Podcasts about Antoninus

What if the greatest thing being stolen from you right now… isn't your money, your data, or your privacy, but your attention? In this powerful solo episode, Darin pulls back the curtain on the modern attention economy and how your time, focus, and creative energy are being quietly redirected—often without you even realizing it. From social media algorithms to behavioral psychology, this episode exposes how distraction has become the default and why reclaiming your attention is the first step toward reclaiming your life. Drawing from ancient wisdom, global travel experiences, and decades of personal experimentation, Darin introduces a new framework: Inner Peace Architecture, a practical, actionable system for taking back control of your mind, your habits, and your future. This is not about disconnecting from the world. It's about learning how to stay informed without becoming consumed. If you've ever felt scattered, reactive, or pulled away from your own purpose… this episode is your reset. What You'll Learn Why your attention is the most valuable asset in the modern world How the "attention economy" is designed to keep you distracted The shocking truth about how often people check their phones daily Why your ability to focus has declined, and how to rebuild it The concept of "cognitive downgrade" and what it's doing to your brain Ancient philosophies that emphasized protecting your inner world The difference between consuming life vs creating your life What Darin learned from the happiest cultures around the world How to stay informed without becoming emotionally overwhelmed The foundational principles of Inner Peace Architecture Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife and the mission of building a better world 00:00:33 – Sponsor: the truth about NAD+ supplements and why quality matters 00:02:17 – Opening hook: the greatest heist is happening inside your mind 00:02:52 – Reclaiming your attention and becoming the architect of your life 00:03:14 – The core question: how do you stay informed without becoming a victim? 00:03:50 – Why the happiest people are not the most plugged in, but the most rooted 00:04:12 – The battlefield is your mind: understanding the attention economy 00:04:33 – You are not the customer, you are the product 00:04:45 – The shocking statistic: checking your phone 96 times per day 00:05:00 – The collapse of human attention span and what it means 00:05:08 – "Cognitive downgrade" and the loss of deep thinking 00:05:23 – Why reacting to content prevents you from creating your own life 00:05:42 – Ancient wisdom on protecting your inner world 00:05:50 – Marcus Aurelius and the concept of sovereign attention 00:06:14 – Stoicism, Buddhism, and global philosophies on inner mastery 00:06:34 – The quality of your life is determined by your inner world 00:06:41 – Lessons from global travel and the world's happiest cultures 00:07:00 – The common trait of deeply fulfilled people 00:07:21 – Living fully present vs consuming content passively 00:07:58 – The "discoverer state" and what it means to feel truly alive 00:08:08 – What becomes possible when you reclaim your time 00:08:21 – Sponsor: Shakeology and the importance of true nutrition quality 00:10:07 – Introducing "Inner Peace Architecture" 00:10:19 – Principle 1: Create a morning sovereign hour 00:10:44 – Building your reality before the world intrudes 00:11:14 – Curating your information diet like your food intake 00:11:31 – Protecting the gates of your mind 00:11:50 – Following what expands you and removing what drains you 00:12:00 – The power of analog activities in a digital world 00:12:21 – Rewiring your brain away from dopamine addiction 00:12:31 – Why real-world experiences create fulfillment 00:12:52 – Practicing informed detachment from global chaos 00:13:06 – Becoming a conscious observer instead of a reactive participant 00:13:16 – Designing your life before the algorithm does it for you 00:13:46 – You are the architect, not the audience 00:13:51 – The real source of meaningful creation and purpose 00:14:12 – Why discipline and intention matter more than ever today 00:14:42 – Creating a life instead of reacting to one 00:15:00 – The power of inner stillness and clarity 00:15:30 – Listening to your heart and aligning your actions 00:16:00 – Final message: say yes to your inner world 00:16:30 – Closing thoughts and call to reclaim your life     Thank You to Our Sponsors Tru Niagen – Boost NAD+ levels for cellular health and longevity. Get 20% off with code Darin20 at truniagen.com. Shakeology – Shakeology-All in One Nutrition: Get 15% off with code SUPERLIFE at Shakeology.com.     Join the SuperLife Patreon: This is where Darin now shares the deeper work: - weekly voice notes - ingredient trackers - wellness challenges - extended conversations - community accountability - sovereignty practices Join now for only $7.49/month at https://patreon.com/darinolien     Connect with Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Platform & Products: superlife.com New Show: Roadmap to Happiness     Key Takeaway "Every minute you spend reacting to someone else's world is a minute you're not creating your own. The real shift happens when you reclaim your attention, protect your inner world, and begin designing your life from the inside out—because you are not here to be the audience… you are here to be the architect."     Bibliography/Sources Aurelius, M. (c. 170–180 AD). Meditations. A foundational text of Stoic philosophy emphasizing that the quality of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts and internal architecture. https://classics.mit.edu/Antoninus/meditations.html Buettner, D. (2008). The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest. Research into the Okinawan concept of Ikigai (purpose) and its direct impact on longevity and fulfillment. https://www.bluezones.com/explorations/okinawa-japan/ Karana, T. H. (Traditional). Balinese Philosophy of Well-being. A cultural framework centered on the three causes of prosperity: harmony with people, harmony with nature, and harmony with the divine. https://www.balispirit.com/community/blog/tri-hita-karana Microsoft Corporation. (2015). Attention Spans: Consumer Insights. A widely cited study exploring how the digital lifestyle and high-frequency media consumption have impacted the human attention span. https://doi.org/10.1037/e520032015-001 Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Academic and practical research on the necessity of cultivating "deep work" habits to reclaim cognitive sovereignty from the "attention economy." https://www.calnewport.com/books/deep-work/ Nylund, D. (2018). Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage. Research into the Finnish concept of "Sisu"—a psychological strength and resilient mindset that allows individuals to persist through extreme adversity. https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/health-news/sisu-within-all-us University of Derby / National Trust. (2020). The Benefits of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku). A review of research showing that intentional time in nature significantly lowers cortisol levels and boosts immune function. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3

The greatness of Antoninus and Marcus Aurelius was not perfection but progress. They were imperfect men committed to self-discipline and self-correction. Today's episode explores how Antoninus shaped Marcus through steady example and daily discipline, and what their lives reveal about the kind of character a person chooses to build.

