comes from imagination, not reality.
- There is nothing to dread—either death is a peaceful end of sensation, or a transition into another form of life.
In this episode, we’ll unpack these ideas and consider how they can help us live with more courage, calm, and purpose today. All readings come from the 1896 translation of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Carnivore diet? Vegetarian diet? Vegan Diet? This week Dan and Steve discuss how to eat like a Stoic? Also, check out this recipe for Zeno Stew!
https://eatshistory.com/zenos-stoic-lentil-soup-a-taste-of-ancient-greek-philosophy/gan Diet?
In this episode, Dan Monks and Sean O'Connor act out a Socratic dialogue, wherein they explore how to behave appropriately when you are in the employ of a tyrant. The dialogue takes place circa 200 CE, but unfortunately, for many this scenario is not a hypothetical in our own time. Dan and Sean touch upon Living According to Nature, human nature, the universal human role, acquired roles, using role models to provide inspiration for appropriate action, and the Premeditatio Malorum spiritual exercise.
References:
Aurelius, Marcus (1916), Meditations:
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius_(Haines_1916)
Cicero(1914), De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum: https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_ufOZBzV878IC/mode/2up
Cicero (1913), De Officiis: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/47001
Diogenes Laertius (1915), Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/57342
Epictetus (1904), Discourses: https://archive.org/details/discrsepictetus00epiciala/page/n5/mode/2up
Epictetus (1948), Enchiridion: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/45109/pg45109.txt
Homer, Iliad: https://classics.mit.edu/Homer/iliad.html
Sellars, John (2003), The Art of Living, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, New York City and London.
Seneca (1918), Moral Letters to Lucilius: https://en.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius
Stobaeus (1824), Florilegium: https://archive.org/details/joannisstobaeif00gaisgoog
Steve and Dan complete their journey through Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes. In this episode they discuss the sixth Stoic Paradox - That the Wise Man Alone is Rich.
SundayStoic@Gmail.com
Steve and Dan discuss the fourth and fifth of Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes, #4: That Every Fool is a Madman, and #5: That the Wiseman Alone is Free, and That Every Fool is a Slave.
Steve and Dan discuss the third of Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes - All Vice is Equal, and all Virtue is Equal. The Ancient Stoics held that all Vice / inappropriate actions were equal in value and likewise, all Virtue / appropriate actions were equal in value. Do you agree or disagree?
Steve and Dan discuss the second of Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes - Virtue is Sufficient for Happiness. The Ancient Stoics held that Virtue is all that is necessary for happiness. How and why? After all, aren’t wealth, prestige, and other External things also necessary to have the good life?
In this episode, Steve and Dan discuss the first of Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes - Virtue is the Only Good. To know what to pursue in life, you must first know what is good. What did the Stoics say was the Good? Virtue, and Virtue alone.
A rebroadcast of an early episode where I had a chance to chat with the brilliant Brittany Polat about Stoicism and parenting. Check out her book Tranquility Parenting here https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-Pa...Brittany also has a website! https://www.brittanypolat.com/
Dan explores the Reserve Clause in this episode and how it is a vital technique to pursue the Cardinal Virtue of Justice while mitigating the Passions of Anger and Fear. The Reserve Clause relates to the cultivation of Justice, Temperance, and Courage. The episode explores how the Reserve Clause relates to the Discipline of Action, and the Discipline of Desire and Aversion. Dan also briefly discusses Cicero’s Archer, and how Christianity and Islam make use of the Reserve Clause.
Steve and Dan complete their journey through the Cardinal Virtues. This week they discuss Prudence / Practical Wisdom, and the Discipline of Assent
Steve and Dan continue their journey through the CardinalVirtues. This week they discuss Justice. Humans are inherently social animals, and Justice governs how we appropriately interact with each other.
In this supplemental episode, Dan clarifies why he does not think military service in the USA is a prudent life choice in the present moment.
Steve and Dan continue their journey through the Cardinal Virtues. This week they discuss Courage / Fortitude. Of what use is knowing what the appropriate and Just act would be, if we lack the Courage to do the right thing?
Happiness is a byproduct of living virtuously. In this episode, Steve and Dan discuss how to cultivate the cardinal virtue of Temperance.
What did Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, have to say about happiness, living according to nature, and achieving a smooth flow of life? Steve and Dan discuss happiness from the perspective of the Stoics
In this rebroadcast, Donald Robertson joins the podcast to discuss his new graphic novel Verissimus. This graphic novel follows the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. We discuss the writing process, the life of Marcus Aurelius and Donald's new project Plato's Academy Center. https://platosacademy.org/
We are all trying to become a sage, but who is a sage?
According to Seneca: The Sage is rare, showing up perhaps once every 500 years (42.1). They, like everyone else will experience impressions and emotions when things outside their power occur, but they can then apply reason to the situation and act appropriately (57).
The sage relies on herself for happiness, a happiness that comes from within not from externals (72)He carries his goods within him (9)
Is content with virtue alone but is happy to have possessions and friends. (66)
He enjoys friendship for the sake of serving his friends not as a means to gain anything (3)
a sage is different. He is kind to friends, restrained toward enemies, his political and personal business is carried out with scrupulous devotion, willing to suffer long where endurance is needed and not lacking in prudence when action is taken. Besides he is always the same, consistent in all actions sound in judgment and trained by habit that he not only can act rightly but can’t help but act rightly. We have formed a concept that a man of such perfect virtue exists. (120)
Accepts the loss of friends and family with same spirit that he awaits his own loss, the underlying principle of virtue is conformity (74)
The sage is wise, but not all knowing, he will therefore spend time with other wise people who they may share knowledge with(109)
Accepts the loss of friends and family with same spirit that he awaits his own loss, the underlying principle of virtue is conformity (74)
The sage acts rightly in all situations without second guessing himself (95)
The sage regards the reasons for his actions not the results of the actions (14)
Is not thrust out of life by death but is ready and goes willingly He will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can (70)
Is ready from attacks on all fronts, he is fortified against attack of poverty, sorrow, disgrace or pain (
Is content with virtue alone but is happy to have possessions and friends. (66)
Is not over enamored with the gifts of fortune (72) He will lay them aside while the rest of us snatch up these gifts like dogs catching a piece of meat
Living well comes down to moment to moment decisions. A lifetime of good decisions and good actions leads to a well lived life. Living well is a skill, but how do we develop the skills required to become a sage?Â
This week we remember Dr. Kevin Vost. A Stoic, Catholic, Author and promoter of the use of memory. He is gone but will not soon be forgotten. This weeks episode is a re-release of my first interview with Dr. Vost where we discuss his book "The Porch and The Cross". https://www.amazon.com/Porch-Cross-Ancient-Wisdom-Christian/dp/1621381706
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are widely available in our supermarkets. When would a Stoic consider growing GMO's? This is a audio version of an essay that I wrote for the College of Stoic Philosophers. To read the article please go to https://ejournal.collegeofstoicphilosophers.org/eJournal42.pdf
In this epside I review of the Marcus Aurelius Program and discuss possible future podcasts.
for more information on the Marcus Aurelius Program and the College of Stoic Philosphers visit https://collegeofstoicphilosophers.org/map/
Happy Saturnalia all!
In honor of the holiday season I took a few minutes today to play my old acoustic cigar box guitar.
On this, the final episode of the Sunday Stoic Podcast, we reflect on making progress as Stoic practitioners. The readings this week are.
Seneca Moral Letters #69
Epictetus Discourses: Book 2 #19
Meditations Book 2 #4
Thanks all for a great five years!
Carpe Diem!
The archive of all episodes can be found on YouTube or https://archive.org/details/220-philosophy-the-guide-of-life-wi
Duty is virtue put into action. This week we hear from the three late great Stoics as they discuss our duty as pursuers of virtue.
Readings: Seneca Of Leisure 3
Meditations 6.39
Discourses 3.2.4
As a follow-up installment, guest contributor Jayce Basques expands on his discussion with Aaron Prim. Some things never change; other things need to change to be better understood.
Guest contributor Jayce Basques and his longtime friend and collaborator, Aaron Prim, have spent the last two years reading, implementing and interpreting a passage a week. The two refer to the original text to truly understand what was at the heart of Marcus Aurelius's "Notes to Self."
What follows today is a discussion about music, meaning and lessons learned along the way.
This week Donald Robertson joins the podcast to discuss his new graphic novel Verissimus. This graphic novel follows the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. We discuss the writing process, the life of Marcus Aurelius and Donald's new project Plato's Academy Center.
https://platosacademy.org/
For more information visit https://donaldrobertson.name/
Al from Scotland guest hosts this week to discuss using our rationality while we still have it!
This week we wrap up book 10 of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.
We learn
1. To keep good sayings handy
2. To accept what fate has in store
3. That death is no bad thing
4. Judge others (and ourselves) by our intentions
5. To cultivate our minds
Ryan Racine joins the show to discuss his new book: The Stoic Teacher Ancient Mind Hacks to Help Educators Foster Resiliency, Optimism, and Inner Calm. We discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching, techniques to become a more resilient teacher and how to find and become a mentor.
We've made it to 1000,000 downloads! Thanks everyone!
This week Marcus writes about 3 major topics.
1. People just like you once existed, lived their lives and are now gone. Seize the day!
2. People may say you are untrustworthy. Make sure they are lying!
3. Make use of what ever happens and use it to your advantage.
Journey's can take two forms. You can wander aimlessly and see where you end up or you can travel toward a particular destination. To ensure a well-lived life we should have a certain life-long destination in mind and we can then design the life we want to live to reach that destination. This is the essence of backward design.
This is my second try on this episode as the first had audio issues!
This week Marcus reflects on three things
1. Accepting reality as it is
2. Acknowledging that death won't be depriving him of much
3. Learning to control his annoyance and anger with others.
Don't forget you can get the edited version of last weeks show on Spreaker https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-sunday-stoic
The 300th Episode! Thanks all to have written in and of course to all of the listers!
This week Marcus discusses the importance of accepting fate by accepting everything that happens as if you chose it! He also discusses the things we will lose when we die and how to deal with vices in others. Email the show at sundaystoic@gmail.com
This week Marcus Aurelius reminds himself to stand firm and do his duty, to stand in awe of the Cosmos and to be content with the time he had on this Earth. We can endeavor to do the same!
In this episode we'll talk about re-enchantment through night language vs. day language, travel and returning to our principles!
This week Marcus Aurelius discusses change, bringing powerful people down the size and dealing with difficult challenges.
Today Marcus Aurelius reminds us to
1. Be a good example and do what is right
2. Stop planning on how you will improve, start now!
3. All things change
Accept the world as it is, with humility and discipline or else make a wretch of yourself! But remember you don't have to accept injustice to do this, the way the world is now is the springboard from which you can affect the future.
Marcus Aurelius tells himself to stay simple, to be just, to accept reality and to avoid distractions. This is the way to happiness!
Kevin Vost joins the podcast to discuss ancient memory techniques and how we can apply them to memorizing Stoic teachings (and anything else!)
https://www.drvost.com/
https://www.angelicopress.org/memorize-the-stoics-kevin-vost
We should be proud of our growth as we improve over time. That does not mean that we should brag about it it. Growth is proof that what we are doing is working and that our efforts are not in vain. Let your growth be fuel for further development!
Duff joints the show this week to discuss her new book Wise Up: Irreverent Enlightenment From a Mother Who's Been Through It. We discuss the writing process, Stoic parenting, surviving bear attacks and beating your inner pig-dog!
Wise Up is available April 12 https://www.amazon.com/Wise-Up-Irreverent-Enlightenment-Through/dp/154162047X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BXINS2UFZLRU&keywords=wise+up+karen+duffy&qid=1649268920&sprefix=wise+up+karen+duffy%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1
The video version of this episode can be found at: https://youtu.be/nehjesEuV98
This week Marcus Reflects on character traits that are needed for living well. To live well according to Marcus we must imitate the gods. Start cultivating these traits now to live well. 1. Prudence. 2. Acceptance 3. Magnanimity If you do this you will be on the path to living well.
This week Marcus reminds himself that change is part of nature, it is inevitable and should not be feared. This is the 5 year anniversary episode of the Sunday Stoic. Thank you all for listening!
This week Marcus reflects on two basic principles. he is part of the Cosmos and he is part of society. We could do well to reflect on these same principles each day.
Marcus Aurelius admonishes himself for not making sufficient progress and then reflects on what it necessary to align his biological, animal and human nature to form a solid Stoic Foundation.
The Stoics believed that as we mature we shift from focusing on our instinctual desire for self protection to using reason to act as a member of the community. This week we'll take a look at oikeiosis. The episode will come to an ironic end, as I discuss a parents love of their children and cut my discussion short as I run off to help my son....
This week we summarize the known teachings of Musonius Rufus, the teacher of Epictetus!
