Podcasts about Epictetus

We all want to live the good life. But how many of us can claim to be truly content? Join philosopher and evolutionary biologist Massimo Pigliucci as he argues that pleasure, character, and a healthy dose of doubt, form the basis of the good life, and that purpose in life is crucial to realising our potential.Massimo Pigliucci is a renowned philosopher and professor at the City College of New York. He is the author of several books, including, 'How to be a Stoic' and 'Beyond Stoicism'. A former co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast and a self-proclaimed sceptic, Pigliucci is a champion of Enlightenment notions of reason and rationality.Don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode!To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is an episode about how acting on dumb ideas in the studio can be just the thing to get you out of artist's block or help you make a big change. Get ready for some choice bon mots from the likes of Weird Al Yankovic, Laurie Anderson, William Kentridge and others on the sage subject of being open to studio stupidity.Mentions: Weird Al Yankovic, Laurie Anderson, William Kentridge, Jack Whitten, Epictetus, Susan Sontag, Mister T, Twyla TharpWritings mentioned: https://brooklynrail.org/2022/06/art/Laurie-Anderson-with-Paul-D-Miller/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/06/magazine/laurie-anderson.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/17/podcasts/the-daily/laurie-anderson.htmlhttps://screencrush.com/weird-al-yankovic-interview/https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/08/13/his-own-wavelength/The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharphttps://shop.hauserwirth.com/products/jack-whitten-notes-from-the-woodshed-updated-edition?_pos=1&_psq=notes+from+&_ss=e&_v=1.0Thanks for listening!All music by Soundstripe----------------------------Pep Talks on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@peptalksforartists⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amy, your beloved host, on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@talluts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pep Talks on Art Spiel as written essays: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/7k82vd8s⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BuyMeACoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Donations always appreciated!

In this episode, I explore Epictetus' challenge: Can you gain wealth and possessions without losing your dignity, self-respect, and character? Drawing from Enchiridion 24, I unpack the Stoic idea of detachment—why possessions so easily ensnare us, how loss reveals our attachments, and what it really means to see everything in life as borrowed, not owned. From backyard saunas to daily conveniences, I share how to enjoy externals without clinging to them, and why the only thing life can't take from you is your character.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Assent, the practice of choosing how we respond to impressions, rather than being led by impulse or unexamined opinions.In an age of fast judgments, social media scrolls, and reactive emotions, this discipline gives us a way back to clarity. Stoicism teaches that when something happens, we don't have to accept what our emotions or impressions tell us immediately. With assent, rejection, or withholding judgment, we can learn to meet life with presence, wisdom, and truth.Drawing on Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Zeno, Benny walks through the stages of assent: noticing first impressions, pausing, investigating what's really going on, then either approving, rejecting, or suspending judgment. You'll discover how this discipline helps with emotional regulation, clearer decision-making, healthier relationships, and a more grounded view of what's true.If you've ever felt dragged along by rush judgments or upset by your immediate reactions, this episode will show you tools and practices to slow down, check your impressions, and act from virtue.For more on this topic, see the full guide:

Here's a summary of the conversationBig questions & themesHow much ethical responsibility should ultra-large owners (e.g., Rockefeller then, Bezos now) bear for actions taken by distant agents or employees? Scale makes direct control impossible, so culpability is murky.Judging historical “robber barons” by modern standards is tricky; industrialization also delivered massive societal benefits (railroads, wartime production capacity).Amazon is held up as dramatically improving consumer welfare (especially for the poor) via lower prices and strong service, while critics cite worker treatment, monopoly power, and harm to small businesses.Labor vs. capital, unions, and managementCore debate: unions as necessary counterweight when management fails vs. unions creating “unworkability” that drives capital and jobs away (Detroit cited as cautionary tale). Costco is praised as a high-wage, high-retention alternative model.Employer tactics to tilt the bargain ethically: example of a company buying employees' vehicles (tax-efficient, lowers risk for workers, boosts retention/switching costs).Broader historical lens: serfs vs. slaves, incentives for care and productivity, and how modern safety nets (welfare/healthcare) parallel older community/Church supports. Stoic anecdotes (Epictetus) surface around dignity and perception.Philanthropy & legacyCarnegie's Gospel of Wealth, vanity vs. anonymous giving, and building “Costco-like” efficiency in philanthropy (e.g., modern academies/foundations) as a model for high-leverage charity.Investing, Bitcoin, and riskInvesting philosophy favors cash-generative, mispriced assets over non-productive “greater-fool” bets. Deep-value plays can be incredible on paper but hinge on fraud risk and management quality.Bitcoin: skepticism despite multiple near-miss chances; best pro-BTC case framed as asymmetric payoff vs. zero, but dismissed as a gambling instrument. Includes a tragic anecdote about an early holder who sold, missed the upside, and later died by suicide (mentioned briefly without detail).Personal/closing notesReflections on reputation, how people judge with limited info, and trying to align business incentives with personal values and community. Light closing chatter about upcoming travel.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Michel de Montaigne, the 16th-century French philosopher who pioneered the personal essay. In his famous essay To Philosophize Is to Learn How to Die, Montaigne reminds us that the purpose of philosophy is not abstract speculation, but preparation for the ultimate change: death.Drawing from Cicero and Plato, Montaigne writes that true philosophers are always practicing how to die, because in facing death, we learn how to live. Benny explores how this idea connects with Stoic thought: Marcus Aurelius' meditations on constant change, Epictetus' reminder that death can find us at any moment, and the Stoic practice of using mortality as a guide to live with clarity and purpose.In this episode, you'll hear how contemplating death reduces fear, why practicing small farewells prepares us for life's biggest transition, and how journaling about mortality can help us live more gratefully in the present. Montaigne and the Stoics alike show us that learning to die well is inseparable from learning to live well.Perfect for anyone reflecting on death in philosophy, exploring Montaigne's essays, or seeking Stoic practices to cultivate peace and presence in daily life.You can also check out this post to learn more about how Marcus Aurelius reflected on death:

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!' says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!'” (Ecclesiastes 1) The Bible says everything is meaningless? Is all meaning merely a construct? In this episode, Danny and Randy examine the claim in the Bible that everything is meaningless.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.comDanny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, Steve Fouts and Jarvis Funches explore the Stoic philosophy of Epictetus, focusing on the quote, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." They explore the claim of the quote, discussing personal experiences related to this quote, the importance of mental preparation, and the power of decision-making in the face of life's challenges. They unpack the counterclaim of the quote, diving into the complexities of human emotions and the necessity of acknowledging external factors that can impact our reactions. Ultimately, they emphasize the significance of controlling one's mindset and decisions as a pathway to personal growth and resilience.  Episode Chapters:  00:00 - The Impact of Family and Personal Circumstances 01:08 - Understanding Stoicism: Epictetus and Personal Reactions 03:58 - Personal Stories: Overcoming Rejection and Stereotypes 07:02 - Defensive Mechanisms: Responding to Criticism 10:10 - The Power of Control: Decisions and Reactions 13:09 - The Domino Effect: Cause and Effect in Reactions 15:57 - The Nature of Control: What Can We Really Control? 19:02 - Counterclaims: The Complexity of Emotional Responses 22:18 - The Weight of External Forces 24:58 - Facing Life's Harsh Realities 27:58 - The Power of Acceptance 30:52 - Harnessing Mental Strength 33:59 - Navigating Rejection and Perseverance 35:44 - The Importance of Mental Preparation 38:48 - Understanding Control and Decision-Making 42:54 - Teach Different Outro  Image Source: Tucson, AZ, USA via Wikipedia Commons https://sco.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Discourses_-_Epictetus_%28illustration_1%29_%289021700938%29.jpg#file  