"Imagine the Stanford marshmallow experiment in reverse. Instead of getting a second marshmallow for waiting, the children are told that every fifteen minutes they wait, the marshmallow in front of them will shrink one tiny bite at a time, until nothing remains. Naturally, they eat their marshmallow immediately, not out of impatience or hunger, but common sense. That's exactly how our money works today." ~ Connor Dolan What if the real cost of our broken money isn't just inflation – but the slow erosion of your ability to even imagine a future worth building toward? This episode explores the surprising connection between Bitcoin, Stoicism, and the question we're all really asking: how should I be spending my time? From the marshmallow experiment in reverse to debt as invisible strings, we dig into why sound money might be the ultimate productivity hack – and why fiat is designed to keep you dependent, distracted, and disconnected from the life you actually want. Check out the original article: Bitcoin, Stoicism, and Our Relationship With Time (Link: https://x.com/conhodlan/status/2011485978037203351) References from the episode The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous – the book that opened Connor's eyes (and mine) to what money actually is (Link: https://saifedean.com/tbs) The Daily Stoic podcast by Ryan Holiday – short, digestible episodes on Stoic philosophy (Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-stoic/id1430315931) Meditations by Marcus Aurelius – the classic starting point if you want to dive into Stoicism (Link: https://classics.mit.edu/Antoninus/meditations.html) Alex Gladstein's piece Structural Adjustment – a deep look at how the IMF and World Bank use debt as a tool of control (Link: https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/imf-world-bank-repress-poor-countries) Host Links ⁠Guy on Nostr ⁠(Link: http://tinyurl.com/2xc96ney) ⁠Guy on X ⁠(Link: https://twitter.com/theguyswann) Guy on Instagram (Link: https://www.instagram.com/theguyswann) Guy on TikTok (Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@theguyswann) Guy on YouTube (Link: https://www.youtube.com/@theguyswann) ⁠Bitcoin Audible on X⁠ (Link: https://twitter.com/BitcoinAudible) The Guy Swann Network Broadcast Room on Keet (Link: https://tinyurl.com/3na6v839) Check out our awesome sponsors! HRF: The Human Rights Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit...

Claudius Gothicus este cel mai tare împărat roman. Cât de tare? Atât de tare încât dacă tăria nu ar fi existat, s-ar fi inventat pentru a-l descrie pe Claudius Gothicus. Sau, citând Historia Augusta, valoarea lui Traian, dreptatea lui Antoninus, moderația lui Augustus, și toate bunele calități ale unui împărat au fost ale lui în așa măsură încât dacă nu ar fi fost exemplul înaintașilor în acele calități le-ar fi lăsat el exemple în locul lor.

She was born near Rome to pious parents. Since she was born on a Friday, she was named Paraskeve (Friday in Greek; literally "preparation" or "preparedness" because Friday was the Biblical Day of Preparation for the Sabbath). From early childhood she studied the scriptures, consecrated herself to a monastic life, and brought many to faith in Christ by her example and teaching. During the reign of Antoninus she was arrested because she was a Christian. When ordered to worship the idols, she answered "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jeremiah 10:11). For this, after severe tortures she was beheaded in 140.

She was born near Rome to pious parents. Since she was born on a Friday, she was named Paraskeve (Friday in Greek; literally "preparation" or "preparedness" because Friday was the Biblical Day of Preparation for the Sabbath). From early childhood she studied the scriptures, consecrated herself to a monastic life, and brought many to faith in Christ by her example and teaching. During the reign of Antoninus she was arrested because she was a Christian. When ordered to worship the idols, she answered "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jeremiah 10:11). For this, after severe tortures she was beheaded in 140.

This week's learning is sponsored anonymously in gratitude to Rabbi Carl Perkins, a learned and compassionate rabbi, a gifted teacher, whose love of Judaism inspires all who are blessed to know him. Today's daf is sponsored by Paul and Danielle Nacamuli. "Mazel tov to our daughter and son-in-law on their marriage, may you enjoy many years of joy together!" Today's daf is sponsored by Natanya Slomowitz in loving memory of her mother, Haviva Lilka bat Necha and Avraham. Onkelos converted to Judaism. The emperor sent three different groups of troops to seize him, but he convinced each group to convert to Judaism by explaining to them that God takes care of his people better than the Roman leaders. The prophecy told to Rivka when she was pregnant with Esau and Yaakov, "There are two nations in your womb," is explained as meaning "two proud/great ones" and refers to Rebbi and Antoninus, who were both blessed with plenty. What is the basis of the argument between Rabbi Meir and the rabbis regarding whether it is forbidden to do business with idol worshippers on the day of the death of their king, only if there is burning or even if there is not? How does that connect with the braita that says the Jews burn the items of a king, and it is not forbidden because it is the way of the non-Jews? They would burn items not only when kings died, but also heads of the Sanhedrin. What types of items would be burned? The Mishna mentions the day of shaving his beard and his locks. Is this referring to two separate days - one of shaving the beard and one of shaving the locks on the back of his neck to be offered to the idol, or the day where one shaved his beard, but kept his locks to grow, to later be offered to the idol? The Gemara concludes that both answers are correct. Another Roman holiday is described where they would celebrate their dominion over the Jews. This one is not listed in the Mishna as it happened only once in a lifetime, or very infrequently. What were the Babylonian and Persian holidays? Rav Huna son of Rav Chisda listed several pagan temples with which it was forbidden to ever do business, as they offered sacrifices daily to the idols. Shmuel was lenient with holidays in the Diaspora and forbade only the day of the holiday itself.

More on the festivals of the non-Jews, including, specifically, the coronation of their kings. With specific focus on the coronation of a king born of a king - except that the Romans didn't really function that way. So perhaps it was the king's birthday, not his coronation day? The Gemara attempts to unravel the terms. Also, Antoninus, about whom there are many stories with Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi, a caesar who hated the Jews, and the role of circumcision in defining the Jewish community. The link Yardaena mentions towards the end of the episode: https://thelehrhaus.com/scholarship/cutting-a-peace-the-story-of-ketiah-bar-shalom/

This week's learning is sponsored anonymously in gratitude to Rabbi Carl Perkins, a learned and compassionate rabbi, a gifted teacher, whose love of Judaism inspires all who are blessed to know him. Today's daf is sponsored by Paul and Danielle Nacamuli. "Mazel tov to our daughter and son-in-law on their marriage, may you enjoy many years of joy together!" Today's daf is sponsored by Natanya Slomowitz in loving memory of her mother, Haviva Lilka bat Necha and Avraham. Onkelos converted to Judaism. The emperor sent three different groups of troops to seize him, but he convinced each group to convert to Judaism by explaining to them that God takes care of his people better than the Roman leaders. The prophecy told to Rivka when she was pregnant with Esau and Yaakov, "There are two nations in your womb," is explained as meaning "two proud/great ones" and refers to Rebbi and Antoninus, who were both blessed with plenty. What is the basis of the argument between Rabbi Meir and the rabbis regarding whether it is forbidden to do business with idol worshippers on the day of the death of their king, only if there is burning or even if there is not? How does that connect with the braita that says the Jews burn the items of a king, and it is not forbidden because it is the way of the non-Jews? They would burn items not only when kings died, but also heads of the Sanhedrin. What types of items would be burned? The Mishna mentions the day of shaving his beard and his locks. Is this referring to two separate days - one of shaving the beard and one of shaving the locks on the back of his neck to be offered to the idol, or the day where one shaved his beard, but kept his locks to grow, to later be offered to the idol? The Gemara concludes that both answers are correct. Another Roman holiday is described where they would celebrate their dominion over the Jews. This one is not listed in the Mishna as it happened only once in a lifetime, or very infrequently. What were the Babylonian and Persian holidays? Rav Huna son of Rav Chisda listed several pagan temples with which it was forbidden to ever do business, as they offered sacrifices daily to the idols. Shmuel was lenient with holidays in the Diaspora and forbade only the day of the holiday itself.

