Stoicism for a Better Life

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In the pursuit of an purposeful and anxiety free life, this is a podcast series dedicated to practical applications of Stoic philosophy in our daily lives.

Anderson Silver


    • Feb 20, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 8m AVG DURATION
    • 101 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Stoicism for a Better Life

    Season 6; Episode 01 (101) - ON QUITTING VICES & ADDICTIONS - Stoicism

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 7:36


    Welp...life is kicking my butt...just like you. But what else can we do, but try and find the most virtuous foot in front of the other...one step at a time. I am unable to record videos at this time, nor can I continue my reading of the books (maybe next year) But for this season, I am going to do what I can, which is a short, unedited audio podcast (that's right...we're going back OLD SCHOOL to the first few seasons!). Today I am answering the question of how to quit smoking/vaping or any other addiction. The answer is simple but it might surprise you. Lots of love from me to you and here we go with another season (albeit chaotically!) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 20 (100) - YUM Chapter 15 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 11:55


    The pursuit of a tranquil life...let us conclude now that we have read through the chapters, what this all means for you (if anything) and how you can change your approach to life to better every aspect of it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 19 (99) - YUM Chapter 14 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 17:13


    THIS IS THE CHAPTER YOU WANT. If there is one chapter you read from this book, this is it. How do you find tranquillity in this life? By having a why. How do you know what your purpose (or Why) is? By clearly identifying your necessities. Here we outline a step by step guide for identifying your purpose in life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 18 (98) - YUM Chapter 13 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 7:31


    We're wrapping up and concluding the general thoughts slowly. Today it is about philosophy and why the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is the only way to freedom, joy and tranquillity. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 17 (97) - YUM Chapter 12 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 13:23


    Thinking about the suffering of others and working towards their betterment is a sure fire source of joy in life. Last Chapter we spoke about why Loving thy neighbour is the only option and a great source of joy. This chapter we conclude and hammer it home: Seriously...Love Thy Neighbour! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 16 (96) - Q&A #3 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2023 14:24


    Here's the third Q&A of the season. We've got a few questions on motivation & perspective and one heavy topic like talking to 10 y/o about suicide. Join me for the third and last Q&A of the season, as we close up on the 100th episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 15 (95) - YUM Chapter 11 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 13:11


    The chapter is called 'Love Thy Neighbour'. Learning to love others and put their suffering before yourself is a fundamental key to happiness and joy in life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 14 (94) - YUM Chapter 10 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 10:12


    Who are you? You look in the mirror and say "I". You look at a picture of you from 10 years ago and say "I". Yet the two entities you are looking at are not the same. They do not look the same. They do not exist in the same moment of space-time. So who is "I"? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 13 (93) - YUM Chapter 9 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 12:32


    This is the one many of you have been waiting for. What the heck do we do with our emotions? How can I possibly be anxiety free while I have these messed up thoughts and feelings within? Lend me your ear and let me tell you how I deal with it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 12 (92) - YUM Chapter 8 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 14:52


    Why is life so hard? Why must everything be so difficult? Why do I feel like the universe is sometimes conspiring against me...all the time? These are universal questions that transcend all "differences" between us, and the answer is exactly what you think it is. There is no fair...or unfair. Life just is and the universe is thus. We have no say in the matter no matter how upset we are or how loud we yell. Accepting this, is the key to shaking the yolk of the human condition. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 11 (91) - Q&A #2 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 10:11


    Here's the second Q&A of the season. We've got an admission of guilt and wrongdoing by yours truly, and tips on staying motivated and focused, as well as dealing with the overwhelming force of life on a day to day. I got you fam...I know it's hard, but I've got tricks up my sleeve I can share with you. Come join me would you for a few minutes, give me your time and I promise you'll get a few chuckles and leave a better human being. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 10 (90) - YUM Chapter 7 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 9:25


    Pursue goals with NO reservations and at ANY cost. Go GRAB the BULL by the horns. You get to your goal QUICKLY (preferably quicker than your competition) and you WILL find happiness. We've all been taught this garbage over and over again growing up at home, school and on TV. Today...this is a core pillar of your misery. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 9 (89) - YUM Chapter 6 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 14:20