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Action, the practice of living with justice, fairness, and responsibility in our interactions with others.In a time where social media and digital life can make us feel more isolated and divided than ever, Stoicism reminds us that we are social beings, connected to one another and to nature itself. Far from being about retreating inward, the Discipline of Action asks us to step outward, to recognize our roles, fulfill our duties, and act with justice for the common good.Drawing on Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and the broader Stoic tradition, Benny unpacks how role ethics, cosmopolitanism, and the idea of concentric circles can help us understand our place in the world. You'll hear practical ways to apply this discipline, from asking “What is my role here?” in difficult situations, to weighing the fairness of your choices not only for yourself but for those around you.If you've ever wondered how to align your actions with virtue and contribute to a better society, this episode will guide you toward practicing the Stoic Discipline of Action in daily life. For more on this topic, see the full guide:

If you're a coach or leader of any type of team, if you're not reading, you're not growing! This is the final episode of my "Leaders are Readers" series. You will hear 3 quotes and a powerful passage out of a book that will show you the impact on us if we read to gain different ideas, opinions, and perspectives as we navigate our role as leaders. I hope you have enjoyed this series on the importance of reading as much as I have enjoyed bringing it to you. If you have any great books to recommend for coaches or leaders, let me know by emailing me at scott@slamdunksuccess.com. And remember to Rate, Review, & Follow the show!For more information to help you on your road to becoming your best, check us out at SlamDunkSuccess.com or email me at scott@slamdunksuccess.com.As always, our background music is "Dance in the Sun" by Krisztian Vass.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus' teaching from the Handbook (Enchiridion 23):“If it ever happens that you turn to external things in the desire to please some other person, realize that you have ruined your scheme of life. Be content then with being a philosopher in everything; and if you wish also to be seen as one, show yourself that you are one, and you will be able to achieve it.”Epictetus reminds us that chasing approval from others comes at the cost of our own integrity. When we shape our lives around external opinions, we compromise the only thing that is truly ours—our character. Instead, the Stoic path asks us to be satisfied with living according to virtue and reason, regardless of how others may see us.In this episode, Benny unpacks how people-pleasing undermines freedom, why approval is an unstable foundation for peace, and how journaling and self-reflection can help us become our own witness. You'll hear how Stoic philosophy offers a way to step away from external validation and return to the inner compass of virtue.Perfect for anyone exploring Epictetus's quotes on approval, the Stoic discipline of desire, and the challenge of staying true to your own principles in a world full of opinions.You can also check out this post to learn more about the background of this quote: https://viastoica.com/how-to-live-as-a-stoic-philosopher/In the Stoic Quotes series, we uncover timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more—exploring what they meant then and how we can live them today.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references to the original texts.

In this episode, Dr. Killeen shares one of his favorite stories—the Empty Boat Mindset. When life bumps into us with frustrations, conflicts, or unexpected challenges, it's easy to assume someone is out to disrupt us. But what if, like the drifting empty boat, there's no intent at all? Addison connects this lesson with Stoic wisdom from Epictetus: we can't control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. Learn how to create space between stimulus and response, release unnecessary anger, and steer your own boat with calm and clarity.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Desire, one of the three core disciplines that guide us toward a calmer and more meaningful life.In a world where everything we want is just a buy button away and social media constantly tempts us to compare ourselves with others, Stoicism offers a way out. Instead of chasing external goals like wealth, status, or possessions, the Stoics teach us to redirect our desires inward, toward virtue, peace of mind, and harmony with nature.Drawing from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and later Roman Stoics, Benny explains why unchecked desire leads to anxiety and dissatisfaction, and how suppressing or redirecting desire can create true freedom. You'll hear about practical Stoic exercises such as pausing before impulses, practicing gratitude, journaling about wants and aversions, and realigning your goals with virtue.If you've ever wondered how to stop craving more and start living with enough, this episode will give you the tools to begin. For more on this topic, see the full guide:

In this episode, I dive deep into one of Epictetus's striking passages: “As a target is not set up for the archer to miss it, so there is no intrinsic evil that exists in the world.” At first glance, it's an odd way to phrase things—but hidden within is a Stoic lesson on victimhood, agency, and what it truly means to be free.We live in a culture that often glorifies the victim mentality, and while injustices undeniably exist, the Stoics remind us that our character—not our circumstances—is what defines us. Epictetus himself, once a literal slave, rejected the label of victim. Why? Because virtue is the only good, and no external force—not chains, not poverty, not betrayal—can rob us of our ability to choose our response.Join me as I explore what it means to step out of the victim mindset, how to recognize when we're subtly slipping into it in our daily lives, and why the world is not out to get us. The target is just there—it's up to us to take our aim.