Daf 11 of Avodah Zarah wraps up the discussion about the relationship between Antoninus and Rebbe. We then move on to discuss the pagan festival that takes place to commemorate the death of their king, and other assorted pagan festivals.Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Avodah_Zarah.11a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.com

Today's daf is sponsored by Samuel Berlad in honor of Esther Sarah bat Sarah, in thanks for a good and speedy result of her oral exams. The Gemara finishes the discussion of the dating of documents and then attempts to identify the meaning of the different terms used by the Mishna in describing the holidays of the pagans. Antoninus asked Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi several questions, and stories are told of their relationship. These stories and discussions highlight that not all the Romans were bad and some relied on Jews for advice and risked their lives to save them. How did Ketia bar Shalom try to help save the Jews from the Romans? Despite his outwitting the emperor, he was executed by the Romans specifically for outwitting the emperor. Upon his execution, a heavenly voice called out that Ketia acquired a place in the World-to-Come. When Rabbi Yehuda haNasi heard this, he cried and said, "There are those who acquire their share in the World-to-Come in one moment, while there are those for whom it takes many years."

Daf 10 of Avodah Zarah continues discussing the dating of documents from the beginning of the Greek rule. Also, discussed is the pagan festival that is celebrated to mark the day that the king assumes power. As part of that discussion, we learn about the relationship between the Roman emperor Antoninus and Rebbe.Sefaria: https://www.sefaria.org/Avodah_Zarah.10a?lang=heEmail: sruli@babbleontalmud.com

Today's daf is sponsored by Samuel Berlad in honor of Esther Sarah bat Sarah, in thanks for a good and speedy result of her oral exams. The Gemara finishes the discussion of the dating of documents and then attempts to identify the meaning of the different terms used by the Mishna in describing the holidays of the pagans. Antoninus asked Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi several questions, and stories are told of their relationship. These stories and discussions highlight that not all the Romans were bad and some relied on Jews for advice and risked their lives to save them. How did Ketia bar Shalom try to help save the Jews from the Romans? Despite his outwitting the emperor, he was executed by the Romans specifically for outwitting the emperor. Upon his execution, a heavenly voice called out that Ketia acquired a place in the World-to-Come. When Rabbi Yehuda haNasi heard this, he cried and said, "There are those who acquire their share in the World-to-Come in one moment, while there are those for whom it takes many years."

"When the Emperor Diocletian summoned him and threatened him with torture, he offered sacrifice to idols and was, because of this, rewarded by the Emperor with a costly garment. But Marcellinus repented bitterly and began to weep both day and night for his rejection of Christ, even as the Apostle Peter had before him. A synod of bishops was held at that time in Campania, and the Pope dressed himself in sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on his head, and, going before the Synod, confessed his sin and asked them to judge him. The fathers said: 'Let him judge himself.' Then he said: 'I strip myself of the sacerdotal rank of which I am not worthy; and, further, let my body not be buried after my death, but let it be thrown to the dogs.' Having said this, he pronounced a curse on any who should dare to bury him. He then went to the Emperor Diocletian and, casting the precious garment in front of him, confessed his faith in Christ and cursed the idols. The enraged Emperor ordered that he be tortured and killed outside the city, together with three other men: Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus. The bodies of these three were buried at once, but the Pope's body lay there for thirty-six days. Then St Peter appeared to Marcellus, the new Pope, and told him to bury Marcellinus' body, saying: 'Whoso humbleth himself shall be exalted.' " (Prologue)

"When the Emperor Diocletian summoned him and threatened him with torture, he offered sacrifice to idols and was, because of this, rewarded by the Emperor with a costly garment. But Marcellinus repented bitterly and began to weep both day and night for his rejection of Christ, even as the Apostle Peter had before him. A synod of bishops was held at that time in Campania, and the Pope dressed himself in sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on his head, and, going before the Synod, confessed his sin and asked them to judge him. The fathers said: 'Let him judge himself.' Then he said: 'I strip myself of the sacerdotal rank of which I am not worthy; and, further, let my body not be buried after my death, but let it be thrown to the dogs.' Having said this, he pronounced a curse on any who should dare to bury him. He then went to the Emperor Diocletian and, casting the precious garment in front of him, confessed his faith in Christ and cursed the idols. The enraged Emperor ordered that he be tortured and killed outside the city, together with three other men: Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus. The bodies of these three were buried at once, but the Pope's body lay there for thirty-six days. Then St Peter appeared to Marcellus, the new Pope, and told him to bury Marcellinus' body, saying: 'Whoso humbleth himself shall be exalted.' " (Prologue)

Born in 103, he was a philosopher from the Samaritan town of Shechem in Palestine, who had devoted his life to the search for truth, trying many philosophical schools and sources of human wisdom: the Stoics, the Peripatetics, the Pythagoreans and finally the Platonists. One day an old man (whose name and origin are unknown) appeared to him and spoke to him of the Prophets and Apostles who had learned of God not by their own wisdom, but by revelation of God Himself. He read the scriptures and was convinced of the truth of the Faith, but he would not be baptised or call himself a Christian until he had tested all the pagans' arguments against Christianity. To this end he traveled to Rome, where he engaged in debate at philosophical gatherings, impressing all with his wisdom. In Rome he also witnessed the martyrdom of Sts Ptolemy and Lucian; this moved him to write an Apologia for the Christian faith and the Christian people, which he gave to the Emperor Antoninus and the Senate. They were so moved by this document that the Emperor ordered that persecution of Christians should cease.   For the remainder of his life, Justin devoted all his skills to the proclamation of the Gospel and the defense of Christians. To the end of his life, wherever he preached Christ, he always wore his philosopher's garb. In addition to his Apologia, he wrote a number of other learned defenses of the faith.   Eventually he was imprisoned following the false accusations of Crescens, a jealous Cynic philosopher. He died (one source says by beheading, another by poison) in Rome in 167 under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, successor to Antoninus.

Born in 103, he was a philosopher from the Samaritan town of Shechem in Palestine, who had devoted his life to the search for truth, trying many philosophical schools and sources of human wisdom: the Stoics, the Peripatetics, the Pythagoreans and finally the Platonists. One day an old man (whose name and origin are unknown) appeared to him and spoke to him of the Prophets and Apostles who had learned of God not by their own wisdom, but by revelation of God Himself. He read the scriptures and was convinced of the truth of the Faith, but he would not be baptised or call himself a Christian until he had tested all the pagans' arguments against Christianity. To this end he traveled to Rome, where he engaged in debate at philosophical gatherings, impressing all with his wisdom. In Rome he also witnessed the martyrdom of Sts Ptolemy and Lucian; this moved him to write an Apologia for the Christian faith and the Christian people, which he gave to the Emperor Antoninus and the Senate. They were so moved by this document that the Emperor ordered that persecution of Christians should cease.   For the remainder of his life, Justin devoted all his skills to the proclamation of the Gospel and the defense of Christians. To the end of his life, wherever he preached Christ, he always wore his philosopher's garb. In addition to his Apologia, he wrote a number of other learned defenses of the faith.   Eventually he was imprisoned following the false accusations of Crescens, a jealous Cynic philosopher. He died (one source says by beheading, another by poison) in Rome in 167 under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, successor to Antoninus.