    If you can answer this problem, then you don't need to listen to this episode: Freewill...does it truly exist? Yes, you are choosing to read this. But science tells us everything is predetermined, hence formulas that can very accurately predict things. How do you reconcile these two? How can we have freewill, if we live in a world bound by universal rules that can be predicted? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 8 (88) - YUM Chapter 5 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 12:37


    Neil Armstrong may be best known for his quote "One small step for man...", but his greatest contribution to posterity, in my opinion, is the attitude he practiced and preached after he came back from stepping on another celestial object and staring back at everything he ever knew: Life is a short term phenomenon. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 7 (87) - YUM Chapter 4 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 11:39


    See the world as it is...not as you see it. This is possibly the greatest trick the devil ever pulled (the fact that we don't even realize we're on the hedonic treadmill). We forget we are a small spec... unspecial in every way....and we freely throw false value judgments on everything. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 6 (86) - Q&A #1 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 14:59


    Here's the first Q&A of the season. We've got three (technically four) questions starting with pets and ending with introspective reflection. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 5 (85) - YUM Chapter 3 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 11:01


    Strap in for some incest, murder, genocide and extinction. We're talking about how homo sapiens exterminated all other human species despite being one of the least successful species (yeah I said it...prove me wrong). Oh yeah...there's some Stoicism in there somewhere too...perhaps some wisdom, but no promises and no refunds. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 4 (84) - YUM Chapter 2 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 7:21


    You've already heard it a million times..."it's not the destination, it's the journey". Let's explain that real quick quick. Don't forget, the Q&A airs in two episodes, so get your questions in on your read-along or wtv. Instagram is a good bet or any other link on StoicismForaBetterLife.com - Let's Talk. I'm excited! Are you? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 3 (83) - YUM Chapter 1 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 6:54


    This is the way...literally. For two millennia, people have been preaching these philosophical precepts and claiming it gave them freedom and peace from within. It may not be the answer for you, but then again, it might. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 2 (82) - YUM Preface - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2023 9:47


    Growing up I never read the preface of a book. I always thought "what the hell, I bought the book to read the damn thing...why are you bothering me with a short mis-en-context to put the whole thing into perspective in a convenient package." If only I knew then what I know now, I would have gotten so much more value out of the same effort. A preface puts the entire book into the context the author wants you to view it. Try not to skip them. But you can skip this one if you want. Except don't. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 5; Episode 1 (81) - INTRO TO SEASON 5-7 - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2023 6:34


    As I do every year, I am looking to adapt the podcast and try something new. I was going to wrap it all up and call it a day on these series, but I got inspired to do three more seasons before I potentially hang up the towel. I'm just trying to do what I can and make the world a better place one conversation at a time. This season will have LOTS of opportunities to interact. Keep an eye out for those Q&As! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 20 (80) - ON THE STOIC SERENITY PRAYER - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2022 9:19


    A prayer is just a form of meditation. And even though the origins of the prayer as e know it today are not exactly from Stoic sources (just like the terms Amor Fati and Memento Mori). However, we still use them today to summarize a collection of ideas that are representative of our school. The Serenity / STOIC prayer is no different and as Prokoptons we should all be reminded of this once in a ALL THE TIME. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 19 (79) - ON JOURNALING LIKE ANDERSON - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2022 14:53


    The MOST powerful tool we have in our arsenal is our own rational mind. For millennia, intelligent and self-aware individuals have kept rigid journals/logs in a disciplined manner. One of our school's most popular books is quite literally the journal of a Roman Emperor (or what survives of it). Journalling is clearly a powerful tool and over the past decade, I have spent my time perfecting my journaling methodology. No...it is not rocket science. But it is nice to define what it is we want to accomplish. The goal: PEACE of MIND. The Means: Your JOURNAL. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 18 (78) - ON ANGER / EMOTION MANAGEMENT - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2022 6:29