This week Musonius Rufus shares his idea that all humans are capable of virtue and that we all seek it. It is the one thing he claims, that we all claim to possess even if we've never studied philosophy. Go here to read the translation for yourself: https://archive.org/details/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS
Today Musonius Rufus tells us to explain things clearly and simply when explaining philosophy to others. If we know our philosophy well we should be able to explain it with few words.
https://archive.org/details/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS
This week we hear from Philo of Alexandria and we get a glimpse of what life would look like if we truly made progress in our pursuit of wisdom. Today's reading: http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/text/philo/book28.html
contact me at sundaystoic@gmail.com
This week we read Seneca's Letter #69 to Lucilius. he warns us, if we want to make progress we must remove temptations and distractions otherwise we will never make noticeable progress. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_69
This week Simon Drew of the Walled Garden Podcast joins the show to discuss his new book The Poet and the Sage. We discuss the writing process, inspiration, philosophy and much more. Get yourself a copy of this great book at
https://thewalledgarden.store/products/copy-of-the-poet-the-sage#:~:text=Delivered%20through%20the%20time%2Dtested,is%20most%20divine%20about%20us.
Join me on my commute to work as I discuss the importance of constantly being aware of your thoughts and actions. The first few seconds of audio are very rough, but it clears up quickly!
This week Epictetus reminds us to focus on what is important. If we remember what is truly important, we can live a happy life and not even an Emperor can take away our happiness. If we focus on the wrong things, even a loud bird can ruin our day.
Donald Robertson joins the podcast this week to discuss his new book. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor. The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. We'll talk about Marcus's life and times, his studies of philosophy and what we can learn from him today. You can get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250196620/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Tp9KCbRY0NSRQ
To see the video of this interview go to: https://youtu.be/aYLAVXWjMVU
Support the show by donating on PayPal (sundaystoic@gmail.com)
I will return with a new episode next week!
A rebroadcast of an early episode where I had a chance to chat with the brilliant Brittany Polat about Stoicism and parenting. Check out her book Tranquility Parenting here https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-Parenting-Staying-Mindful-Engaged/dp/1538112426
Brittany also has a website! https://www.livinginagreement.com/about
As we begin the new year we must reflect on what is truly important, our thoughts, our intentions and our actions.
This week we continue our discussion of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Book 5. This week he zooms out to remind himself of the Big Picture, the will of the Gods and the fate of the universe.
This week Marcus reflects on three things
1. His inner divinity
2. Remembering that others have inner divinity as well
3. Living your life starting now
This week, Marcus reflects on three things. 1. His ego's relationship to the Universe, His relationship to other people and his relationship to his own body.
This week we'll discuss anxiety, the ultimate and our impending death. Sounds fun right? Carpe Diem!
A reading of the full Enchiridion. The full text can be found here https://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/dep/index.htm. This was originally recorded as a reward for my Patrons.
Marcus Aurelius focuses on externals, his relationships with humanity and making the best of bad situations.
This week Marcus reworks several Stoic ideas to better internalize them.
1. Watch your thoughts
2. Externals are not important
3. We are here to work together
4. Death is not an evil
5. Don't expect the impossible
Marcus reminds himself that though he is temporary, he is part of something indestructible.
Emperor Marcus Aurelius asks himself "What soul have I"? and "What would happen if I had all the good things that others crave?"
The truth is hard to come by, but one thing we know for sure is that change is inevitable and that philosophy is our compass for navigating in an uncertain world.
Take heart, Marcus Aurelius failed to live up to his high standards on a daily bases. What does he suggest he do in these circumstances? Return to philosophy and try again.
A reflection on my grandmother's 100th birthday. In this episode I reflect on my grandmother's 100 birthday and share an interview with her about her life.
Don't forget to sign up for Stoic Week! https://modernstoicism.com/stoic-week/
If we can reframe the challenges of life as prescriptions from the Universe we can focus on growing as we face challenges instead of being crushed by them. This week The Meditations Chapter 5 #8
Marcus tells himself that doing good things is as natural for a good person as making honey is to a bee.
Join me at Stoicon! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stoicon-2021-tickets-166851077063
And Stoic Week! https://modernstoicism.com/stoic-week/
This week, Marcus realizes that he has to make use of his skills and stop focusing on traits that he does not possess. The reading is from this translation https://archive.org/details/marcusaureliusan00aureuoft
Secular Buddhism Podcast: https://secularbuddhism.com/
This week we dive into book 5 of the meditations. Marcus tries to talk himself into getting out of bed, into calming his thoughts and into always doing the right thing!
support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Join me on my commute home as I discuss a difficult to grasp concept in Stoic philosophy, the role of indifferents.
Chrissy Karafit joins the show to discuss our philosophy of maintaining a healthy relationship as we enter into our 10th year of marriage.
We can spend a lot of time worrying about our homes, about fires, floods etc. But the most common difficulties that we will have to surmount will come from our fellow humans.
This week's reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_103#:~:text=Try%2C%20in%20your%20dealings%20with,and%20what%20you%20should%20withhold.
New Yorker article:
https://www.newyorker.com/tech/frontal-cortex/why-smart-people-are-stupid?source=search_google_dsa_paid&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3uDRlsjU8gIVY21vBB1hkw_rEAAYASAAEgIUo_D_BwE
One way to ensure you make progress is to list out your basic rules for life. In this episode I go over my 10 rules for living.
I will revere Nature
I will not conceal the truth
I will not not compare myself to others
I cannot control events, so I must control yourself
I will strive to subdue my passions
I will strive for arete in all that I do
I will honor those who have nurtured me and ensure that I nurture others
I will place family before all else
I will be present in all that I do
I will never stop learning
This week we wrap up our discussion of the Enchiridion. We are reminded to pay attention to our precepts and to keep memorable sayings in our mind to help us remember our principles when we need them.
We must stop our false starts, and treat our life philosophy as if it were strict law. The time of the Olympics is now, are you ready?
There are sure signs of progress as we proceed through our training. We will begin to complain less, brag less, we will stop responding to insults and compliments. However, we must watch ourselves carefully, nobody can lead us off the path as quickly as ourselves !
A Stoic does not brag about their philosophy, they do not deliberately get into arguments about philosophical concepts, they do not show off. Instead, they put their philosophy into practice.
If we are to make progress as Stoics and maintain equanimity, we must describe things as they really are, and choose how we wish to act in the world. We can simply live on autopilot and be reactive or we can have a philosophy of life that guides us and reminds us to chose our course of action carefully.
As a practicing Stoic, it is your duty to be part of society. But we must remember, that each member of society is an individual with their own values and their own mind. When someone thinks that we have done wrong, we must remember that even if they themselves are wrong, they think that they are right!
What do you value and why do you value it. Are your values your own, or those of the people that surround you?
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Stoic Challenge Coin: https://www.etsy.com/listing/711901704/stoic-challenge-coin-persist-and-resist
This week we consider the roles we play and how to be mindful of our actions as not to go down the wrong path.
This week we'll hear from three readings of the Enchiridion. Epictetus will show us the value of self control, of courage and of justice. If you want to reach out to the Faulkner County Library and show them your support go to https://fcl.org/
Remember what is in your power when you ask others for things. It is foolish to ask other's for things that you have control over.
The Sunday Stoic Challenge Coin is available at https://www.etsy.com/listing/711901704/stoic-challenge-coin-persist-and-resist?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-art_and_collectibles&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjwieuGBhAsEiwA1Ly_nRzxwhUolVGn6RuyZkgFSYGPL-H8oFJmB66A5aT53XV85K5m1XGp5BoCOUAQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_12665398257_121762925993_511610210343_aud-1184785539978:pla-314954651933_c__711901704_12768591&utm_custom2=12665398257&gclid=CjwKCAjwieuGBhAsEiwA1Ly_nRzxwhUolVGn6RuyZkgFSYGPL-H8oFJmB66A5aT53XV85K5m1XGp5BoCOUAQAvD_BwE
This week I am honored to be joined by Simon Drew host of the Practical Stoic Podcast https://www.simonjedrew.com/
We discuss the Enchiridion 31 which focuses on piety, blame and the true nature of good and evil.
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
This week Epictetus tells us how to behave towards our fathers, something we might consider this Father's Day weekend!
A philosopher must pick a path, evaluated, then stick to it. We can't make progress if we change our minds every day, otherwise we will fail to thrive... Today's reading is the Enchiridion #29
This week we cover the Enchiridion 26-28. We are told to try to understand the will of Nature, to practice recognizing things that happen to others, and to understand they will happen to us as well. By doing this we can start to handle life with equanimity. Sunday Stoic Coin: https://www.etsy.com/listing/711901704/stoic-challenge-coin-persist-and-resist?ref=shop_home_feat_1&frs=1
When you catch yourself feeling jealous about the achievements of others, spend a moment to reflect on what they had to pay to purchase that achievement. You may find that you would be unwilling to make the same purchase yourself.
Speaking of purchases... grab yourself a Sunday Stoic Challenge Coin! https://www.etsy.com/listing/711901704/stoic-challenge-coin-persist-and-resist?
To be a philosopher we must prioritize our principles, and live up to them regardless of their popularity.
Sunday Stoic Coin: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SundayStoic
This week Epictetus challenges us to turn our hardships into opportunity, to pick our battles wisely and to work on our anger. Save 10% off a Sunday Stoic Challenge coin with the coupon code CARPEDIEM by going to
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On this episode we'll look at the Enchiridion #17. Epictetus tells us to accept the roles that have been assigned to us. Is it as simple as that?
Epictetus warns us that we need not share the pain of the person next to us to be useful.
Pickup a challenge coin today! https://www.etsy.com/shop/SundayStoic
Dr. Nancy Sherman joins the show to discuss her new book Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience
https://www.amazon.com/Stoic-Wisdom-Ancient-Lessons-Resilience/dp/0197501834
Stoicism is not simply a journey of self improvement, it is also ensuring that we are an integral part of a community!
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Robin Waterfield joins the show this week to discuss his new annotated translation of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Annotated-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/1541673859/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=meditations+waterfield&qid=1618926115&sr=8-1
To find equanimity we should stop trying to chase every desire. Life has a lot to offer, we must narrow our focus if we are to thrive !
Stoics often talk about personal improvement, while ignoring the cosmopolitan nature of the philosophy. Kai joins the podcast this week to discuss his new book Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In.
https://www.amazon.com/Being-Better-Stoicism-World-Living-ebook/dp/B08X8YBRJ8/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=being+better&qid=1618407014&sr=8-2
If we wish to find contentment we must realize that we do not control others, nor should we allow others to have control over our own happiness.
Sunday Stoic Coin: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SundayStoic?coupon=CARPEDIEM21
We must align our will to reality. Nothing lasts forever and we must remember that. However, knowing that life is short is no excuse not to live it well.
Save $2 on a Sunday Stoic Challenge Coin https://www.etsy.com/shop/SundayStoic?coupon=CARPEDIEM21
To be a Stoic we need to constantly train. Each and every moment offers the opportunity for training, but only if we remember to bring our Stoic skills to bear.
Stoicon X Women: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/practical-paths-to-flourishing-stoicon-x-women-virtual-event-tickets-138604101599
Stoicon X Military: https://modernstoicism.com/military/
In this reading, Epictetus reminds us not to cling to tightly to the people and objects in our lives. One day we will have to leave and no matter how hard we cling to them, we will go nonetheless.
Carpe Diem Challenge Coin: https://www.etsy.com/listing/711901704/stoic-challenge-coin-persist-and-resist?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=Stoicism+Coin&ref=sr_gallery-1-29&organic_search_click=1&frs=1
As we begin to craft our selves into better Stoics, we need to focus on the quality of our judgments. This involves critical thinking, self examination and being ok with not knowing all the answers!
This week we look at the Enchiridion Chapters 4, 5 and 6.
Check out the Sunday Stoic Challenge Coin https://www.etsy.com/listing/711901704/stoic-challenge-coin-persist-and-resist
On this episode we investigate one of the harder concepts to grasp. The idea of keeping our equanimity when a loved one dies.
Check out the Sunday Stoic Challenge Coin https://www.etsy.com/listing/711901704/stoic-challenge-coin-persist-and-resist
Focus your aversions on things that are natural and within your power, let go of desire altogether. Also work on your impulse to act or not to act.
This is how Epictetus suggest we begin our Stoic journey!
Check out the Sunday Stoic Challenge Coin https://www.etsy.com/listing/711901704/stoic-challenge-coin-persist-and-resist
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
This week we will begin working through the Enchiridion.
On this episode we review Chapter 1 and review the things that are in our power and the things that are not.
I am using this translation: https://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/dep/dep102.htm
To support the show go to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
This week we wrap up Cicero's discussion of Stoic Paradoxes
1. All fools are mad
2. Only the wise are free
3. Only the wise are rich
Readings are from https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.186497
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
In this episode we discuss Stoic Paradox 2 and 3 from Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes.