It's the Feast of St. Antoninus, 3rd class, with the color of white. In this episode: The meditation: “Month of Mary: Help of Christians,” the Devotional Book “Eastertide Day by Day,” today's news from the Church: “The Election of Leo XIV and the End of the Conclave,” and today's thought from the Archbishop. Sources Used Today: Eastertide Day by Day (Angelus Press) https://angeluspress.org/products/eastertide-day-by-day “The Election of Leo XIV and the End of the Conclave” (FSSPX.news) https://sspx.org/en/news/cardinal-prevost-elected-pope-leo-xiv-52360 The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  https://sspx.org

Ecclesiasticus 44, 45; Matthew 25: 14-23; Haydock Commentary Please consider donating to help keep this podcast going by going to buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief Also, if you enjoy these episodes, please give a five star rating and share the podcast with your friends and family

 14 For even as a man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods;Sicut enim homo peregre proficiscens, vocavit servos suos, et tradidit illis bona sua. 15 And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey.Et uni dedit quinque talenta, alii autem duo, alii vero unum, unicuique secundum propriam virtutem : et profectus est statim. 16 And he that had received the five talents, went his way, and traded with the same, and gained other five.Abiit autem qui quinque talenta acceperat, et operatus est in eis, et lucratus est alia quinque. 17 And in like manner he that had received the two, gained other two.Similiter et qui duo acceperat, lucratus est alia duo. 18 But he that had received the one, going his way digged into the earth, and hid his lord's money.Qui autem unum acceperat, abiens fodit in terram, et abscondit pecuniam domini sui. 19 But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them.Post multum vero temporis venit dominus servorum illorum, et posuit rationem cum eis. 20 And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above.Et accedens qui quinque talenta acceperat, obtulit alia quinque talenta, dicens : Domine, quinque talenta tradidisti mihi, ecce alia quinque superlucratus sum. 21 His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Ait illi dominus ejus : Euge serve bone, et fidelis : quia super pauca fuisti fidelis, super multa te constituam; intra in gaudium domini tui. 22 And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have gained other two.Accessit autem et qui duo talenta acceperat, et ait : Domine, duo talenta tradidisti mihi, ecce alia duo lucratus sum. 23 His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Ait illi dominus ejus : Euge serve bone, et fidelis : quia super pauca fuisti fidelis, super multa te constituam; intra in gaudium domini tui.A friar of the Dominican Order, St Antoninus became Archbishop of Florence. He was famous for his austere life, charity and episcopal seal. He died A.D. 1459.

Today's daf is sponsored by Sharona Shuster in loving memory of her father, Elliot Shimoff, Eliyahu Chaim ben Harav Ephraim. "He enjoyed his family, learning Torah, and Israel. He was loved by all and a true talmud chacham. His love of learning encouraged me to learn Daf at a later age and I now see his passion. Yehi zichro baruch."  Today's daf is sponsored by Becki Goldstein for a refuah shleima of her grandson Eitan Efraim ben Ayelet. "Tfilot for the success of a long and complicated surgery for Eitan to repair the nervous system from his shoulder to his fingertips from his injury in Gaza. May the operating team be shlichim neamanim B"H." In three separate encounters with either the emperor or a heretic, the question is asked: how could God possibly bring back to life those who have died? In each incident, the Jew offers a different answer. In the third encounter, Geviha ben Pesisa responds. Three additional stories describe when Jews were brought to trial before Alexander of Macedon by other nations. In each case, Geviha argues on behalf of the Jews. The pattern is consistent: the opposing nation uses a verse from the Torah to attack Jewish actions, and Geviha counters with a different verse that refutes their claim. Antoninus raises several questions to Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi. Some questions Rabbi Yehuda resolves, while on others, Antoninus convinces him of a different view. The first question concerns how both body and soul can claim exemption from judgment after death, each blaming the other for causing sin. The second asks why the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The third explores when the soul enters a person—at conception or during fetal development. The fourth examines when the evil inclination begins to influence a person—during fetal development or at birth. Reish Lakish, Ulla, Rav Chisda, and Rava each present seemingly contradictory verses about life after death, mortality, or resurrection. Each sage then resolves the contradiction he identified. Five additional verses are presented as proof of resurrection from the Torah. Rav Yehuda, citing Rav, teaches that withholding a halakha from a student is equivalent to stealing from their inheritance, since the Torah was given as an inheritance to all Jewish people.

Sharpening the questions asked of the sages by secular figures (of leadership), such as Cleopatra -- who wants to know if the resurrection of the dead will bring people back clothed or naked -- and Antony, who asks about the insertion of the soul into human beings. The sages take the questions seriously, to be be sure, and provide answers that have some measure of logic behind them. Other tidbits include a heretic's sharp questions and a hunchback's quick retorts, and the friendship between Antoninus and Rebbe (Rabbi Yehudah NaNasi).

Today's daf is sponsored by Sharona Shuster in loving memory of her father, Elliot Shimoff, Eliyahu Chaim ben Harav Ephraim. "He enjoyed his family, learning Torah, and Israel. He was loved by all and a true talmud chacham. His love of learning encouraged me to learn Daf at a later age and I now see his passion. Yehi zichro baruch."  Today's daf is sponsored by Becki Goldstein for a refuah shleima of her grandson Eitan Efraim ben Ayelet. "Tfilot for the success of a long and complicated surgery for Eitan to repair the nervous system from his shoulder to his fingertips from his injury in Gaza. May the operating team be shlichim neamanim B"H." In three separate encounters with either the emperor or a heretic, the question is asked: how could God possibly bring back to life those who have died? In each incident, the Jew offers a different answer. In the third encounter, Geviha ben Pesisa responds. Three additional stories describe when Jews were brought to trial before Alexander of Macedon by other nations. In each case, Geviha argues on behalf of the Jews. The pattern is consistent: the opposing nation uses a verse from the Torah to attack Jewish actions, and Geviha counters with a different verse that refutes their claim. Antoninus raises several questions to Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi. Some questions Rabbi Yehuda resolves, while on others, Antoninus convinces him of a different view. The first question concerns how both body and soul can claim exemption from judgment after death, each blaming the other for causing sin. The second asks why the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The third explores when the soul enters a person—at conception or during fetal development. The fourth examines when the evil inclination begins to influence a person—during fetal development or at birth. Reish Lakish, Ulla, Rav Chisda, and Rava each present seemingly contradictory verses about life after death, mortality, or resurrection. Each sage then resolves the contradiction he identified. Five additional verses are presented as proof of resurrection from the Torah. Rav Yehuda, citing Rav, teaches that withholding a halakha from a student is equivalent to stealing from their inheritance, since the Torah was given as an inheritance to all Jewish people.