    I'm not sure how everyone else does it, but I can't help being angry and emotional. I feel them daily, no matter how 'focused' or 'present' or 'mindful' I am. But I've kind of found a way to deal with it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 17 (77) - ON THE ONLY QUESTION YOU SHOULD ASK - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2022 5:54


    This episode is all about one of those "BEAK GLASS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY" meditations (Stoic or otherwise). I came up with this gem of a meditation a few years back while I happened to be binging on Epictetus et al...and while watching the second season of the awesome TV series Lucifer. I shamelessly usurped a catchphrase from who else but the most stoic of all angels ... Lucifer Morningstar. Come devil-worshipping with me. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 16 (76) - ON UNITING & COSMOPOLITANISM - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2022 7:33


    We bond and unite under many banners. Corporations...school...family...gang...sports teams.... so I figure why not also unite under a banner that stands for doing the RIGHT thing ONLY because it is the right thing to do, PERIOD. Or at least try their best to do so. That's SFBL. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 15 (75) - ON ATTAINING VIRTUE IN 30 SECONDS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2022 4:15


    If we live and exist in the present moment only, then we can only feel / think / assess one thing at a time. So the capacity to find virtue no matter what, anytime anywhere is a Stoic superpower that allows you to find peace and equanimity whenever YOU feel like it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 14 (74) - ON TOXIC MASCULINITY & POSITIVITY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2022 10:46


    Being stronger is good. It's good for you and good for the world, for you are part of the world. But is there such a thing as too much? Like anything else, of course, there is. And naturally, the next question will be 'so how much is too much?' The answer, as always, will depend on you, your reality, your purpose...essentially it will depend on (you guessed it) your necessities. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 13 (73) - ON THE POWER OF SILENCE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2022 10:19


    ........................................ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 12 (72) - ON MISTAKES, ERRORS & REGRET - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2022 7:57


    Who can honestly say that they LOVE making mistakes? A true Stoic can and I'll explain why while Epictetus explains how. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 11 (71) - ON FINDING & KEEPING DISCIPLINE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2022 5:51


    One of my favourite things in my newfound life is being wrong. Most of us hate being wrong (come on...be honest...) but we should instead rejoice at the idea. If one can detach from emotions, we can easily see that being wrong immediately provides us with an opportunity to better ourselves or our fortune somehow. Trying to force ourselves to do what we inherently don't want to do, is just as wrong as trying to convince ourselves and the world that 2+2=3. It is simply wrong and contrary to reality and our nature. The conclusion, therefore, is self-evident: By simply embracing our nature, we never have to "seek motivation" or "discipline" for anything. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 10 (70) - ON HOPE & FEAR - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2022 7:56


    Once upon a time, there was a guy named Hope, who met a gal named Fear and they lived happily ever after...or something like that. Check-in to see what Epictetus has to say about it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 9 (69) - ON VICES & DISTRACTIONS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2022 7:16


    I have a confession to make. I have vices. I enjoy pleasure. And boy do those things cause me distractions. If you happen to have a similar disposition, boy oh boy are you gonna enjoy the episode...or my dad joke at the end...or both...or neither. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 8 (68) - ON COSMOPOLITANISM & JUSTICE FOR ALL - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2022 9:02


    We've all seen pictures of earth from space. We saw the same pictures...no borders. Those imaginary lines that we grew up with...and spent hours in "History" classrooms learning which border moved in what direction when...they don't actually exist. Some people made them up and we all kind of go along with it for simplicity's sake. But when those imaginary lines begin causing conflict and for generations upon generations of kids being taught to HATE, well then we should take a second to reconsider what they are and what humanity means. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 7 (67) - ON MATTERS OF LOVE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2022 6:04


    Love is hard and confusing right? Nah...it's JUST an emotion. A strong emotion...possibly one of the strongest emotions along with anger, hate and fear... but LOVE is still only an emotion. So, don't let emotions take you away from your ruling faculty. Epictetus may have some words of clarity and encouragement for you, and I'm rocking a man bun with the new microphone. Let's do some Stoicism. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 6 (66) - BEWARE YOUR ROOMMATE! - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2022 5:29


    What I forgot to say is that I received the new mic last night. That's why I was re-recording last minute....Nothing but the best for you guys.