1. Virtue is all you need to be happy.
2. All evils are equally bad. All good is equally good.
Readings are from https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.186497
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
This week we visit the writings of Cicero. In his book Stoic Paradoxes Cicero describes six aspects of Stoic philosophy that seem to be false when you first hear them, but make sense when you understand the philosophy. See Massimo Pigliucci's summary of the Paradoxes. https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/2017/04/18/ciceros-stoic-paradoxes/
This week we look at paradox 1: Virtue is the Only Good.
Make it practical: list the items in your life that society would call a good that the Stoics would not. Describe how your relationship to these indifferents can be a means of practicing virtue.
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
I joined Simon Drew on the Practical Stoic Podcast to discuss one of Seneca's moral letters. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_16
Help support Simon's work by going to https://www.patreon.com/simonjedrew
For the video see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5I_0-nik8o
www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
Andi Sciacca and Greg Sadler come on as guest hosts for a Valentine's Day episode of the podcast, discussing Stoicism and its applications within the sphere of romance, relationships, dating, and marriage. In the course of their conversation, they discuss how Stoic principles and practices have helped them each individually and within their own marriage. Among the topics they discuss is how Stoicism can help with problematic emotions, assumptions, and dynamics, and whether there is a risk of Stoicism taking the spark or passion out of relationships.
Andi Sciacca is an advocate for access, education, and equity – and a proud #MKEpreneur. She leads the development of The MKE FoodSchool – a center for learning, innovation, community-building, and resource-sharing, working to create the space for an inspired and inclusive conversation around Milwaukee's community table. She also teaches for the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and is program designer and capstone faculty for the graduate division of The Culinary Institute of America.
You can find her here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisciacca/
https://www.instagram.com/mkefoodschool
https://www.miad.edu/faculty/andi-sciacca
Greg Sadler is the president of ReasonIO, the editor of Stoicism Today, and is the host of the Wisdom for Life radio show. He teaches Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Humanities courses for Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. He also produces popular philosophy videos in his YouTube Channel ,and podcast episodes in the Sadler's Lectures podcast.
You can find him here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/GregoryBSadler/
https://reasonio.wordpress.com/
https://soundcloud.com/gregorybsadler
Michael joins the show to discuss the misapplication of the dichotomy of control.
You can read his article about the dichotomy of control here: https://modernstoicism.com/what-many-people-misunderstand-about-the-stoic-dichotomy-of-control-by-michael-tremblay/
To find out more about Michael go to https://www.tremblaymichael.com/
The video version of this interview can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT8G6SJ7u9A
The view from above is a Stoic technique used to put things into perspective. We can step outside of our own heads and imagine the lives those around us, and visuals how brief our time on Earth truly is. If we do this well it can help us to cultivate equanimity and encourage us to seize the day!
This week's reading Meditations 9:30
The piano interlude is performed by Aaron Prim: https://soundcloud.com/user6407900
Support the show by going to www.patroen.com/sundaystoic
Progress is a tricky thing, if we don't watch our step we might end up twisting our ankle, or worse we may end up on the wrong path. This week Steve returns to discuss progress and the challenges of being stuck at home during the holidays.
The piano interlude is performed by Aaron Prim: https://soundcloud.com/user6407900
Check out the book Designing the Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Mind-Principles-Psychitecture-ebook/dp/B08SLFTWDL/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=designing+the+mind&qid=1610654985&s=books&sr=1-1
This week's readings: Enchiridion 38, Meditations 6:50 and Moral Letters 32
Support the show at www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
In this episode, guest host Ryan gets into how to create Stoic-inspired New Year's resolutions.
You can support the show on Patreon www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
How should a Stoic reflect on failure? What kinds of practices could help Stoics overcome roadblocks to progress? Stoic Coach Bob Cymber explains some techniques that could help in these areas.
Host bio: Bob Cymber is a philosopher, entrepreneur, educator, and published poet and short story writer. He is the owner of Stoic Coach - a personal life coaching platform that uses Stoicism as a foundation for five distinct tracks: resilience training, life planning, habit breaking, self-love, and interpersonal training. He has been practicing Stoicism for almost nine years. I hold an undergraduate degree in philosophy and a masters degree in teaching as well as a diploma in interdisciplinary ethics.
Social media information:
Website: http://www.stoiccoach.net
Instagram: thestoiccoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoiccoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIPn0wnn9FZadMQokieyF5g
Like an antivenom, healthy masculinity can counteract the effects of toxic masculinity.
Guest host Jayce Basques discusses embracing our nature as individuals and the positive feedback loop of virtue.
Learn more at: http://basqu.es
Guest outro by Aaron Prim: https://soundcloud.com/user6407900
www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
Without chance and change, Stoicism would not exist today. Randomness is the source of all life’s thrills and anxieties.Â
Guest host Jayce Basques offers a different perspective on how to embrace what others spend a lifetime trying to avoid.
Learn more at:Â http://basqu.es
Guest outro by Aaron Prim: https://soundcloud.com/user6407900
www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
Steve returns for a midweek episode. 2020 has been a year full of anxiety. To the Stoics Fear and Anxiety are passions of the soul. A Sage would be cautious but would not be afraid. This week we examine fear and how to approach it as Stoics in progress.
Check out the blog and more at www.sundastoicpodcast.com
In this episode, guest host Ryan explores the importance of living a life of moderation, especially during this holiday season.
www.sundastoicpodcast.com
What does it mean to be a friend in the eyes of a Stoic? Why should we have friends in the first place? Where and how does one find friends? Dan Hayes guest hosts the show to dig into the wealth of thought that the Stoics had on the concept of Friendship and its benefits.
www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
How should we act? How do we know what the correct actions are? We are told we should act "with wisdom", but what does that mean?
This episode attempts to understand what wisdom means and guide us to how we should attempt to acquire more.
The Stoics recognized that humans are a social species, part of thriving is sharing ideas with other people. Dan Hayes and Greg Sadler cohost the show this week to discuss the importance of dialogue in Stoic philosophy.
My friend Lane passed away unexpectedly last week. He plays drums on the podcast outro. I have attached the raw recording from the day we made the outro. Please do me a favor and turn it up loud once for Lane.
In this episode, guest host Ryan reads from Marcus Aurelius's Meditation and discusses what the Stoics say about the importance of living in the now.
I published an article on Stoicism. Here is the link: https://modernstoicism.com/stoic-students-how-we-are-learning-to-let-go-of-worry-and-find-peace-by-ryan-racine-and-igor-ratkovic/.
My podcast The Stoic Advantage can be found here https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-stoic-advantage/id1509480064 and Dragon Ball Virgin here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dragon-ball-virgin/id1531238413.
Hi Sunday Stoic Listeners and welcome to my first co-host episode of The Sunday Stoic. I am Al and I would like to use this opportunity to look at the why of stoicism.
After we have been studying the philosophy for a while, we get used to the things we should remember and the things we ought to do. We may know about the dichotomy of control. We may know the four virtues. But can we remember why?
Why should we follow these ancient teachings? What's in it for us?
Find out more:
www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
In this episode, guest host Greg Sadler discusses why reading Stoic texts, in particular classical primary sources, is an important practice for anyone who wants to really understand and progress in Stoicism. He draws in particular on three letters by Seneca, 33, 94, and 95, which discuss whether one can adequately understand Stoic philosophy by relying upon quotations or even precepts, and why it is important to keep going back to study the Stoic texts we have available.
You can find Greg on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/GregoryBSadler/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drgbsadler
Twitter - https://twitter.com/philosopher70
or at his business, ReasonIO - http://reasonio.com/
The present moment is the stage where virtue can play its part. If we do not seize the present moment we can find ourselves living in the past or the future and not living in the now. Help control the future of the podcast, what would you like to hear more of in 2021? Email me sundaystoic@gmail.com
sundaystoicpodcast.com
Readings: Moral Letters: 1
Meditations: 3:14
Enchiridion: 49
Here is Jay Forrest's Spiritual Naturalist Credo: https://www.snsociety.org/a-spiritual-naturalist-credo/
For my own version see: https://www.sundaystoicpodcast.com/post/a-sunday-stoic-credo
Dr. Kai Whiting joins the show to discuss the diet of a Sage. How should Stoicism affect our diet?
Kai's Paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10806-020-09829-w
Here is a link to his upcoming book: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Better-Stoicism-World-Living/dp/1608686930/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Kai+whiting&qid=1602004465&sr=8-1
Dr. Piotr Stankiewicz joins the show to discuss his book Does Happiness Write Blank Pages? On Stoicism and Creativity. We discuss Reformed Stoicism and its view of living according to nature, as well which aspects of a "Romantic artists" are compatible with Stoicism. You can find Piotr's book here: https://bookshop.org/books/does-happiness-write-blank-pages-on-stoicism-and-artistic-creativity-9781622734467/9781622734467
The 200th show! Today we will remind ourselves of the ultimate goals of this philosophy and begin to plan for the future.
Daniel Strain, the Executive Director of the Spiritual Naturalist Society (https://www.snsociety.org/) joins the show this week! We discuss Stoicism and Humanism, Buddhism as well as Spiritual Naturalism and Stoicism. This episode is also available as a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6op22fZ2wU
Below are links to items discussed in the show.
The Spiritual Naturalist Society
https://www.snsociety.org/
Stoicism and Compassion
https://www.snsociety.org/compassion-and-stoic-philosophy/
British court ruling on Stoicism: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8764745/Judge-accepts-Lidl-workers-belief-ancient-Greek-philosophy-Stoicism-protected-law.html
Also check out Daniels Stoic Emblem, its design is described here: http://humanistcontemplativeblog.blogspot.com/2005/05/stoic-emblem.html
Life can feel like a fight, it can be frustrating and heart breaking. As Stoics it is not enough for us to accept what happens to us, but to embrace it, to learn from it, to grow from it, to appreciate it, maybe even to love it.
Readings: Seneca Moral Letters #96
Epictetus Enchiridion #8
Marcus Aurelius : 7.61
Sometimes we need to change our vantage point to see things clearly. Our lives are a but a small moment of time lived out entirely mote of dust. But even if we could live forever, life would be a series of repeating events. We can take this information and either become depressed by it or use it as a springboard to be just and wise. This week I will introduce a modified Metta meditation that you can use to help cultivate a sense of justice and well-being.
This week's Reading: Meditations Book 7 #47-49 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Meditations_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Antoninus/Book_7
This week we are joined by my colleague Dr. Ben Waggoner to discuss his translation of the Hávamál. The Hávamál is a poem from Iceland, written in Old Norse. We discuss the practical advice given in this work some of which is similar to the wisdom of the Stoics.
Ben has a podcast called Heathen History: https://www.heathenhistory.com/
His translations of Old Norse and other works can be found here: https://www.thetroth.org/shop/books-and-magazines.html
Here's an article on Old Norse philosophy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Norse_philosophy
Support this show and hear the uncut interview at www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Today's topic comes from Cicero, he writes about the divergent ethical views of two Stoics. Diogenes of Babylon and Antipater. When selling something, is it immoral to conceal the truth?
Reading: Cicero De Officiis Book 3.50 http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2007.01.0048%3Abook%3Dpos%3D3%3Asection%3D56
Life goes by fast. It goes by even faster when we don't pay attention. This week I revisit the readings from the very first episode of the Sunday Stoic as we discuss distractions.
Readings: The Enchiridion #44 The Meditations Chapter 2 #5, Moral Letters to Lucilius 1.
Support the show on Patron www.patreon.com/sundaystoic Email me sundaystoic@gmail.com
It would be hard to know if you were a good guitar player with out someone to compare yourself to. Likewise, it is hard to grow as a person without standards to measure our progress by. We must be careful to choose the right standards to help us navigate life. Stoicism is like a Dr. who helps to cure us of our ills as we try to become better.
This week's reading The Discourses of Epictetus Book 3.23
Finding inner peace is simple, but not easy. Marcus reminds himself how to achieve this, by imitating the Sphere of Empedocles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empedocles.
This week's reading: Meditations Chapter 12:3
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic or make a one time donation on paypal sundaystoic@gmail.com
Practicing Stoics often focus on self-improvement and productivity. But we must remember, there is more to this philosophy than useful life hacks. This week Epictetus reminds us to take time to remember who we are and to be grateful for the chance to live this life.
All readings this week come from the Discourses of Epictetus.
www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
Dr. Benjamin Rider (University of Central Arkansas) joins the show this week to disucuss the book Stoicism and Emotions by Margaret Graver https://www.amazon.com/Stoicism-Emotion-Margaret-Graver/dp/0226305589
The Stoics can seem like a judgmental group. But what do they actually say about forgiveness and acceptance of others?
Seneca On Clemency: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_Clemency/Book_I#VI.