התוכן בתניא פ"ח [שיעור היומי] כ' אדה"ז שהיות ש"מכל מאכל ומשקה [שאדם אוכל לשם תאוה] נעשה תיכף דם ובשר כבשרו, ולכן צריך הגוף לחיבוט הקבר לנקותו ולטהרו מטומאתו שקיבל בהנאת עוה"ז .. אא"כ מי שלא נהנה מעוה"ז כל ימיו כרבינו הקדוש". הטעם שאדה"ז מוסיף "כרבינו הקדוש" יובן בהקדם הדיוק במ"ש כאן "מי שלא נהנה מעוה"ז כל ימיו", היינו שיכול להיות שאכל אלא שלא נהנה מעוה"ז. וכדוגמא לזה מביא "רבינו הקדוש". ויובן עפמ"ש בגמ' ש"בשעת פטירתו של רבי זקף י' אצבעותיו כלפי מעלה אמר רבש"ע .. לא נהניתי אפילו באצבע קטנה", והקשו בתוס' מזה עמ"ש בגמ' עה"פ "שני גיים בבטנך" שקאי על רבי ואנטנינוס "שלא פסקו לא צנון ולא חזרת משולחנם"?! ותרצו שהוא לא אכל אלא "אוכלי שולחנו היו רבים". וקשה: האין זה גופא הנאה וכבוד ש"אוכלי שולחנו" אוכלים צנון וחזרת וכו'?! אלא זהו החידוש: אפי' כאשר מדובר על מותרות כאלו שאחרים נהנים מהם, הנה "רבינו הקדוש" לא נהנה מזה! ומזה נלמד שאפי' מי שאוכל מותרות כמו צנון וחזרת שאין בנמצא בכל העולם, הנה אם אינו נהנה מזה, ה"ה פטור מחיבוט הקבר.ב' חלקים משיחת פורים ה'תשכ"ח ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=07-01-2025 Synopsis The Alter Rebbe writes in todays' Tanya that since “from every food and drink [a person eats for the sake of enjoyment] it immediately becomes blood and flesh like his flesh, therefore the body requires chibut hakever to cleanse and purify it from the impurity it absorbed through the enjoyment of this world…except for one who did not derive enjoyment from this world all his days, like Rabbeinu HaKadosh.” The reason the Alter Rebbe adds the words “like Rabbeinu HaKadosh” can be understood from the Alter Rebbe's choice of words, “one who did not derive enjoyment from this world all his days” (and not “one who did not eat”): this indicates that it's possible for someone to eat, yet not to derive enjoyment from this world. As an example, the Alter Rebbe mentions Rabbeinu HaKadosh, of whom the Gemara says, “At the time of Rabbeinu HaKadosh's passing, he raised his ten fingers toward Heaven and said, ‘Master of the Universe…I did not derive any benefit even with my small finger.'” Tosafos asks: this appears to contradict the Gemara's statement that Rabbeinu HaKadosh and Antoninus were so wealthy “that radishes and lettuce never ceased from their table”? Tosafos answers that he didn't personally eat them; rather, “there were many eating from his table.” But seemingly, doesn't one derive tremendous enjoyment from the very fact that so many people are eating such luxurious food from his table? But this is the point: Rabbeinu HaKadosh didn't derive enjoyment even from that. We learn from here that even if one does eat luxuries like radish and lettuce, that are unavailable anywhere else in the world – if he doesn't derive enjoyment from them, he is exempt from chibut hakever.2 excerpts from sichah of Purim 5728 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=07-01-2025 לזכות ר' ארי'ה בן לאה אורית שי' ליום ההולדת שלו ז' טבת - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובותולע"נ ר' יעקב ב"ר שמואל ע"ה ליום היארצייט שלו ז' טבת. ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.

On the 50th episode of Modern Meditations we break our format to give you two audio essays that changed our views on what it means to be a citizen of the world. In Meditations we read, “My city and country, so far as I am Antoninus, is Rome; but so far as I am a human being, it is the world."The first, by Bruce, from his trip on Thailand and the lessons he learned from the East that would solve many problems in the West. And another from Justin that shows where philanthropy without true understanding of needs and the culture can go wrong. We intentionally left the commentary out this week and just raise interesting questions. We would love to hear your thoughts on the format and the content at modernmeditationspodcast@gmail.com. 

She was born near Rome to pious parents. Since she was born on a Friday, she was named Paraskeve (Friday in Greek; literally "preparation" or "preparedness" because Friday was the Biblical Day of Preparation for the Sabbath). From early childhood she studied the scriptures, consecrated herself to a monastic life, and brought many to faith in Christ by her example and teaching. During the reign of Antoninus she was arrested because she was a Christian. When ordered to worship the idols, she answered "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jeremiah 10:11). For this, after severe tortures she was beheaded in 140.

She was born near Rome to pious parents. Since she was born on a Friday, she was named Paraskeve (Friday in Greek; literally "preparation" or "preparedness" because Friday was the Biblical Day of Preparation for the Sabbath). From early childhood she studied the scriptures, consecrated herself to a monastic life, and brought many to faith in Christ by her example and teaching. During the reign of Antoninus she was arrested because she was a Christian. When ordered to worship the idols, she answered "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jeremiah 10:11). For this, after severe tortures she was beheaded in 140.

"When the Emperor Diocletian summoned him and threatened him with torture, he offered sacrifice to idols and was, because of this, rewarded by the Emperor with a costly garment. But Marcellinus repented bitterly and began to weep both day and night for his rejection of Christ, even as the Apostle Peter had before him. A synod of bishops was held at that time in Campania, and the Pope dressed himself in sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on his head, and, going before the Synod, confessed his sin and asked them to judge him. The fathers said: 'Let him judge himself.' Then he said: 'I strip myself of the sacerdotal rank of which I am not worthy; and, further, let my body not be buried after my death, but let it be thrown to the dogs.' Having said this, he pronounced a curse on any who should dare to bury him. He then went to the Emperor Diocletian and, casting the precious garment in front of him, confessed his faith in Christ and cursed the idols. The enraged Emperor ordered that he be tortured and killed outside the city, together with three other men: Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus. The bodies of these three were buried at once, but the Pope's body lay there for thirty-six days. Then St Peter appeared to Marcellus, the new Pope, and told him to bury Marcellinus' body, saying: 'Whoso humbleth himself shall be exalted.' " (Prologue)

