The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

"Of all men they alone are at leisure who take time for philosophy, they alone really live; for they are not content to be good guardians of their own lifetime only. They annex every age to their own; all the years that have gone before them are an addition to their store."—Seneca, On the Shortness of Life XIV📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Because most of what we say and do isn’t essential. Ask yourself at every moment, Is this necessary?”—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.24📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Stoics strongly believed that we should be respectful to everyone, no matter who they are or what they’ve done.It’s a freeing attitude: not only can we refuse to let the malevolent actions of others harm our free will, but we also always maintain the power to love, respect, and help those same people.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ancient Stoic teacher Epictetus said we should contemplate daily the freedom of our will: The fact that no matter what happens or what anyone else does, our thoughts and actions are our own and no one else’s.This knowledge of what is and isn’t ours, and of what is and isn’t possible for us, allows us to focus on the things we can actually affect.On the other hand, we are able to calmly assess the events, opinions, and circumstances that don’t land within our sphere of control and effectively say they’re fine as they are.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Our fellowship is very similar to an arch of stones, which would fall apart, if they did not reciprocally support each other."— Seneca, Letters 95.53📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A step-by-step exercise showing how to mentally reframe challenging situations.Video referenced in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__JLFw2FtEQ📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"What I will teach you is the ability to become rich as speedily as possible.. I will lead you by a shortcut to the greatest wealth... not wanting something is just as good as having it. The important thing either way is the same – freedom from worry."—Seneca, Letters 119.1–2📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look at Cicero's third Stoic paradox—that all vices are equal and all virtues are equal.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often bemoan the restrictions that are placed on us.Whether we feel held back by our many personal responsibilities or stifled by our work environment, we harbor a desire for more freedom.But what actually is freedom and how do we attain it?📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we know, Stoicism is a practical philosophy.Theory alone does not improve the skill of being good.Only the struggle of everyday experience improves it.We’re interested in how we might be good, rather than merely know goodness.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s obvious to say, but important nonetheless: if we’re to make progress toward a more Stoic life, we have to regularly practice the principles of the philosophy.And if we’re to regularly practice the principles, we’ll first need to understand and remember them.The French philosopher and historian, Pierre Hadot, wrote of the importance of keeping our philosophical principles “at hand” so that we’re able to use them in response to the events we face, as if immediately answering a question we’ve been asked.With that in mind, I have compiled a list of 100 short tips to help you achieve the benefits of practicing Stoicism.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look at Cicero's second Stoic paradox—that virtue is all that is needed for happiness.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a common disruption to our tranquility: putting someone else’s life on a pedestal compared to our own.We envy the apparent prosperity and happiness of others while losing sight of the things in our own lives that we should be quite content with.The full story of someone else’s life can’t be known. Their inner world isn’t visible to us. To have their life, we’d need to inherit everything about them. Would we really be willing to take that risk?To help regain your freedom from this kind of disruption, I’ve constructed a short Stoic exercise for you to practice.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A guided contemplation to help you reflect on a powerful idea from Stoicism: the notion that our insignificance isn't a bad thing.This idea can be liberating and transformative, guiding us toward greater peace, humility, and—surprisingly—purpose.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Liberty is having a mind superior to injury, a mind that makes itself the only source from which its pleasures spring, that separates itself from all external things, avoiding the unquiet life of one who fears everybody’s laughter, everybody’s tongue. For if there is anyone who can offer an insult, who cannot?"—Seneca, On the Constancy of the Wise Man 19.2📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Each day acquire something that will fortify you against poverty, against death, indeed against other misfortunes as well; and after you have run over many thoughts, select one to be thoroughly digested that day."—Seneca, Letters 2.4📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look at Cicero's explanation of the Stoics' main guiding principle—that virtue is the only true good in life.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The present moment is enough for you,” Marcus Aurelius told himself in his Meditations.As Pierre Hadot wrote in his book Philosophy as a Way of Life, this had a double meaning:It is enough to keep you busy; you have no need to think about anything else; andIt is enough to make you happy; there is no need to seek for anything else.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To help achieve the kind of mental freedom the Stoics enjoyed by worrying less about the opinions of others, I have constructed a short exercise that uses some imagery from Kurt Vonnegut's novel Breakfast of Champions.I’ve called it the Molecular Pause technique.When to use it: Use the Molecular Pause technique whenever you feel discomfort or hesitation in your actions due to the fear of judgment.What to use it for: Use this technique to remind yourself to, as Seneca put it, be your own spectator and seek your own sincere praise. The idea is to cultivate courage and build confidence in your actions, independent of external validation.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reading of the twelfth book of Marcus Aurelius's twelve-book work.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