Epictetus Enchrididion: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Epictetus,_the_Discourses_as_reported_by_Arrian,_the_Manual,_and_Fragments/Manual
Marcus Aurelius Meditations: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Meditations_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Antoninus/Book_11
I describe some of the struggles I've been having aligning my values and my actions as well as a discussion of life as a journey versus a dance.
You can check out my blog post at www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
Here's the video that I referenced in the podcast.
https://youtu.be/rBpaUICxEhk
Food and drink sustain our bodies but our attitude and actions can build a robust soul.
This week we'll here from Epictetus: Fragments 30 and 31.
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
As a good Stoic, we should try be a good neighbor and citizen. One way to do this is not to flaunt our possessions or our good lives to much. We also need to take care to avoid doing wrong. Guilt is an anchor that disrupts the good flow of life.
This weeks Reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_105
Support the show on paypal using my email:sundaystoic@gmail.com
Or on Patreon www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Michael Cockroft a practicing Stoic and Mason joins the podcast to discuss the similarities and differences between Stoic Philosophy and Freemasonry. Join the discussion on the Discord server: https://discord.gg/SbvUx8S
Links Discussed in the show:
Washignton D.C. Grand Lodges respond to BLM protests: http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2020/06/grand-masters-in-washington-dc-issue.html
Freemasonry for Dummies:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B0FSAW4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Logo Image:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry#/media/File:Square_compasses.svg
Epictetus shows us that we are uneducated or wrongly educated in many things. This makes us like children. Only through study can we become fully functional adults in the world. Meanwhile, we should be gentle with ourselves when we err just as we would with a child who does not know better.
The small things we do each minute contribute to our overall progress to our larger life goals. If we have no set routine, we will stagnate and our life goals will remain forever out of reach.
Reading: Moral Letters #122 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_122
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
To learn more visit sundaystoicpodcast.com
When is it right to disobey those who have power over us? If we do the right thing, is it really disobedience?
Readings: Musoinius Rufus XVI
The Discourses of Epictetus I:2
According to Socrates, to be healthy as possible increases our ability to be virtuous.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17490/17490-h/17490-h.htm
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Racism, rioting, peaceful protests, these are difficult things to think about let alone talk about but to remain silent is worse.
Stoics are not unfeeling automatons. But we do try to dial down the effects of negative emotions. The perfect Sage may not feel full blown anger, or lust or anxiety, but we are not sages.
In this episode Seneca tells Lucilius about the need for self control and the importance of not trying to harness negative emotions like the Peripatetics.
Reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_116
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
This is not practice, this is life. You know your principles, you do not need another teacher to be your guide, rise as an autonomous Stoic!
Today's Reading The Enchridion#50. Whatever moral rules you have deliberately proposed to yourself. abide by them as they were laws, and as if you would be guilty of impiety by violating any of them. Don't regard what anyone says of you, for this, after all, is no concern of yours. How long, then, will you put off thinking yourself worthy of the highest improvements and follow the distinctions of reason? You have received the philosophical theorems, with which you ought to be familiar, and you have been familiar with them. What other master, then, do you wait for, to throw upon that the delay of reforming yourself? You are no longer a boy, but a grown man. If, therefore, you will be negligent and slothful, and always add procrastination to procrastination, purpose to purpose, and fix day after day in which you will attend to yourself, you will insensibly continue without proficiency, and, living and dying, persevere in being one of the vulgar. This instant, then, think yourself worthy of living as a man grown up, and a proficient. Let whatever appears to be the best be to you an inviolable law. And if any instance of pain or pleasure, or glory or disgrace, is set before you, remember that now is the combat, now the Olympiad comes on, nor can it be put off. By once being defeated and giving way, proficiency is lost, or by the contrary preserved. Thus Socrates became perfect, improving himself by everything. attending to nothing but reason. And though you are not yet a Socrates, you ought, however, to live as one desirous of becoming a Socrates.
This week Marcus Aurelius lists and defines the character traits that he wishes to have. Marcus wants to be prudent, resigned and magnanimous. We too can aim for these traits, to be wise, to focus only on what we can control and to have greatness of soul.
This week's readings: Meditations 10:8 I am reading from the Jeremy Collier translation.
support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
The Stoics often elevate Justice above the other virtues. Our man duty in this life is to be a just member of society. This week I'll reflect on justice as well as share my journal entry of the day where I explore the spiritual side of Stoicism.
Readings: Marcus Aurelius Book 11 #21
Musonius Rufus #14
Epictetus Book 2 #10
Journal Entry
The Cosmos, (God, Nature, the ultimate, the one) is the source of all, and therefore worthy of reverence and study. From this study, humanity has learned that it is a conscious extension of the Cosmos. We are the consequence of, as well as component of, a web of cause and effect. From the Cosmos we briefly emerge, with a sliver of thoughtful independence, and to the Cosmos we eventually fully return.
Via this cosmic connection and our own influence on the web of cause and effect, lie our immortality. We are the products of the laws of nature and as such are eternally bound by these laws. More specifically, we are beings of the Earth, related to every other known being, and yet set apart by the refinement of our ability to communicate, investigate, learn, and change.
To live well in this world, I need to learn from it, this is the cultivation of Wisdom. From this knowledge it is clear that our species survives due to our ability to cooperate, we are social beings, we must live in cooperation, therefore Justice is my primary aim. To live well I need to not only to share and work with others, but also to control myself if I am to become the best example of humanity that I can; for this Temperance is needed. To be wise, just, and temperate in the face of hedonistic passions and clashing worldviews, Courage is needed. If these virtues are pursued and progress is made, then my eternal contribution will be a good one, I will, upon the end of this journey, be worthy to return to the Cosmos.
Where am I to gain this wisdom? Humanity has been seeking it for centuries. In science I can learn our most well supported understanding of the functioning of nature. From philosophy, how best to live as a member of a diverse society and pursue truth, beauty, and wisdom. From religion, the breadth and beauty of humanity’s contemplation of its place in the universe, as well as thanksgiving, community, culture, and charity. This pursuit is worthy so far as it does not contradict our best understanding of reality. Contradiction reveals either an incomplete understanding or an incorrect assumption. A belief in that which contradicts the laws of nature is tantamount to idolatry. When in doubt in any of these matters, it is best to hold no opinion!
It is my goal to align my life wholly to these principles. Contradictions and wrong paths are inevitable, but with effort and time, willingness to change and grow, the journey will have been worth the effort.
If we resolve to do something, it can feel inconstant to change our minds, but sometimes changing our minds is the logical thing to do. This week we'll hear from Epictetus Book II Chapter of the Discourses. This show is also available on YouTube https://youtu.be/QTK3Ta2VSrA
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The Stoics have a lot to say about how to live up to their teachings, and how doing wrong mostly harms ourselves. They don't have as much overtly to say about what to do after you've made a mistake. How do we as Stoics deal with guilt and anxiety?
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
This week's readings : https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Thrift-Editions-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/048629823X
Seneca Moral Letters #5 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_5
Epictetus the Discourses Book 2: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0236%3Atext%3Ddisc%3Abook%3D2
Steve and Chrissy discuss the challenges of pandemic life. we discuss the challenges of raising a child, keeping up with work etc during this challenging time. And how The tenants of Stoicism can help to make it a time to reflect and a time to be grateful.
As we lose our routines it is easy to lose our philosophy. Now is the time to find our weaknesses and hone our skills. We must not let this change in circumstance make us sloppy Stoics.
Today we look at what it means to progress as Stoics using an example of Shuhari from the world of martial arts. https://www.kimusubiaikido.com/blog/meaning-shu-ha-ri
As we progress, one thing we need to do is let go of the writings of others and rely on our own thoughts. Are you ready to make this giant leap?
Donald Robertson's video on routines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4_2ULF0XZs
Wow we've made it three years! This is just a quick shout out from my porch on the current state of affairs.
Michael Connell joins the show to discuss comedy and Stoicism. We discuss how he got into comedy, how he found Stoicism and how he incorporates the two.
You can check out his work here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPeavDDlJpM&vl=en
Dr. Stankiewicz joins the podcast to discuss his new book. Manual of Reformed Stoicism. We discuss his approach to Stoicism, and direct applications of philosophy to everyday life including the Corona Virus crisis. To Save 30% off the book and get free shipping use the promo code SUNSP30 when ordering from https://vernonpress.com/books
How should a Stoic act in the face of Covid19? What should a Stoic do if they become sick? We should live the role that we have received without complaint and without fear. Listerns can save 30% on the new book Manual of Reformed Stoicism by using the code SUNSP30 at https://vernonpress.com/book/709
We need to prioritize our lives to eliminate the nonsense and focus on the important things. One day we will be out of time. This week's reading https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_110
What is the best introduction to Stoicism? What are the best translations? How do I get the most out of my reading? These are a few of the questions I will attempt to cover in this week's episode.
1. Guide to the Good Life- Irvine: https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Good-Life-Ancient-Stoic/dp/0195374614/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=guide+to+the+good+life&qid=1582916445&sr=8-1
2. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor- Robertson: how to think like a roman emperor
3. How to Be a Stoic- Pigliucci: https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Stoic-Ancient-Philosophy/dp/1541644530/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=how+to+be+stoic&qid=1582916532&sr=8-1
4. The Practicing Stoic- Farnsworth: https://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Stoic-Philosophical-Users-Manual/dp/1567926118/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=the+practicing+stoic&qid=1582916566&sr=8-3
5. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelus: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Philosophy-Classic-Capstone-Classics/dp/0857088467/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=meditations+of+marcus+aurelius&qid=1582916599&sr=8-5
The Discourses of Epictetus: https://www.amazon.com/Discourses-Fragments-Handbook-Oxford-Classics/dp/0199595186/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=discourses+of+epictetus&qid=1582916627&sr=8-4
Letters from a Stoic: https://www.amazon.com/Senecas-Letters-Stoic-Thrift-Editions-ebook/dp/B01N9BAEOR/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Letters+from+a+stoic&qid=1582916648&sr=8-5
This week we'll look at one of the few pieces of writing from Cleanthes (the second head of the Stoic school). We will examine his Hymn To Zeus and see what an early Stoic thought of God, the cosmos and humanities relationship with them.
Sources: http://elfinspell.com/ClassicalTexts/Rolleston-Epictetus/TeachingsOfEpictetus-HymnToZeus.html
https://department.monm.edu/classics/courses/clas230/MythDocuments/cleanthes.htm
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Hymn_to_Zeus
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
A paraphrase of the Hymn to Zeus
Most glorious of immortals, called by many names, oh sovereign king
Zeus, ruler of nature, you govern all things with universal law
Hail! For it is right that mortals should address you
For we are your offspring, we are the only creatures on earth to speak
Therefore, I will sing hymns to you forever
The whole cosmos, which circles the earth, obeys you
For such power is contained in your hands, the two-edge thunderbolt
Under its blow all nature shudders
You are the guide of universal reason which mingles with the greater and lesser lights which has grown to become ruler over all
Nothing occurs apart from you oh Lord, not on earth, or in the cosmos nor beneath the ocean except that which is done through lack of wisdom
You can make the rough smooth and bring order from chaos
To you the ugly seems beautiful. You have fitted things together good and evil into one world guided by reason
This reason mortal men ignore at their own peril, while they long to obtain something good
They do not know God’s universal law, but if they would only listen and obey, they would live well, in harmony with reason
Instead they rush past each other on diverse paths, some seeking fame, others strife, some wealth others seek pleasures of the body
Each self-deceived, working on their own destruction.
But you great Zeus, giver of all who lives in the clouds, lord of thunder, save men from their unhappy ignorance
Scatter it from our souls and give us the same wisdom that you yourself rely upon
And we in return we will praise your works unceasingly as there is no higher office for man or god than to praise Universal Reason
The teachings of Stoicism often lead us to the belief that we must be in the front lines of life to make a difference. Seneca has a different take, play to your strengths, perhaps you can do more good as a blogger than as a politician. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_Peace_of_Mind
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Being sick sucks. Whether a it is a cold that keeps you from enjoying the weekend or a life altering illness, we still have a job to do and progress to make. This week Seneca reminds us that we can be brave even in our pajamas. This week's reading https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_78
I'm turning 40... Today is a personal reflection on what that means to me and how to philosophically make sense of the last 40 years and who I'd like to be in the future.
Today's quote was from this post https://dailystoic.com/on-the-shortness-of-life-seneca/
This week we look at the last paragraph in the major works of the late Stoics. It is interesting that the last paragraph of the Meditations, Letters From A Stoic and The Discourses are all short glimpses of the whole works that they are a part of. They each share some common themes. To accept things that our outside our power, to accept things that may happen (preferred or differed indifferents) and to live now with wisdom and integrity.
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
To be good philosophers we need to align our opinions with reality. As we progress, discordant opinions will stand out like out of tune guitar strings. But only by examining our opinions can we hope to call ourselves philosophers.