"When the Emperor Diocletian summoned him and threatened him with torture, he offered sacrifice to idols and was, because of this, rewarded by the Emperor with a costly garment. But Marcellinus repented bitterly and began to weep both day and night for his rejection of Christ, even as the Apostle Peter had before him. A synod of bishops was held at that time in Campania, and the Pope dressed himself in sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on his head, and, going before the Synod, confessed his sin and asked them to judge him. The fathers said: 'Let him judge himself.' Then he said: 'I strip myself of the sacerdotal rank of which I am not worthy; and, further, let my body not be buried after my death, but let it be thrown to the dogs.' Having said this, he pronounced a curse on any who should dare to bury him. He then went to the Emperor Diocletian and, casting the precious garment in front of him, confessed his faith in Christ and cursed the idols. The enraged Emperor ordered that he be tortured and killed outside the city, together with three other men: Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus. The bodies of these three were buried at once, but the Pope's body lay there for thirty-six days. Then St Peter appeared to Marcellus, the new Pope, and told him to bury Marcellinus' body, saying: 'Whoso humbleth himself shall be exalted.' " (Prologue)

"When the Emperor Diocletian summoned him and threatened him with torture, he offered sacrifice to idols and was, because of this, rewarded by the Emperor with a costly garment. But Marcellinus repented bitterly and began to weep both day and night for his rejection of Christ, even as the Apostle Peter had before him. A synod of bishops was held at that time in Campania, and the Pope dressed himself in sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on his head, and, going before the Synod, confessed his sin and asked them to judge him. The fathers said: 'Let him judge himself.' Then he said: 'I strip myself of the sacerdotal rank of which I am not worthy; and, further, let my body not be buried after my death, but let it be thrown to the dogs.' Having said this, he pronounced a curse on any who should dare to bury him. He then went to the Emperor Diocletian and, casting the precious garment in front of him, confessed his faith in Christ and cursed the idols. The enraged Emperor ordered that he be tortured and killed outside the city, together with three other men: Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus. The bodies of these three were buried at once, but the Pope's body lay there for thirty-six days. Then St Peter appeared to Marcellus, the new Pope, and told him to bury Marcellinus' body, saying: 'Whoso humbleth himself shall be exalted.' " (Prologue)

Born in 103, he was a philosopher from the Samaritan town of Shechem in Palestine, who had devoted his life to the search for truth, trying many philosophical schools and sources of human wisdom: the Stoics, the Peripatetics, the Pythagoreans and finally the Platonists. One day an old man (whose name and origin are unknown) appeared to him and spoke to him of the Prophets and Apostles who had learned of God not by their own wisdom, but by revelation of God Himself. He read the scriptures and was convinced of the truth of the Faith, but he would not be baptised or call himself a Christian until he had tested all the pagans' arguments against Christianity. To this end he traveled to Rome, where he engaged in debate at philosophical gatherings, impressing all with his wisdom. In Rome he also witnessed the martyrdom of Sts Ptolemy and Lucian; this moved him to write an Apologia for the Christian faith and the Christian people, which he gave to the Emperor Antoninus and the Senate. They were so moved by this document that the Emperor ordered that persecution of Christians should cease.   For the remainder of his life, Justin devoted all his skills to the proclamation of the Gospel and the defense of Christians. To the end of his life, wherever he preached Christ, he always wore his philosopher's garb. In addition to his Apologia, he wrote a number of other learned defenses of the faith.   Eventually he was imprisoned following the false accusations of Crescens, a jealous Cynic philosopher. He died (one source says by beheading, another by poison) in Rome in 167 under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, successor to Antoninus.

Born in 103, he was a philosopher from the Samaritan town of Shechem in Palestine, who had devoted his life to the search for truth, trying many philosophical schools and sources of human wisdom: the Stoics, the Peripatetics, the Pythagoreans and finally the Platonists. One day an old man (whose name and origin are unknown) appeared to him and spoke to him of the Prophets and Apostles who had learned of God not by their own wisdom, but by revelation of God Himself. He read the scriptures and was convinced of the truth of the Faith, but he would not be baptised or call himself a Christian until he had tested all the pagans' arguments against Christianity. To this end he traveled to Rome, where he engaged in debate at philosophical gatherings, impressing all with his wisdom. In Rome he also witnessed the martyrdom of Sts Ptolemy and Lucian; this moved him to write an Apologia for the Christian faith and the Christian people, which he gave to the Emperor Antoninus and the Senate. They were so moved by this document that the Emperor ordered that persecution of Christians should cease.   For the remainder of his life, Justin devoted all his skills to the proclamation of the Gospel and the defense of Christians. To the end of his life, wherever he preached Christ, he always wore his philosopher's garb. In addition to his Apologia, he wrote a number of other learned defenses of the faith.   Eventually he was imprisoned following the false accusations of Crescens, a jealous Cynic philosopher. He died (one source says by beheading, another by poison) in Rome in 167 under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, successor to Antoninus.

Born in 103, he was a philosopher from the Samaritan town of Shechem in Palestine, who had devoted his life to the search for truth, trying many philosophical schools and sources of human wisdom: the Stoics, the Peripatetics, the Pythagoreans and finally the Platonists. One day an old man (whose name and origin are unknown) appeared to him and spoke to him of the Prophets and Apostles who had learned of God not by their own wisdom, but by revelation of God Himself. He read the scriptures and was convinced of the truth of the Faith, but he would not be baptised or call himself a Christian until he had tested all the pagans' arguments against Christianity. To this end he traveled to Rome, where he engaged in debate at philosophical gatherings, impressing all with his wisdom. In Rome he also witnessed the martyrdom of Sts Ptolemy and Lucian; this moved him to write an Apologia for the Christian faith and the Christian people, which he gave to the Emperor Antoninus and the Senate. They were so moved by this document that the Emperor ordered that persecution of Christians should cease.   For the remainder of his life, Justin devoted all his skills to the proclamation of the Gospel and the defense of Christians. To the end of his life, wherever he preached Christ, he always wore his philosopher's garb. In addition to his Apologia, he wrote a number of other learned defenses of the faith.   Eventually he was imprisoned following the false accusations of Crescens, a jealous Cynic philosopher. He died (one source says by beheading, another by poison) in Rome in 167 under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, successor to Antoninus.

Today is Friday, May 10, 2024, the feast of St. Antoninus, Bishop and Confessor, a third class feast, with the liturgical color of white. In this episode: the meditation, ”The Fruits of the Ascension,” a preview of the podcast: “Questions with Father #16, Why do we say, Holy Ghost, not Holy Spirit?” and a Thought of the Day from Archbishop Lefebvre.The email version of this Devotional is a perfect companion! Subscribe to Daily DevotionalSubscribe to Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes: https://sspx-podcast.captivate.fm/listenSupport the SSPX Podcast with 1-time or Monthly Donation >>Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel here >>SSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news/enVisit the US District website: https://sspx.org/en What is the SSPX Podcast?The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX?The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood.Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls.Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it.https://sspx.org