    Season 4; Episode 5 (65) - FINDING DIRECTION WHEN LOST - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2022 8:02


    When it comes to finding direction in life, whether it is your 1st time or your 1000th time, the way is clear: Find your necessities and follow them to your true north. Tend to your spirit, your soul, your consciousness, your rational mind. This is the way... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 4 (64) - GET MOTIVATED FOR ANYTHING - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2022 12:09


    Life is tough....days are tough...everything takes work, so how do you get motivated? Some guy from 2,000 years ago might have some tricks for you! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 3 (63) - DARE TO LIVE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2022 8:10


    Stoicism is not focused on death, but instead, it is focused on maximizing our efforts in life. Dare to do something with your time, for it is the only thing you cannot make more of! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 2 (62) - PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2022 5:10


    Today's inspiration comes from my personal copy of Seneca's Moral Letters from a STOIC. Stoicism is a practical philosophy, meaning you “do Stoicism” bit by reading and repeating quotes, but by acting like the best gosh darn human being you can be in the present moment. #DearAnderson #StoicismforaBetterLife #SFBL #HowDoesaSTOIClive --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Season 4; Episode 1 (61) - ANDERSON SILVER IS ADAPTING - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2022 2:52


    Times they are a changing...and this guy is adjusting. I will be making some changes in 2022 of how I interact with my fans (and INTERACT is the opportune word). My goal this year is to have a meaningful conversation with one of you every day. Whether it's merely conversing, or answering questions. #DearAnderson #StoicismforaBetterLife. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 60 - Never stop...keep improving, for that is true virtue.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2021 12:39


    For this last episode of Season 3, I leave you with this simple task: KEEP GETTING BETTER! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 59 - Change is the only constant, so embrace it.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 8:37


    Things change. Always have, always will. We perceive things change and usually don't care for the most part.........that is until the change inconveniences us. This episode explores what we can do with those feelings. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 58 - Substitute your rational mind over your animal mind and find tranquillity.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2021 8:48


    We have our duality within. You know which one is usually right. You know which one brings you more lasting peace. So just listen to it! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 57 - You should forgive your antagonist, because you have the option to.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 8:24


    Want to show a force of strength so that the whole world knows beyond a shadow of a doubt just how strong you are? Then try and forgive someone who wronged you. True forgiveness takes a lot of strength and only those who have TRULY forgiven will know how hard it is. Go ahead...try it....I double-dog dare you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 56 - Have goals, but remember you are human and have limitations.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2021 8:17


    We are not superheroes. But we expect ourselves to be superhuman. Learn to accept your limitations and you will find peace and equanimity. What could be more conducive to a virtuous constitution than a mind at peace and in equanimity? If you know it, tell me cause I want to know as well. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 55 - Sleep like a baby the Stoic way

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2021 9:39


    Missing sleep? Can't fall or stay asleep? Here are some Stoic pointers to help you remedy the situation. Sleep better, get your rest so that you can be the best version of yourself that you can be the next day. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 54 - Time...you don't have a lot of it. So spend it wisely.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2021 6:08


    The only things for certain in life are death and taxes. Wait...if American billionaires are any indication, taxes are NOT a certainty in life. But I am yet to meet someone who has escaped death. We all have a shelf life and an expiry date, which means we have limited time as it will quite literally run out. So why do we live as if we will not run out of time? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 53 - Don't be afraid of silence.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2021 8:47


    Ever sit in complete silence without any distractions and just listen to your thoughts? Yeah....this is why I wrote this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 52 - Do you really need a cup to drink water?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 8:00


    In the western world (especially) we are PLAGUED with wanting to have more stuff and better things...better than before...better than others. But one question we forget to ask ourselves is: Do I really actually need that? Or did I just give up my hard-earned time and money in exchange for a collection of atoms that will end up in a landfill? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

    Episode 51 - Be good and become better, little by little

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2021 7:32


    Just like you build muscles one fibre at a time...or a Lego Millenium Falcon one Lego piece at a time, so do you build your virtue one moment at a time. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message

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