Action Alert: Please consider donating to the Australian Red Cross https://www.redcross.org.au/
Readings: Epictetus: discourses Chapter XVI
Seneca: On Leisure
Marcus Aurelius Meditations Book 8 #40
Overcoming the fear of death is one of the first tasks of becoming a Stoic. How can one do this? This week we'll peek into the journal of Marcus Aurelius to see his thoughts on anxiety and death.
The basic take home ideas this week.
1. Death is natural, like the ripening of fruit, do not fear this normal process
2. Focus on doing good in the present moment, and not letting your imagination run wild
3. When you are dead you will either not experience anything, or you will still be alive in a new way, so there is nothing to worry about!
All readings come from this translation https://archive.org/details/TheMeditationsOfMarcusAurelius1896
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Its a new year, how do we get started on the long climb toward sagehood?
Both Seneca and Epictetus have their suggestions. Renounce desires, and focus on our fear of death and poverty. Let's get started!
today's readings:
Seneca: Moral Letters #80 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_80
Epictetus: Enchiridion 2
As you plan for the new year, be sure that your plans are actionable and reasonable. So that you have 1. A chance of accomplishing them and 2. A way of measuring your progress.
Many of us have a hole in our heart that we try to fill with possessions, Seneca recommends we try focusing on gratitude instead. This week's reading is Seneca, ON Benefits Book 3 Chapters II and III
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3794/3794-h/3794-h.htm#link2H_4_0005
Happy Holidays!
Kai Whiting, a researcher at the University of Lisbon. He joins the show to discuss his experience at Stoicon as well as his current projects. You can check out his most recent speech at UNESCO here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5SCZjZId1Y&feature=youtu.be&t=2480&fbclid=IwAR3GI-T3Qhq_Xr5VSdtNWwEBLPh1YbyfBDPsoo92u6BEnSHt1PdMO-O2jHw
Philosophy means nothing if it is not put to the test. Stoicism is a philosophy of action. If we are lions in the classroom but lambs in the real world, our time has been wasted.
This week's readings:
Discourses 1:30 and 1:15
Email the show sundaystoic@gmail.com
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https://archive.org/details/discoursesofepic033057mbp/page/n6
Nothing solid and long lasting can be made without a plan. This week Seneca will encourage us to build our knowledge of philosophy carefully and to chose our mentors well.
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_108
This week we will hear from Seneca. He is going to introduce us to one of the core ideas of Stoicism, one that was later heavily discussed by Epictetus. To live well, we must understand the universe and not be upset when predictable things happen.
https://en.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_107
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
This week we'll go back to the basics with Epictetus and remind ourselves of what is and what is not in our power and how to prepare ourselves for loss. I read the first three chapters of the Enchiridion.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/45109/45109-h/45109-h.htm
Nicholas Peters, a District Fire Management Officer for the U.S. Forest Service joins the show to discuss Stoicism and the qualities of a good leader. We also talk about firefighting as well as parenting.
The Stoics were known to speak in a concise and clear manner. They based their speech on the way the Spartans talked. In the era of oversharing and social media, we could all benefit from a Laconic speech lesson.
This episode was inspired by an article by Donald Robertson, check it out here https://medium.com/stoicism-philosophy-as-a-way-of-life/stoicism-as-a-spartan-philosophy-of-life-646d2c87d8d9
Caleb Ontiveros joins the podcast to discuss his app: Stoa
We chat about mindfulness, Stoic practices, building habits and using social media as a Stoic.
Stoa: http://stoameditation.com/
Check out his articles on Medium: https://medium.com/@stoameditationapp
Join me on the porch as I sip my coffee and contemplate the importance of watching the seasons and the stars.
This week Karen Duffy "Duff" joins the podcast to discuss living with chronic pain. In the mid 90's while working as an MTV VJ, Duff was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, a disease that has led to chronic pain. She has dealt with this pain in several ways, medically as well as with philosophy and philanthropy.
In this episode we discuss her book: https://www.amazon.com/Backbone-Living-Chronic-without-Turning/dp/1628727950
The Foundation For Sarcoidosis Research https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/
Foster Care To Success https://www.fc2success.org/
The Greatest Beer Run Ever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4WAUmyKDq0
If you'd like to support the show, go to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
No matter your station in life, being of service can make life meaningful. This week Seneca tells us that being of service can help us to overcome the fickleness of Fortune! https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_98
Also, you can win a Sunday Stoic challenge coin by sending my grandmother a birthday wish as an audio file to sundaystoic@gmail.com, listen to the show for details!
Dr. Kevin Vost joins the show to discuss his book The Porch and the Cross. We discuss the influence of Stoicism on Christianity and how modern Christians can utilize Stoicism. Dr. Vost also discusses Stoicism and physical fitness. To find out more about Dr. Vost visit https://www.drvost.com/
To see his article on Stoicism and fitness go to https://modernstoicism.com/show-me-your-shoulders-the-stoic-workout/
Support this podcast by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
" The universe is change, life is opionion." Everything is constantly changing, when we get upset by this, we are assenting to an opinion that contradicts nature. Today we'll talk about change and acceptance and compare what Marcus Aurelius says about change to the Allegory of the Cave in Plato's Republic.
In this week's episode, we'll see some Un-Stoic behavior from Seneca, but this causes him to reflect and encourage us to give philosophy our time. We are worthy of her.
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_53
Dr. Sadler joins the podcast to talk about his background, expanding your reading list beyond the big three Stoics, and some of the odd Stoic paradoxes that we often ignore.
Stoicon X Milwaukee: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stoicon-x-mke-tickets-71129954609
Reason IO: https://reasonio.wordpress.com/
Writing helps us to combine all of the ideas we've obtained by reading into our own words. In this episode, I try to follow that advice and write a philosophical letter to my niece.
Upcoming Stoic Webinar on Sept. 21st! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RV2JbxzIR82TncW-PFiB4A
In this episode, Epictetus discusses the importance of not letting our pain and illness define who we are and what we do. College of Stoic Philosophers Webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RV2JbxzIR82TncW-PFiB4A
Episode 56: Stoicism and Illness https://www.spreaker.com/episode/14568694
Dr. Benjamin Rider (University of Central Arkansas) joins the podcast to discuss similarities between Daoism (Taoism) and Stoicism. You can find his paper on this subject here: https://www.academia.edu/29366003/Living_in_Agreement_Stoicism_and_Daoism_on_the_Sage
September 21st Webinar with the College of Stoic Philosophers: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RV2JbxzIR82TncW-PFiB4A
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Stoic Challenge Coin: https://www.etsy.com/listing/711901704/stoic-challenge-coin-persist-and-resist?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=stoic+coin&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&organic_search_click=1&bes=1
Nick Holderbaum joins the show to discuss Stoicism and firefighting as well as his Podcast and health coaching business. You can find out more at https://www.primalosophy.com/
The College of Stoic Philosophers is offering a webinar discussion soon, sign up at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RV2JbxzIR82TncW-PFiB4A
If you would like a Sunday Stoic Challenge Coin, go to Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sundaystoic
If we want to live a good life, we have to live well each moment. Today we'll discuss arete and how to apply it to live the good life.
Pew research poll discussed in this episode: https://www.pewforum.org/2018/11/20/where-americans-find-meaning-in-life/
College of Stoic Philosophers: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RV2JbxzIR82TncW-PFiB4A
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sundaystoic
Eudaimonia, or flourishing, is the goal of not just the Stoics, but many
schools of thought. In this episode we'll explore look at what Eudaimonia means and how it might apply to us as individuals. Purchase a Sunday Stoic Challenge Coin at https://www.etsy.com/shop/SundayStoic
The College of Stoic Philosophers up coming webinar Registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RV2JbxzIR82TncW-PFiB4A
Resources for this Show:
https://www.valuescentre.com/tools-assessments/pva/
https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/values-clarification.pdf
https://learn.donaldrobertson.name/courses/how-to-live-like-socrates/lectures/5258568
Eudaimonia Survey: https://forms.gle/MyRuQ8NoenbMhNFf7
How can you use Stoicism to keep from dragging work home with you?
This episode is inspired by https://ideas.ted.com/never-take-a-bad-work-day-home-again-using-these-3-steps/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
Get a Sunday Stoic Coin: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SundayStoic
The School of Stoic Philosophers:
http://www.collegeofstoicphilosophers.org
Next week: Eudiamonia: https://positivepsychology.com/eudaimonia/
Last week we listened to an in depth conversation between Cato and Cicero. This week I want to summarize the top 10 points from their discussion about the philosophy of Stoicism from Book 3 of Cicero's On Ends. http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cicero/de_Finibus/home.html
Today's Music "If we only could have escaped sooner" provided by DGOreodont
Today we'll eavesdrop on a conversation between Cicero on Cato discussing the basic tenants of Stoicism. In this episode, Cato will distinguish things that are Good vs. things that are valuable and the need for virtue to live a good life. http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cicero/de_Finibus/3*.html
My Discord Channel https://discord.gg/GNcHgAp
Neil Armstrong was a man with character, someone that I try to model myself after, humble, intelligent, and hard working, he was an excellent example of humanity. I had the chance to see him once as a teenager and it left a permanent mark on me.
The Stoics believed that we each have a spark of the divine within ourselves, the power of reason. We can improve this power over our lifetime and eventually, at least in one aspect, be equals to the gods. Most modern Stoics do not necessarily pay much attention to this and focus only on the ethics of Stoicism. God or atoms, does it matter?
Temperance, Wisdom, Justice, Fortitude, we are familiar with these virtues, but what about charity?
Today we'll here from Musonius Rufus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, we'll also see an example of Stoic charity from Epictetus.
The technology we use most often is designed to be addictive. It is easy to bash it, complain and talk about how good things used to be. But on the other hand, technology is amazing. In this episode we explore how it is useful for growing as a Stoic.
A chat with Scott Perry about the intersection of creativity and Stoicism. Scott discusses his career as a musician, teacher and his newest endeavor, Creative on Purpose https://creativeonpurpose.mykajabi.com/
To see a video of this interview go to https://youtu.be/TLkHa3VX1oM
Support the show by going to sundaystoic/patreon.com
or www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
If you knew today was your last day, could you enjoy the little joy's the day had to offer? Today's episode is inspired by Montaigne. If we are to enjoy life, be brave and live to the fullest, we can't be scared of death. Today's episode plays with that theme
"Can I be honest with you?" Marcus Aurelius is writing to himself here reflecting on the importance of making honesty his default setting. He also reflects on other important aspects of living... the temporary nature of things, change and leading by example.
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
You won't be here forever. In fact, it is impossible to even be remembered forever. This cold hard truth can give us the motivation focus on and care about the present. This week is a discussion of excerpts from the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Book 8.
Support the show by visiting www.patreon.com/sundaystoic or by sending a one time donation via paypal to sundaystoic@gmail.com.
Carpe Diem!
In Book 3 of the Meditations Marcus Aurelius tells himself to stop trying to read the minds of others and to pay attention to his own mind, his own tasks in the here and now.
support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Book one of the Meditations is all about gratitude. Today, I reflect on my gratitude for the women in my life who have helped to make me who I am.
Check out the Arete planner at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/areteplanner/arete-planner-achieve-more-worry-less-live-excelle
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
As we try to become better people we will fail. It is inevitable. But we don't want to normalize failure. We don't want to fail again and again if it is preventable. Epictetus warns us that if we do not hone our disciple of aversion, we will be like a bad athlete who fails every time they enter the ring.
Today's reading was done using the Stoic Reader App.
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It is easier to judge others than to see our own faults. It is also easier to talk about philosophy than to live it. Epictetus calls his students out and questions their motivations in today's reading.
Join the conversation on Discord! https://discord.gg/h7PAU4H
Today's reading was from the Stoic Reading App https://f-droid.org/en/packages/app.reading.stoic.stoicreading/
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
Tinker, tailor, solider or spy, each of our roles has its own obligations. Part of Stoic wisdom is discovering those obligations and living up to them. This week Epictetus talks with an anxious father about his duties as a dad.
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If anyone is interested in chatting with other listeners or myself, join the Sunday Stoic on Discord https://discord.gg/h7PAU4H
Today we begin reading from the Discourses of Epictetus. He tells us that we must use our power of reason to determine what is good and band in our individual lives. Epictetus won't tell us how to live, but he gives us to tools to figure it out for ourselves.
This week I am using the Stoic Reader app. to find out more, go to https://f-droid.org/en/packages/app.reading.stoic.stoicreading/
To support the show please visit sundaystoicpodcast.com
This poem was read buy and quoted the Stoics. Have a listen or give it a read. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_golden_verses_of_Pythagoras
Musonius Rufus answers the question "should we always obey our parents?"
The answer is yes, but that doesn't mean you should always do what you are told!