For even as a man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods;Sicut enim homo peregre proficiscens, vocavit servos suos, et tradidit illis bona sua.  15 And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey.Et uni dedit quinque talenta, alii autem duo, alii vero unum, unicuique secundum propriam virtutem : et profectus est statim.  16 And he that had received the five talents, went his way, and traded with the same, and gained other five.Abiit autem qui quinque talenta acceperat, et operatus est in eis, et lucratus est alia quinque.  17 And in like manner he that had received the two, gained other two.Similiter et qui duo acceperat, lucratus est alia duo.  18 But he that had received the one, going his way digged into the earth, and hid his lord's money.Qui autem unum acceperat, abiens fodit in terram, et abscondit pecuniam domini sui.  19 But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them.Post multum vero temporis venit dominus servorum illorum, et posuit rationem cum eis.  20 And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above.Et accedens qui quinque talenta acceperat, obtulit alia quinque talenta, dicens : Domine, quinque talenta tradidisti mihi, ecce alia quinque superlucratus sum.  21 His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Ait illi dominus ejus : Euge serve bone, et fidelis : quia super pauca fuisti fidelis, super multa te constituam; intra in gaudium domini tui.  22 And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have gained other two.Accessit autem et qui duo talenta acceperat, et ait : Domine, duo talenta tradidisti mihi, ecce alia duo lucratus sum.  23 His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Ait illi dominus ejus : Euge serve bone, et fidelis : quia super pauca fuisti fidelis, super multa te constituam; intra in gaudium domini tui. A friar of the Dominican Order, St Antoninus became Archbishop of Florence. He was famous for his austere life, charity and episcopal zeal. He died A.D. 1459.

Happy Friday, Geeky Stoics! I hope you all had a positive week. Today I've got a short reflection on Stoicism and emotion, and whether or not the two can co-exist. A popular criticism of the philosophy is that it's “cold” and “harsh”. I strongly disagree and will use Ahsoka from Star Wars as a case study in ‘stoic' as a character trait. First, two questions for you all. * Do you enjoy or make use of the Audio versions of our articles? Or do you listen to the Geeky Stoics podcast? It takes quite a bit of additional effort to produce and is time-consuming. Audio is one of my favorite parts of doing Geeky Stoics, but do you make use of it? * We have a new video up on YouTube that is in many ways the thesis statement of what Geeky Stoics is all about. Have you watched it yet? We'd love to see more readers Subscribe to the YouTube channel and leave comments, reactions, and feedback on the videos. Discussion is a goal of our community, and we'd love to hear from you and get more well-acquainted. Ahsoka the Stoic, Ahsoka the RockAhsoka has to be my favorite of all the recent Star Wars movies and shows. Having been an adolescent when the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series was playing on TV, I've grown up with Ahsoka Tano, the wartime padawan of Anakin Skywalker. I'm not surprised by the mixed response to the live-action show, where actress Rosario Dawson plays a grown-up Ahsoka, but I am a bit surprised by some of the complaints fans have expressed. Here are a few that stuck out: “Ahsoka is too stoic”, “Ahsoka is soulless” and “Ahsoka has no emotion”. In other words, “Ashoka should smile more” or something.'To be like the rock that the waves keep crashing over. It stands unmoved and the raging of the sea falls still around it.' -Marcus AureliusStar Wars fans have seen the other side of Ahsoka Tano when she was a Jedi pupil. Tano was an impulsive, bratty, brash, annoying, overly sensitive, and disrespectful young Jedi. She and Anakin were a perfect fit. Fast forward to the Ahsoka series and she is around 47 years old. Ahsoka has grappled with her choice to leave the Jedi Order, her guilt over its destruction, and the fall of Anakin Skywalker to evil. She watched the Empire rise and fall and Ahsoka even attempted to train Jedi padawans herself, such as Sabine Wren, with little success. Geeky Stoics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Ahsoka has a heaviness about her that is visible to anyone watching the show. At times you wonder, why isn't she blowing her lid right now or reacting in anger to this situation or that? When critics malign Ahsoka's temperament or the acting of Rosario Dawson as being devoid of emotion, what is really being criticized is the character's unwillingness to display what we all know she feels inside. Ahsoka doesn't emote like she used to as a child. Reflection is not repressionStoicism is most commonly criticized for being a cold and callous school of philosophy that encourages the repression of emotion. But it's not true. As writer and contemporary stoic Ryan Holiday put it on The Daily Show with Jordan Klepper, “There's a difference between being angry, and doing something out of anger.” There is an ocean between feeling anger and indignation over the foolishness of another person, and then “hitting Send on the email dressing them down for it.” Ahsoka has learned not to hit Send. I'm reminded of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace when he must negotiate with the junk dealer and slave owner, Watto, in order to get their starship repaired so Queen Amidala can be delivered to Naboo. Their mission is of massive consequence to the galaxy, and failure could mean political chaos in the Republic. Watto, not knowing this (and he wouldn't care either way), has the gall to resist Qui-Gon's “Jedi Mind Trick” and reject Republic currency for the spare parts they need. You know Qui-Gonn is furious. But he does not speak, he just observes Watto and forces out a visibly angry “smile” before walking away from the situation. Jinn could easily kill or subdue Watto and take what is needed. Jedi are not without emotion. Neither are the Stoics of our world, past and present.Stoics were awash in emotion. They had romantic relationships, they had children, and they were politicians confronting fear, suspicion, and doubt in their midst. The most enduring of the Stoics, Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, buried nine children in his lifetime. He buried his wife, Faustina. When his beloved tutor died, it is said that Aurelius sobbed uncontrollably. His stepfather, Antoninus, told the younger Marcus, “Neither philosophy nor empire takes away natural feeling.”Feelings are facts of life. It is a rare and dangerous few who walk this earth without them. Stoics fight not against their emotions, but for an understanding of where their emotions are coming from. They sit with their feelings. They search them for meaning. Ahsoka has learned how to do this, and for people accustomed to reactive behavior and emotive expression, it can be very offputting. If you think something is funny, why aren't you LOLing?! If you think something is sad, why aren't you crying or TELLING the world you're crying on social media? That's how those people think. If you live your life trying to meet their standard of emotive expression, you'll be constantly performing emotion in order to make them feel at ease. Don't do this. The Stoic treats emotion like a cloaked visitor who has knocked on their door. They open the door, greet the visitor, and ask them to reveal their identity before coming inside. Anger is often actually Fear, Disgust can stem from Confusion, and Joy sometimes becomes a lingering Sadness. We call that nostalgia or homesickness. When you learn to answer the door in this way, you're doing what the best Jedi do with their emotions. They are not suppressed, they are examined. When you take the time to examine your feelings, you'll be more like what everyday people call ‘stoic' in your character. Steady. Reliable. Patient. Sturdy. May the Force be with you. Get full access to Geeky Stoics at www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Marcus Aurelius was a true philosopher king, but he wasn't the first or the last amongst the Stoics. The first emperor, Octavian, studied under Athenodorus and Arius Didymus. Hadrian took classes from Epictetus and Antoninus was a kind of natural Stoic.--And in today's excerpt from The Daily Stoic, Ryan reminds us to to stop fighting against the thing and use it as a prescription, that it is unfortunate that it happen but its fortunate that it happen to me.✉️ Sign up for the Daily Stoic email: https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail

In this Win-Win Podcast Episode, Liv and Igor chat to one of the world's most successful sports bettors: Haralabos "Bob" Voulgaris. Revered for his hyper-analytical, data-driven approach to gambling, Bob soon became known as one of the most prolific NBA bettors in the history of the basketball, a reputation that even got him hired by Marc Cuban to run strategy for the Dallas Mavericks! As well as exploring his various secrets of success (and failures!), we also hear about his most recent undertaking… buying the 3rd division Spanish football team CD Castellon to see if his strategic formula can bring them to the 1st division. Ambitious stuff, and one of the many reasons why Haralabos offers a unique perspective on sports, the often seedy world of gambling, and zero-sum competition itself. Oh and apologies for Igor's mic! I seemingly forgot to plug it in and thus his sound is bad (so we had to cut a lot of his questions). Sorry Igor.  Chapters 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:10 Formative Games 00:04:42 Betting on Basketball 00:08:43 Finding Edges 00:18:52 Building Models & Using Data 00:23:46 Floyd Mayweather as a Beard 00:25:27 Ethics in Gambling? 00:30:03 Addiction to Pressure 00:33:44 Dallas Mavericks 00:47:09 Buying CD Castellon 00:57:20 Passion in Sports 01:04:00 Data Diven Approach to Football 01:11:19 AI & Sports 01:18:23 Advice for Younger Self Links ♾️ Haralabos's X (Twitter) https://x.com/haralabob?s=20  ♾️ Ridge Regression https://www.mygreatlearning.com/blog/what-is-ridge-regression/ ♾️ CD Castellon Football Club https://www.cdcastellon.com/ ♾️ Meditations by Marcus Aurelius https://classics.mit.edu/Antoninus/meditations.html ♾️ The Win-Win Podcast: Poker champion Liv Boeree takes to the interview chair to tease apart the complexities of one of the most fundamental parts of human nature: competition. Liv is joined by top philosophers, gamers, artists, technologists, CEOs, scientists, athletes and more to understand how competition manifests in their world, and how to change seemingly win-lose games into Win-Wins.  Credits ♾️ Hosted by: Liv Boeree & Igor Kurganov ♾️ Produced & Edited by: Raymond Wei ♾️ Audio Mix by: Keir Schmidt

She was born near Rome to pious parents. Since she was born on a Friday, she was named Paraskeve (Friday in Greek; literally "preparation" or "preparedness" because Friday was the Biblical Day of Preparation for the Sabbath). From early childhood she studied the scriptures, consecrated herself to a monastic life, and brought many to faith in Christ by her example and teaching. During the reign of Antoninus she was arrested because she was a Christian. When ordered to worship the idols, she answered "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jeremiah 10:11). For this, after severe tortures she was beheaded in 140.

She was born near Rome to pious parents. Since she was born on a Friday, she was named Paraskeve (Friday in Greek; literally "preparation" or "preparedness" because Friday was the Biblical Day of Preparation for the Sabbath). From early childhood she studied the scriptures, consecrated herself to a monastic life, and brought many to faith in Christ by her example and teaching. During the reign of Antoninus she was arrested because she was a Christian. When ordered to worship the idols, she answered "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jeremiah 10:11). For this, after severe tortures she was beheaded in 140.

She was born near Rome to pious parents. Since she was born on a Friday, she was named Paraskeve (Friday in Greek; literally "preparation" or "preparedness" because Friday was the Biblical Day of Preparation for the Sabbath). From early childhood she studied the scriptures, consecrated herself to a monastic life, and brought many to faith in Christ by her example and teaching. During the reign of Antoninus she was arrested because she was a Christian. When ordered to worship the idols, she answered "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jeremiah 10:11). For this, after severe tortures she was beheaded in 140.

Marcus Aurelius's father died when he was young. But then this young boy who was cursed by tragedy received a great gift. A gift that all children who have received it know to be one of the most incredible things in the world: a loving step-father.Ernest Renan wrote that, more than his teachers and tutors, “Marcus had a single master whom he revered above them all, and that was Antoninus.” All his adult life, Marcus strived to be a disciple of his adoptive stepfather. While he lived, Marcus saw him, Renan said, as “the most beautiful model of a perfect life.”---And in today's audiobook reading, we hear in Marcus Aurelius's own words what he learned from and thought about Antoninus, and he admired him so.

Happy Father's Day to everyone!It's pretty incredible how concise Marcus Aurelius is throughout Meditations. There are nearly 500 passages throughout, and rarely is a passage longer than a few sentences.✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius' adopted father and predecessor, was not a Stoic. He didn't identify as, nor did anyone call him, a philosopher. He left behind no writings. There are no anecdotes of him dropping in on lectures in Greece or studying under some guru.And yet, of all the people in Marcus' life, Antoninus was the most Stoic. He was cool under pressure. He quietly went about his business. He was hard-working, self-sufficient, and never got worked up. He was a beloved leader. His mere presence put other people at ease.✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

Marcus Aurelius certainly hoped his reign would be peaceful and prosperous–as the fates had blessed his mentor Antoninus for 23 years. Certainly, he dreamed of growing old with all his children around him. Never would Seneca have asked for exile and loss, for Nero's descent into cruelty. Epictetus, like every child, would have hoped for a life of fun and lightness. Stockdale, as he left his family for a tour in Vietnam, no doubt envisioned returning home unscathed as soon as it was over.But as the song goes…there are some dreams that cannot be.---And today, Ryan gives you 9 habits that you should stop doing in 2023. You can view the full video here. ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Stoic email: https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail

Where did Marcus learn to be Marcus? Ernest Renan writes that Marcus was very much a product of his training and his tutors. But more than his teachers and even his own parents, “Marcus had a single master whom he revered above them all, and that was Antoninus.”✉️ Sign up for the Daily Stoic email: https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail

It was last night 1,862 years ago that Marcus Aurelius had a dream.A few years earlier, when Marcus received the news of Hadrian's plans to have Antoninus Pius adopt him and place him next in line for the throne, he broke down in tears. There was no one he revered more than Antoninus. How could he possibly live up to the task of following in his footsteps?Today, you would say that Marcus was struggling with what we call “imposter syndrome.” As the story goes, the night before he was to become emperor on March 7, 161 AD — Marcus had a dream.---To commemorate this dream and the man himself, Ryan presents 45 of his favorite life-changing quotes from Marcus Aurelius.

It's clear when you read about Cato and Marcus Aurelius that these were men of great reserve. Antoninus, too. They were friendly and kind of course, and to people who knew them well, there was frivolity and fun, but they kept something back from strangers.They were self-contained.Today, Ryan examines why having the discipline to create strong boundaries for yourself is how you define who you are, especially in the age of social media, He also presents seven Stoic principles to adhere to on your quest to live the virtuous life.

By the time Marcus Aurelius took over as emperor, he had not had an easy life. He had lost his father at age three. He had lost a beloved tutor. His lifepath was upended by Hadrian's selection. He had 14 children during his 30-year marriage to Faustina. And then of course, in order to ascend to the purple, he had to lose his mentor Hadrian and his beloved stepfather Antoninus.