☀️ This episode features a free example edition of my Micro Morning Meditations.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When someone tells us a harsh truth, it may question our beliefs or behavior in a way that offends us.This episode explores how we can use the Stoic virtues to deal with harsh truths in a calm, detached way so that we can remove the harshness and examine the truth.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reading of the eleventh book of Marcus Aurelius's twelve-book work.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is an interview with Dutch Olympic gold medalist Mark Tuitert.I really enjoyed talking with Mark - he's a keen enthusiast of Stoicism and has recently released a book called The Stoic Mindset.In the interview, we talk about the book, Mark’s interest in Stoicism, and how the philosophy has helped him both in his professional and personal life.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I look at why the Stoic practice of accepting one's fate is not the same thing as passivity.Accepting what happens saves us time. We don’t feel the need to curse fate or complain about our luck when we practice this kind of acceptance.We don’t spend excessive time in denial, wishing we could change the past. Instead, we focus on what we can do.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine the freedom that comes from living in alignment with your values, unencumbered by the fear of exposure or judgment.How can you cultivate a mindset that not only avoids wrongdoing but actively rejects even the thought of it?📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This explainer episode will provide you with a straightforward understanding of what Stoic Wisdom is and how you can use it in your Stoic practice.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reading of the tenth book of Marcus Aurelius's twelve-book work.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I interview one of my favorite writers on Stoicism, Donald Robertson.He's a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and the author of such books as How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, Verissimus, Stoicism and the Art of Happiness, and The Philosophy of CBT.His latest book is a biography of Marcus Aurelius, titled Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor.In the interview, we talk about the book, Marcus Aurelius's life, and some practical techniques for dealing with anxiety.I hope you enjoy!📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the relentless pursuit of happiness, a common impulse leads us to believe that a change in surroundings will lift the burdens of our minds.Seneca, the ancient Stoic philosopher, challenges this instinct in his 28th Letter to Lucilius, inviting us to question whether our travels truly offer escape or merely a temporary reprieve.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This explainer episode will provide you with a straightforward understanding of what Stoic Temperance is and how you can use it in your Stoic practice.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five of the best pieces of advice from Seneca’s On Anger you can use today if you feel anger beginning to bubble up.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reading of the ninth book of Marcus Aurelius's twelve-book work.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"If you want to do something, make a habit of it, if you don’t want to do that, don’t, but make a habit of something else instead."—Epictetus, Discourses 2.18📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trust in your innate ability to improve, guided by your principles and the support of the universe.Each moment of each day offers you an opportunity to choose the right path.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This explainer episode will provide you with a straightforward understanding of what Stoic Justice is and how you can use it in your Stoic practice.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reading of the eighth book of Marcus Aurelius's twelve-book work.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We are always learning, always growing. It is right to accept challenges. This is how we progress to the next level of intellectual, physical, or moral development.”—Epictetus, A Manual For Living, p.74📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"When another blames you or hates you, or people voice similar criticisms, go to their souls, penetrate inside and see what sort of people they are. You will realize that there is no need to be racked with anxiety that they should hold any particular opinion about you."—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 9.27📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is shared from the Stoa Conversations podcast, in which I talked with host Caleb Ontiveros about the practice of Stoicism as a philosophy of daily life.You can find more Stoa Conversations episodes here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think of the countless examples throughout history of individuals who have achieved remarkable feats through relentless dedication and continuous learning.By cultivating discipline and resilience, you too can overcome obstacles and accomplish great things.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reading of the seventh book of Marcus Aurelius's twelve-book work.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An homage to a TED talk by Ethan Hawke called “Give yourself permission to be creative”, adjusted to conform to the alternative title of “Give yourself permission to practice philosophy.”“I place it to the credit of philosophy that I recovered and regained my strength. I owe my life to philosophy, and that is the least of my obligations!” —Seneca, Letters 78.3📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This explainer episode will provide you with a straightforward understanding of what Stoic Courage is and how you can use it in your Stoic practice.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode takes inspiration from various Stoic sources, as well as Oliver Burkeman’s excellent book Four Thousand Weeks, to show how it’s possible to zoom out from our own troubles and get a better perspective on them.Doing this can, as Burkeman puts it, help us to drop back down from "godlike fantasies of cosmic significance into the experience of life as it concretely, finitely – and often enough, marvelously – really is."📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As you go about your day, remember to focus on your actions rather than your words.Let your actions speak louder than your discussions.Let your deeds be the evidence of your philosophy.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his Meditations, the Stoic Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius noted ten reminders for himself that could serve as a calming influence when he felt angry with other people.If we remind ourselves of these kinds of perspectives regularly enough, we might just be able to invoke them when we next feel anger bubbling up, and by doing so, block its destructive potential.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reading of the sixth book of Marcus Aurelius's twelve-book work.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Still you are indignant and complain, and you don’t understand that in all the evils to which you refer, there is really only one – that you are indignant and complain."—Seneca, Letters 96.1📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Each day acquire something that will fortify you against poverty, against death, indeed against other misfortunes as well; and after you have run over many thoughts, select one to be thoroughly digested that day."—Seneca, Letters 2.4📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.