Read Musonius yourself at https://archive.org/details/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS
There are useless hardships (perusing fame and fortune) and useful hardships. Why are we so willing to pursue the useless at the cost of the useful?
Donald Robertson joins the podcast this week to discuss his new book. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor. The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. We'll talk about Marcus's life and times, his studies of philosophy and what we can learn from him today. You can get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250196620/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Tp9KCbRY0NSRQ
To see the video of this interview go to: https://youtu.be/aYLAVXWjMVU
Support the show by donating on paypal (sundaystoic@gmail.com) or by going to https://www.patreon.com/sundaystoic.
This week we discuss one of the fragments of Musonius Rufus. He teaches us that virtue must be practiced. And that practice must be varied, some techniques strengthen the body while others focus on the soul. https://dailystoic.com/gaius-musonius-rufus-the-roman-socrates/
Michael Tremblay (https://tremblaymichael.com/) an athlete and a PhD student studying Epictetus. We discuss Epictetus's educational program, applications of Stoicism to modern life as well as modern critiques of Stoicism.
Please help support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Visit my website www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
Seneca offers us a list of principles by which we might steer our lives. We will fail to live up to most of these, but progress is all we can hope for. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_a_Happy_Life/Book_XX
Contact the show: sundaystoic@gmail.com
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We can accomplish so much in our short lives, if we apply our time correctly. This week Seneca reminds us that we have enough time if we don't waste it! https://archive.org/stream/SenecaOnTheShortnessOfLife/Seneca+on+the+Shortness+of+Life_djvu.txt
Thanks go out to David for reading this week's episode, check out his websites www.davidvernon.net
www.stringybarkstories.net
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Anger turns us into our evil twins. We a born to serve each other, but anger makes us turn against one another instead. Seneca gives his advice on how to remove or at least attempt to control Anger. Reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_Anger/Book_I
Please support the podcast by joining on Patreon www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
You can also do a one time donation on paypal use the email address sundaystoic@gmail.com
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Seneca thinks that most convincing advice on death comes from those who are have nearly reached the end of their lives. We may survive a disaster or a soldier's sword, but even if we escape, old age will still get us.
Kai Whiting joins the show to discuss a new paper that he and his colleagues have just put out: Education for the Sustainable Global Citizen: What Can We Learn from Stoic Philosophy and Freirean Environmental Pedagogies?
Find out more at his website https://stoickai.com/
Today well begin to talk about the Late Stoa. This episode focuses on Seneca and we'll read one of his early works. A letter that he wrote to his mother while he was exiled to the island of Corsica. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_Consolation:_To_Helvia
There are a few main pointers we can take from Seneca's letter
1.Always put things into perspective. When we face hard times we can remember past times where we struggled and prevailed, or look to examples from others. What is happening to us is not out of the ordinary.
2.If we mentally prepare ourselves for hard times, they will not surprises us and they will not upset us
3.Exile is not an evil, just a change of location and a change that offers one a chance to ponder the important things in life
4.Philosophy is the best way to overcome grief and sorrow
5.Until we are sages, we may also need pragmatic shortcuts to overcoming our passions.
A discussion Panateus and Posidonius the end of the school of Zeno, the introduction of Stoicism to Rome and the eclectic Middle Stoa.
If we are truly adopting a philosophy of life, we should know its history and its early proponents. In this episode we look at some of the Early Stoics. Reading: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0258%3Abook%3D7%3Achapter%3D2
On this short episode I describe the notebook that I carry in my pocket with sayings that I intend to commit to memory.
Today we start a new season and we go back to the roots of Stoicism. We'll investigate the founder, Zeno of Citium. Reading: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0258%3Abook%3D7%3Achapter%3D1
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Here is an interview on a new Stoic Podcast called "Time Flies". Check it out at https://anchor.fm/time-flies
You can find out more about my podcast at www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
This is an interview of me by Justin Vacula on the Stoic Solutions Podcast. Check out more at http://justinvacula.com/
Note: I will be taking a short break, the podcast will return on January 13.
This week's episode is about actually committing to change. Not in the future, but right now.
Please fill out the Show Survey: https://goo.gl/forms/aEzfibifgabcwKnl1
Do you have what it takes to be a Stoic? If you are trying live a philosophical life, how do you know if you are progressing? Today's Reading The Discourses of Epictetus Book 2 #18 and The Discourses # 29
https://www.amazon.com/Discourses-Selected-Writings-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140449469
When someone does you wrong, remember that the best way to get revenge is to not be like them. If you take an eye for an eye, your are just as guilty as they are.
In this episode I recorded while on the road on a 12 hour drive to my family farm for Thanksgiving. I knew it would be a somewhat stressful trip, so I made a point to practice Stoicism along the way.
It is always good to stop and remind yourself of how you fit in. You are part of the universe, you are part of society. Once you are reminded of this, it becomes much easier to know how to act.
On this episode we'll see what the rival school of Epicureanism has to say about living the good life.
Today's Reading: http://classics.mit.edu/Epicurus/princdoc.html
Habits are a form of autopiolot that help us navigate our busy days. But bad habits can cause us to lose productivity, to miss out on time with family etc. In this episode we will look into cultivating new habits with help from Epictetus and Charles Duhigg.
The Power of Habit: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X
You, A Natural History https://www.amazon.com/You-Natural-William-B-Irvine/dp/0190869194/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1541209487&sr=1-1&keywords=you+a+natural+history
Other references and useful links regarding habit:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2015/03/02/expert-ten-super-smart-ways-to-build-good-habits-and-make-them-stick/?utm_term=.aac28a2e1cfc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_snM4r5EQs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXYAEtht4_w
Today's reading is from https://www.amazon.com/Discourses-Fragments-Handbook-Oxford-Classics/dp/0199595186/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1541209620&sr=1-3&keywords=discourses+epictetus
Socrates is on trial. His life is at stake. Does he beg the court for his life, does he promise to mend his ways? No, he compares himself to a fly and asks for a hero's reward. Socrates is wise and brave, he dies like he lives, virtuously.
A quick casual conversation with my wife about how well stoicism is working in my life and how it's helping her too.
The character that we are building within ourselves is a precious thing. Epictetus warns us that it requires constant vigilance. If we take our eyes of the road for just a second, we may lose all that we've worked for in an instant. Reading: Discourses Book 4 Chapter 3 http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.4.four.html
Support the show, go to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
This week Donald Robertson joins us from Athens. We'll discuss the influence of Socrates on Stoicism and lessons we can draw from Socrates to live a better life. Don't forget to sign up for Donald's Course on Living Like Socrates. Listeners can save 20% by using this link to sign up https://learn.donaldrobertson.name/p/how-to-live-like-socrates/?product_id=825383&coupon_code=SOCRATES20P or use the code SOCRATES20P the course begins Sunday October 21, 2018!
Socrates was a role model for the Stoics, in this several part series we'll start to investigate why he was held in such high regard. Reading: http://www.sjsu.edu/people/james.lindahl/courses/Phil70A/s3/apology.pdf
Support the show on Patreon www.patron.com/sundaystoic
Are you ready for a change? Ready or not here it comes. From day to day life to the crumbling of cities to the fall of mountains nothing stays the same.
Stoicism and optimism may seem like strange bedfellows. But If you can't be a Sage, optimism can a good way to keep yourself from overreacting to real or potential issues!
Stoic Week is coming up! https://learn.modernstoicism.com/p/stoic-week
To wish for things we cannot have is to wish for a fig in winter. We must align our desires with reality if we are going to earn the Stoic moniker! Thanks to Cat for joining as a Patron. Check out her art at http://www.catthewilson.com/
The Stoics advise us over and over again that exile is not something to fear. We generally don't face exile in the same way the Greeks and Romans did, but we can live in exile without even leaving home.
Stoic week is coming up! Find out more at https://modernstoicism.com/
This morning I'm starting the day with advice from Marcus Aurelius: "The Pythagoreans bid us in the morning look to the heavens that we may be reminded of those bodies which continually do the same things and in the same manner perform their work, and also be reminded of their purity and nudity. For there is no veil over a star. " Meditations Book 11
Each day could be our last. Rather than dwell on this fact with sadness, it can be our inspiration!
Today's Reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_49
Living according to our own individual nature requires us to be authentic in everything we do. How do we know when we are being authentic? The Stoics have a lot to say on the matter!
How do the properties of a good leader and of a philosopher converge? Musonius Rufus has the answer! Readings: https://archive.org/details/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS
http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.3.three.html
https://sundaystoicpodcast.com
The poem Ozymandias contains similar themes to the writings of Marcus Aurelius. The things we think are important now, will one day crumble to dust. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozymandias
To hear more of my music go to https://soundcloud.com/skarafit
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Stoicism is not a philosophy of navel gazing, we are active agents in this world. Don't just be a receptor of ideas, you must find your voice and affect change in your world. We are joined again this week by Dr. John Saunders.
One good way to put your life into perspective is to examine what your obituary would say if you died today. Compare this obituary to what you'd prefer it said if you changed your character and became the person you want to be before you died. You can view my preferred obituary at www.sundaystoicpodcast.com
Here is an article to give you inspiration: https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/wake-up-call-write-your-obituary.html
Upset stomach, sleepless nights, irritability... we've all been there. Our anxious mind causing us to suffer in the shadow of some looming event. But what if it doesn't have to be that way? The Stoics have a lot to say about anxiety, we'll scratch the surface this week.
Want to Stoically practice the virute of justice? Join the Stoic Cosmopolis on Kiva: https://www.kiva.org/team/stoiccosmopolis
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We must be careful not to fall into Logical traps. If we are going to live using Reason as our guide we must not fall for, or into logical fallacies.
Today's show is based on this image: https://pics.me.me/the-ten-commandments-of-logic-1-thou-shalt-not-attack-20385307.png
Contact the show: sundaystoic@gmail.com
(501) 503-3132
https://www.sundaystoicpodcast.com/.
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This episode focuses on one of the core tenements of Epictetus's Stoicism the power of Choice. No matter what is happening we always have choices to make. To turn left or right, to speak or stay silent, to die with a frown or a smile on our face.
According to the Stoics, the one thing that distinguishes us from the rest of nature our capacity to reason. But what exactly is reason and how does it relate to living a complete life? Dr. Massimo Pigliucci joins the podcast this week to discuss Stoicism, Reason, Science and Scientism.
Check out more from Massimo Pigliucci here
https://platofootnote.wordpress.com/
https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/
Who were the first to die in the Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam? The optimists. This is known as the Stockdale Paradox. Living a philosophical life requires us not to be blindly optimistic but to face the facts and live life accordingly. That huge upheaval in your life may not be easy, but you can see to it that you come out of it a better person.
Supporting Materials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpgLAuZdutM
https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/podcast-421-why-you-need-a-philosophical-survival-kit/
Contact the show: sundaystoic@gmail.com
(501) 503-3132
https://www.sundaystoicpodcast.com/.
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Have to perform on stage? Have to give a big talk at work? What do the Stoics have to say about stage fright?
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(501) 503-3132
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If you could talk to your 102 year old self, what advice would they give you? This is a powerful exercise for thinking about what is really important in your life. But advice is only useful if you take it!
Contact the show: sundaystoic@gmail.com
(501) 503-3132
https://www.sundaystoicpodcast.com/.
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Mary continues her discussion of the influence her father and philosophy on her childhood and her successful career in the Navy. Be sure to check out part one of this interview !
Mary's father was an Air Force pilot and a follower of Stoicism. Up to the age of eight years old, Mary's father taught her philosophical life lessons that she could relate to and memorize. These lessons served Mary well as she navigated a chaotic and potentially traumatizing youth and eventually becoming an engineer and serving in the U.S. Navy. Without Stoic resilience Mary's life could have turned out quite different.
How do we prevent ourselves from being duped? The Stoic school didn't focus only on ethics. They also taught physics and logic. Part of logic was critical thinking and rhetoric. Today Dr. John Saunders joins the show to talk about the rhetoric/the power of persuasion.
Gorgias: https://www.amazon.com/Plato-Gorgias/dp/0023529504/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527183936&sr=8-1&keywords=gorgias+wc
Without a straight edge it is hard to make something crooked straight again. Role models give us the ability to assess our improvement and give us a target to aim for when building our character. In this episode I ask, who are your role models? Let me know by emailing the show sundaystoic@gmail.com, by contacting me on Twitter (@sundaystoic) or Facebook, or leave me a voicemail. Today's reading is by Ian and is from Seneca's Moral Letters to Lucilus #11 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_11
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Stoicism can be practiced in a number of ways. One could focus solely on self improvement or one could also direct their attention outward to the needs of others. Kai Whiting joins the podcast this week to discuss his recent blog post on the Daily Stoic. https://dailystoic.com/stoicism-beyond-the-self/
Stoicism allows us to develop our ability to process the world before acting on it. Impulsivity can lead to unintended consequences. The Sunday Stoic website and blog has moved to www.sundaystoicpodcast.com The end song is a live recording of my song Northern Lights.
Today Ward Farnsworth, the Dean of the University of Texas School of Law joins the show to discuss his upcoming book: The Practical Stoic A Philosophical User's Manual. https://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Stoic-Philosophical-Users-Manual/dp/1567926118
On this episode I'll tell you a little about myself and how I've applied some of the ideas of Stoicism to my life. I'll also talk about upcoming episodes.
Rather than praying for externals, the Stoics advocate that we pray only for those things that are within our power. This can be helpful for believers and nonbelievers alike. How we frame our desires can directly influence our satisfaction with life.
A song by John Lennon along these same lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZfNsOn7b94
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Justin Vacula (The Stoic Solutions Podcast) joins the show today to discuss the parallels between life and games.
We need to be careful not to confuse stoic with Stoic. In modern English stoic refers to an individual who does not have or at least does not show emotion. While having no emotions may lead to a tranquil life, it is not the path of a Stoic.
Reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_9#cite_ref-1
Thank you Ian for the great reading this week!
For more on Stilpo: https://www.iep.utm.edu/stilpo/
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(501) 503-3132
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Mary was taught Stoic concepts from a young age, she contacted the show to share her story of Stoicism and resilience.
Contact the show: sundaystoic@gmail.com
(501) 503-3132
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In order to make progress we must be persistent. This will require us to prioritize the things in our life as we can't pursue too many courses of action at a time if we are going to succeed. We will need to pair down our lives to focus on the things that are most important to us.
Readings: Epictetus Enchiridion 9, 10 and Discourses 1:17
The Meditations Book V 20
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(501) 503-3132
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This is an example of a Patron only Episode:
Seneca gives us advice on overcoming our vices. Rule #1 stay away from your triggers! https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_51
For as little as $5 a month you can get an extra episode a month by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Kai Whiting joins the show this week to discuss his most recent publication. We explore how the Stoics would relate to Neanderthals and the implications on our relationships with other organisms.
Neanderthal Paper: http://www.mdpi.com/2076-0787/7/2/39
Sustainability Paper: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/2/474
Contact the show: sundaystoic@gmail.com
(501) 503-3132
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The image for this podcast is from the paper discussed in the show.
Stoicism is a philosophy of life, it can help us to thrive in any situation we may face. Stoicism can help us re-frame Illness as an opportunity to practice fortitude, patience, and being thankful for what we have. Today's guest is Carmelo, the founder of the London Stoics, you can find links to some of his work below. Thank you Carmelo for joining the podcast this week!
http://modernstoicism.com/stoic-resilience-in-face-of-illness-by-carmelo-di-maria/
http://modernstoicism.com/stoicism-and-illness-and-stoic-resilience-versus-stoic-virtue-by-carmelo-di-maria/
Support the podcast by joining on www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Life is short, stop sending time as if you have an unlimited supply, at the same time don't fear death as if it were evil.
Readings: Plato's Apology http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/apology.html
On the Shortness of Life: https://archive.org/stream/SenecaOnTheShortnessOfLife/Seneca+on+the+Shortness+of+Life_djvu.txt
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius : http://classics.mit.edu/Antoninus/meditations.html
Life is not permanent, our time here should be thought of like a stop at an Inn. When you spend the night at a hotel, you don't typically get attached to the furniture or other objects within. When its time to go you move on and another guest takes your place.
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_Consolation:_To_Marcia#XXI.
Epictetus and the boat #7… http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html
Marcus V #33 http://classics.mit.edu/Antoninus/meditations.html
Thank you to Dr. Gregory Sadler for the introduction! Check out his videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEtxsMx4qsoitFwjBdLU_gA
https://sundaystoic.wixsite.com/home
This is the one year anniversary of the Sunday Stoic! On today's reading we are reminded that Stoicism must be put into practice if we want all of this talk to amount to anything!
Support the show by going to www.patreon.com/sundaystoic
Website: www.sundaystoic.wixsite.com/home
Nobody claims to be an astrophysicist if they haven't studied physics. But everyone claims to know virtue even if they haven't studied it. Why is that?
Reading: Fragments of Musonius Rufus Ch2: https://archive.org/details/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS
Contact the show by March 30 2018 for a chance to win a Roman Coin. Let me know who you are and where you are listening from. Send me a mp3 to sundaystoic@gmail.com, or leave a voice mail at 501-503-3132 or on the website https://sundaystoic.wixsite.com/home
To lead a happy life we must first fully embrace and be ok with the fact of death.
Contact the show by March 30th for a chance to win a Roman Coin! call (501) 503-3132 or sundaystoic@gmail.com my website is https://sundaystoic.wixsite.com/home
Readings: Seneca Moral Letters #30 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_30
70 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_70
This episode will focus on the faculty of Reason. Reason may not be completely unique to humans but we have the ability to perfect it and utilize it to live a good, happy life.
Contact the Show 501-503-3132 or go to sundaystoic.wixsite.com/home and click on the microphone. Contact the show by March 30 to enter for a chance to win a Roman coin.
Todays Readings
Epictetus Discourses Book 1 Chapter 1 http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.1.one.html
The thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Book 7 # 8 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus
Moral Letters to Lucilius # 124 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_124
In today's reading Marcus Aurelius lists 10 ways to deal with difficult people without losing your cool...
Reading: Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Book 11 #18 http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/6920/pg6920-images.html
Be sure to contact the show 501-503-3132. https://sundaystoic.wixsite.com/home or email sundaystoic@gmail.com contact the show by March 29 2018 and leave a message telling me where your listening from for a chance to win a roman coin!
Maxims are short easy to remember sayings that help you to remember the tenets of a philosophy. This week we'll look at several as written in Seneca's Moral Letters to Lucilius.
Please contact the show, record a short message for inclusion on the 1 year anniversary episode! You can call (501) 503-3132 and leave a voice mail or go to the website https://sundaystoic.wixsite.com/home and click on the radio microphone to record a message.
Moral Letters 123
“No man is good by chance”
Virtue must be learned, pleasure is low and even pursued by animals.
“Glory is an empty and fleeting thing, lighter than air.
“Poverty is not an evil thing unless a man resist it”
Death is not an evil, it alone is the equal privilege of mankind.
122
The duty and the proof of life consist in action
120
The surest way to spot a man with an evil mind is his inconsistency.
119
He who has much desire more, but he who has enough has something the rich man will never have. A stopping point.
118
What you think is the top of the latter is merely another rung.
113
Self-command is the greatest command of all.
110
What is necessary will meet you everywhere, you must seek out what is superfluous.
109
“what good does this do me? Make more brave now, more just, more restrained?” If not it is superfluous material.
104
A good man should not live as long as it pleases him, but as long as he ought.
101
Only he who is not profiting from the present is anxious about the future.
99
Life is not good or evil, it is the place where good and evil exist.
96
Life is really a battle.
94
You need never believe that a man can become happy through the unhappiness of another.
92
Disasters and losses and wrongs have only the same power over virtue as a cloud over the sun!
91
We should consider not what is likely to happen but what can happen .
90
By craving much we lost all.
he things that are indispensable require no elaborate pains to acquire. I tis luxury that call for labor.
89
No place is yours where you are not.
87
When you commit an evil, the punishment is instantaneous, it does not wait for the hangman.
85
tHE WISE MAN makes use of evils rather than being weighed down by them. When given a poor material to work with, the wise man will sculpt the best statue that material will allow.
83
Drunkenness is nothing but a condition of purposeful insanity.
82
He who lies on a couch is no less dead then he who is hanging from a rope.
81
Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.
We tend not to pay attention to what we have but only to what we seek.
Lets explore the early and late Stoic view of Sex. Happy Valentines Day!
Readings: Diogenes: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Lives_of_the_Eminent_Philosophers/Book_VI#Diogenes
The Enchridion #33: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0237%3Atext%3Denc%3Achapter%3D33
How to Be a Stoic : https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/2017/12/26/what-do-i-disagree-about-with-the-ancient-stoics/
Donald Robertson discusses a few Daily Stoic practices that may enhance your life as well as his course on How to Think Like A Roman Emperor. For more information check out his website: http://donaldrobertson.name/
Check out the Sunday Stoic Podcast at https://sundaystoic.wixsite.com/home
The Stoics are a fairly strict bunch, as we try to improve ourselves we judge ourselves a lot. But should that judgement be used on those around us?
The Enchridion #45 https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/2017/12/26/what-do-i-disagree-about-with-the-ancient-stoics/
The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Book 2 #1 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_II
What are some of the characteristics of the ideal Stoic. We'll see what Seneca has to say about it.
All references below are to Moral Letters to Lucilius https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius
The Sage is rare, showing up perhaps once every 500 years (42.1). They, like everyone else will experience impressions and emotions when things outside their opower occur, but they can then apply reason to the situation and act appropriately (57).
The sage relies on herself for happiness, a happiness that comes from within not from externals (72)He carries his goods within him (9)
Is content with virtue alone but is happy to have possessions and friends. (66)
He enjoys friendship for the sake of serving his friends not as a means to gain anything (3)
a sage is different. He is kind to friends, restrained toward enemies, his political and personal business is carried out with scrupulous devotion, willing to suffer long where endurance is needed and not lacking in prudence when action is taken. Besides he is always the same, consistent in all actions sound in judgement and trained by habit that he not only can act rightly but can’t help but act rightly. We have formed a concept that a man of such perfect virtue exists. (120)
Accepts the loss of friends and family with same spirit that he awaits his own loss, the underlying principle of virtue is conformity (74)
The sage is wise, but not all knowing, he will therefore spend time with other wise people who they may share knowledge with(109)
Accepts the loss of friends and family with same spirit that he awaits his own loss, the underlying principle of virtue is conformity (74)
The sage acts rightly in all situations without second guessing himself (95)
The sage regards the reasons for his actions not the results of the actions (14)
Is not thrust out of life by death but is ready and goes willingly He will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can (70)
Is ready from attacks on all fronts, he is fortified against attack of poverty, sorrow, disgrace or pain
Is content with virtue alone but is happy to have possessions and friends. (66)
Is not over enamoured with the gifts of fortune (72) He will lay them aside while the rest of us snatch up these gifts like dogs catching a piece of meat
He does not drink to excess (83) nor does he covett possessions (73)
We've talked a lot about mental exercises and Stoic ways to think about things. But how can we actually train ourselves to be better people?
Readings: Fragments of Musonius Rufus #VI https://archive.org/details/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS
Moral Letters to Lucilius # 18: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_18
Helpful videos on contemplating wisdom, and death:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/facing-death/
http://passing-on.org/
https://www.ted.com/talks/graham_hill_less_stuff_more_happiness
https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_on_our_loss_of_wisdom
The Stoics mention god, gods, Zeus and nature a lot... what is the relationship here and can it help us to understand how to be better Stoics?
Readings:
Seneca on Benfits: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/On_Benefits/Book_IV
Seneca: Natural Questions http://naturalesquaestiones.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-i-tr-john-clarke.html
The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm
Logical Fallacies: Purdue Owl: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/659/03/
A discussion of practices that you can start doing today that will help you become more Stoic.
Its the time of year when we all make, then break New Year's resolutions. What are a few good Stoic resolutions and how can we stick to them?
Moral Letters to Lucilius: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_16
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_83
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_120
The discipline if assent is essentially stoic mindfulness. We must be careful not to accept every impulses that we receive as fact. To do this we must keep watch over our minds so that our desires and actions may not be corrupted.
Readings: The Discourses of Epictetus Book 3 http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.3.three.html
The Enchridion #1 http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html
Also check out the Encyclopedia of Philosophy it was a great reference! http://www.iep.utm.edu/epictetu/#SSH4eiii
December 17 was the first day of the Roman holiday of Saturnalia. Seneca tells us that Stoics have 3 options during the holidays. 1. Join the crowd and get loud and drunk. 2. Go out in the public but don't join in. 3. Join in with moderation.
Reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_18
This year my wife and I are going to celebrate Saturnalia. For ideas on how to do this check out the following links.
http://www.unboundworlds.com/2013/12/eight-geeky-ways-to-celebrate-saturnalia/
https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Saturnalia
Correction: The reading is Seneca's Letter #18
Stoicism is not about reading, or writing, it is about doing! This means living according to nature. How do we do that? By acknowledging that we are social animals and by dealing with our fellow humans with justice.
Readings:
The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius: Book 4 #24 http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm
Moral Letters to Lucilius #20 : https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_20
The Enchridion #30: http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html
The Sunday Stoic now has a website! https://sundaystoic.wixsite.com/home
Epictetus broke Stoicism down into three disciplines 1. Desire 2. Action 3. Assent. On this episode we'll introduce the three disciplines and focus in desire. If we want to live a happy life, the first thing we need to master is our desire and aversions. We need to ensure that the things we want to happen and the things we don't want to happen are things that are within our power to control. Frustration and anger will arise if we expect things outside our power to go the way we want.
Readings: A Selection of the Discourses of Epictetus http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10661/10661-h/10661-h.htm
Massimo Pigliucci's blog How to be a Stoic https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/2015/03/27/the-three-stoic-disciplines/
https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/2016/09/08/the-three-topoi-and-the-three-disciplines/
Stoicism is divided into three parts 1. Logic 2. Ethics 3. Physics. Today we'll talk about those and lay the groundwork for future discussion on the three disciplines of Epictetus.
Reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_89
Encyclopedia of Philosophy: http://www.iep.utm.edu/epictetu/
How to Be a Stoic: https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/stoicism-101/
Philosophy is 3-parted 1. Moral 2. Natural 3. Rational Moral philoslophy keeps the soul in order, natural investigates the universe, rational keeps falsehood from creeping in and displacing truth.
Moral Philosophy is divided into three parts-Ethics
1.The speculative part which weighs the worth of each thing according to its utility.
2.Impulse, after weighing the worth of something you then create an ordered impulse
3.Actions, you make your impulse and your actions harmonize so that all three conditions are in harmony.
The natural side of philosophy is divided into two parts- Physics
1.Bodily
a.Creative
b.Created
i.Elements/Matter
ii.Cause (which moves all things and the elements)
2.Non-bodily (Metaphysics?)
3.Rational-Logic
a.Rhetoric
i.Continuous speech
b.Dialectic
i.Speech between questioner and answerer
1.Words
2.Meaning of words
How can a modern Stoic cope with the stress of parenting and at the same time raise children with strong character? Today we talk with Brittany about Stoic parenting. Check out her blog at https://www.apparentstoic.com/
When making a decision ask yourself: "Will this make me more brave, self-controlled, just or wise?" If not, is it worth doing?
Those learning Stoicism in ancient times would have had a mentor to help guide them along the way. Most of us who study the philosophy now don't even know another person who is intersted... On this episode Gregory Lopez will discuss a resurgence of face to face Stoicism. He'll discuss the Stoic Fellowship, Stoic Camp and Stoicion. This is your chance to join or start a group in your area! https://www.stoicfellowship.com/home/
We'll explore the role of fortune and fate in Stoic philosophy and how they relate to living today.
Reading 1: Moral Letters to Lucilius # 74: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_74
Reading 2: The Enchridion #8 http://www.gutenberg.org/files/45109/45109-h/45109-h.htm
Reading 3: Moral Letters to Lucilius # 37: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_37
Other Reading # 104: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_104
Organ sound effect: https://freesound.org/people/InspectorJ/sounds/401707/
For Halloween we'll discuss the topic of the afterlife. We'll find that their ideas vary slightly but they predicted one of three things.
1. We die when we die
2. We are recycled when we die
3. We live on after death
No matter the reality, the point of the philosophy is to live well while we are alive !
Helpful links: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/the-story-of-god-with-morgan-freeman/articles/how-the-ancient-religions-viewed-the-afterlife/
Marcus Aurelius Book VII v. 32; VIII v. 58. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm
Seneca: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_102
Epictetus # CXXX: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/871/871-h/871-h.htm
When philosophy has the pilot's seat in your life, decision making is easy and consistent. We can focus on those natural, easy to obtain things that will lead to true happiness.
Reading: On Philosophy, The Guide of Life https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_16
Thank you for listening to the Sunday Stoic Podcast!
The Stoics were not complete minimalists like Cynics but they were critical about being too attached to their possessions.
Readings:
Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Book 9 #34 http://central.gutenberg.org/articles/eng/Meditations
The Golden Sayings of Epictetus #11: http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/goldsay.1.1.html
Moral Letters to Lucilius Letter 87: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_87
Far too often we remember the good times and forget our struggles, we remember our goals and forget the hardships ahead. But to live according to nature is to expect reality to happen!
Readings:
Marcus Aurelius: Book 7 v 61 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_VII
Seneca: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_96
Epictetus: Enchridion #4 http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html
William Irvine visits the show to discuss the practical application of Stoicism. His book A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy was my introduction to Stoicism. You can find out more about Dr. Irvine here http://ecbiz147.inmotionhosting.com/~n1stce12/williambirvine.com/
or check out his books here https://www.amazon.com/William-B.-Irvine/e/B001IZPOQ6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1506625185&sr=8-2-ent
Sickness is a pain, it gets in the way of completing our projects and plans. How do we bear it stoically?
Reading: Seneca's Moral Letters to Lucilius #78 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_78
In this episode of the Sunday Stoic Podcast, we'll look at how a Stoic in the 21st century should go about making a living. The advice boils down to this: Be sure your career is an honest one and apply philosophy to whatever you do.
Readings:
1. The Enchiridion # 10 http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html
2. The thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Book 3, #5 http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15877
3. Moral Letters to Lucilius # 94 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_94
4. Fragments of Musonius Rufus #11 https://archive.org/details/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS
We are slowly working our way from studying philosophy, to being a philosopher. To do this we will have to get rid of the training wheels and being to rely on ourselves. We will have to stop relying on quotes from others and rely on our own knowledge of good and evil that we are developing now.
Reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_33
Dr. Massimo Pigliucci has put together the Prokopton Pledge for modern Stoics it can be found at https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/the-stoic-pledge/
It lists 13 precepts that a modern Stoic would agree with. What do you think? Email me sundaystoic@gmail.com
Note: the first upload didn't work correctly so I am re-uploading the Episode
Don't get bogged down by pages of philosophy, there are simple things you can do right now to be more Stoic!
How should Stoics view racism in the world? Should we be indifferent or take action?
Readings:
Of Leisure by Seneca: #4 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_Leisure
The Golden Sayings of Epictetus: #15
The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius: Book 5 #1 https://ia800300.us.archive.org/4/items/tho00ughtsofemperomarcrich/tho00ughtsofemperomarcrich.pdf
Like the show on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sundaystoic/
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The Stoics the study of philosophy could make you a better person, woman or man.
Readings: Fragments of Mussolini Rufus Chapters III, IV and 13A https://archive.org/details/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS
Support the show: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=WTY637FNVSK3J&lc=US&item_name=Sunday%20Stoic¤cy_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted
As Stoics we must live using our power of reason. The fear of the inevitable is not reasonable. The biggest challenge as a living being is to overcome our fear of death.
Readint: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_4
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What might a Stoic diet look like? Why is lunch a moral battlefield where it you can easily fail as a Stoic?
Readings
1. Musonius Rufus #18B on Food https://archive.org/details/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS
2. Seneca: Letter 8, https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_8
3. Epictetus: Enchiridion # 41 http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html
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The unexamined life is not worth living. How often to do you think about your thinking?
Reading: Discourses Chapter 21 http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/dep/dep053.htm
Email the show at sundaystoic@gmail.com
Check out the YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXfDbrsiFOY&list=PL3kEyWXa7nOwxBbWWHzZ8tyIfwLUIK4Qq
Can a Stoic have friends? Not only can they have friends, but they must!
Readings:
Discourses Book 2 #22 http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/dep/dep054.htm
Discourses Book 3 # 16 http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.3.three.html
Moral Letters to Lucilius #9 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_9
Also mentioned on the show
1. Modern Stoicism: Stoic Training: http://modernstoicism.com/stoic-mindfulness-and-resilience-training-smrt-course/
2. How to be a Stoic: https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/
3. Stoic Mettle: https://stoicmettle.libsyn.com/
Epictetus warns us not to make judgments over topics that we have not studied. This includes good and evil.
Reading: Book 2 Chapter 11. http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.2.two.html
Seneca warns us not to overshare, but we should cultivate good trustworthy friendships .
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_3
July is our Epictetus Month. We'll find out how a Stoic should end the day, how to avoid judging everything we hear and why its pointless to argue with the walking dead.
We'll do three readings from the Discourses http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.html
1. Book 3 chapter 8
2. Book 1 Chapter 5
3. Book 3 Chapter 10
Why would someone in the 21st century study philosophy?
I'd argue that it helps us to prioritize, improve and accept things in our lives that might otherwise lead to unhappiness. Contact the show at sundaystoic@gmail.com
Readings:
Moral Letters to Lucilius #23: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_23
2 The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Chapter 5 vs 9 http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15877
The Enchirdion # 46 http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15877
In this episode we'll look at stoic advice on dealing with crowds and peer pressure.
Reading 1: The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Chapter 7 vs 71 http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm
Reading 2: Moral Letters to Lucilius #8 On Crowds. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_7
Reading 3: The Enchiridion # 42 https://www.gutenberg.org/files/45109/45109-h/45109-h.htm
This is a summary of Letter #2 to Lucilius. It cautions us to focus on a few good things in our lives rather than seeking satisfaction in things we don't have.
Reading: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_2
We'll take a break from the classic Stoic's today and have a look at the philosophy of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was not a Stoic, but he was interested in living a virtuous life. He focused on the classic virtues of Temperance and Justice. He broke them out into 13 separate sub-virtues that he practiced each day. To see his virtue journal or his daily schedule check out chapter 9 of his autobiography.
Reading: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/20203/20203-h/20203-h.htm
My summary of Seneca's Moral Letter's to Lucilus and a short reflection
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_1
Only one thing is truly ours, time. And we only have a little bit of it. The Stoic's advise that we treat time as one of our most important commodities. How do you safeguard your time?
Email the show sundaystoic@gmail.com if you'd like to suggest topics or read for the show.
Reading 1: Marcus Aurelius Chapter 3 vs 10: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm
Reading 2: The Enchridion Chapter 28: http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html
Reading 3: Seneca: On the Shortness of Life: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/On_the_shortness_of_life
We have too many obligations. How can we use an ancient philosophy to help us organize our lives and remain happy and content?
Readings
1: The Enchridion: Chapter 8 http://www.gutenberg.org/files/45109/45109-h/45109-h.htm
2: Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius: Chapter 4 vs 3 http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm
3: Moral Letters to Lucilius Letters 2 and 28 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius
A discussion of the Stoic virtue of Temperance, what it is and how to apply it. Temperance is not about a completely prudish way to act, but away of self control and moderation. Email me at sundaystoic@gmail.com
Readings:
Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
https://archive.org/stream/RubaiyatOfOmarKhayyam_263/Rubaiyat-LeGallienne-1901_djvu.txt
1. Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius: Chapter 8 vs 12
2. The Enchiridon, Chapter 14: http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html
3: Moral Letters to Lucilus, #21: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_71
Are you afraid of death? WE'll dig into the Stoic view of death, more importantly the fear of death and its role in our quest for a virtuous life.
Reading 1: The thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Chapter 6 vs. 24. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm
Reading 2: The Discourses of Epictetus Book 2 Chapter 1. http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.2.two.html
Reading 3. By Listener Steve (www.stevecaston.ca) : Moral Letters to Lucilius By Seneca. Letter # 54: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_54
How do Stoics keep their cool? By not letting every little thing get to them. In this episode we'll look into the use of impressions.
Reading 1: The Enchridion Ch1 https://www.gutenberg.org/files/45109/45109-h/45109-h.htm
Reading 2: The thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Chapter 6 vs 13 http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm
Reading 3: Moral Letters to Lucilius Chapter 13 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_13
Today we will try to follow in the example of Cato and Mucius and live our lives courageously.
Reading 1: The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Chapter 7 vs. 7 http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm
Reading 2: Discourses by Epictetus Ch 1: http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/discourses.1.one.html
Reading 3: Letter 67 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_67
I also reference this Wikipedia article in the show https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cato_the_Younger
Today we'll examine the technique of Premeditatio Malorum, the premeditation of evil. This is a great way to train yourself to be calm during difficult times. Also be sure to check out How to Be Stoic (https://howtobeastoic.wordpress.com/) and the Stoic Mettle Podcast (https://stoicmettle.libsyn.com/)
Today's Readings: The Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius Chapter 2 Vs 1. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15877
The Enchridion by Epictetus Chapter 3
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45109
Moral Letters to Lucilius by Seneca: #63 On Grief for Lost Friends
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_63
One of the Stoic virtues is Justice. We'll hear from Seneca, Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus. We are not talking about big-picture justice here. But justice in our daily lives, justice in our transactions with others. Links to the readings can be found at https://sundaystoic.wordpress.com/
The Stoics advise us only to pay attention to those things that are within our control, there is no sense getting mad over what others do. We'll look into Stoic advice on control.
We will explore the Stoic virtue of Wisdom. With readings from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca
Episode 1: In this episode we explore Stoic Mindfulness. Making it a priority to be engaged in the moment and not distracted by trivial things or unneeded thoughts.