In this episode, I dive deep into one of Epictetus's striking passages: “As a target is not set up for the archer to miss it, so there is no intrinsic evil that exists in the world.” At first glance, it's an odd way to phrase things—but hidden within is a Stoic lesson on victimhood, agency, and what it truly means to be free.We live in a culture that often glorifies the victim mentality, and while injustices undeniably exist, the Stoics remind us that our character—not our circumstances—is what defines us. Epictetus himself, once a literal slave, rejected the label of victim. Why? Because virtue is the only good, and no external force—not chains, not poverty, not betrayal—can rob us of our ability to choose our response.Join me as I explore what it means to step out of the victim mindset, how to recognize when we're subtly slipping into it in our daily lives, and why the world is not out to get us. The target is just there—it's up to us to take our aim.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus' words from Discourses 3.9:“You too should drop your desire. Do not covet many things and you will get what you want.”For Epictetus, the path to freedom and peace begins with the discipline of desire. We often chase after externals — wealth, success, recognition — only to find ourselves restless and unsatisfied. The more we want, the less content we feel. But when we align our desires with what is truly up to us, namely virtue and right action, we discover lasting satisfaction.In this episode, Benny unpacks how Epictetus connects unchecked desire to frustration, anger, and fear, while showing that virtue is the only secure object of desire. You'll hear how the Stoics distinguished between healthy wishes and destructive passions, and why letting go of unnecessary wants is the key to freedom.Perfect for anyone exploring Epictetus's quotes on desire, the Stoic discipline of desire, and practical philosophy for living a more grounded life.In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — discovering what they meant then and how we can live them today. In this episode, Benny connects Epictetus' insight to the daily struggle of ambition, the need for role clarity, and the courage to choose virtue over externals.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own reflections.

In today's episode, Dr. Killeen reflects on why some dentists thrive with positivity and forward thinking while others—equally successful—get stuck in a negative spiral. Drawing on the wisdom of Epictetus, he reminds us that it's not outside events but our own judgments that disturb us. Stress, fear, and attachments can steal our clarity if we let them. Instead, freedom comes from focusing only on what we can control—our character, choices, and response. This is a mindset shift every dentist and business owner can use to stay grounded and resilient.To learn more about Dr. Killeen and his new book, The Shift, or to connect with him, check out www.AddisonKilleen.com.

Updating your perspective on the world can, for some, be like seeing for the first time. Many of us have seen videos of colorblind people getting access to new tech that helps them see the full spectrum. When they tap in for the first time, it's overwhelming and emotional. Something true shines through a veil that they've been burdened with forever. I remember when I started to reconnect with my faith several years ago, and things were becoming clearer to me about who I am and why I am here. I would get distracted while driving by trees and landscapes. Particularly Japanese Maples and other crimson trees mixed into mostly green gardens. Something was more striking about everything. Refined Jedi Sight Consider this poem out of the Star Wars universe about the role of the Jedi Order in bringing balance to the galaxy."First comes the dayThen comes the night.After the darknessShines through the light.The difference, they say,Is only made rightBy the resolving of grayThrough refined Jedi sight."― Journal of the Whills, 7:477It's a beautiful stanza. Light is reality. Darkness is equally valid and inevitably enters the world, complicating whatever light came before it. What confounds so many of us is when the canvas then turns gray. Complex experiences and feelings stop us in our tracks.Am I loved?What is the right thing to do here?Somebody gets hurt, no matter what I choose.We overthink. We ache.You need a worldview, something that reconciles or can be used to interpret what you're experiencing. Glasses. Philosophy. Story. Philosophy is in many ways a kind of story. The danger is, of course, that not all glasses reveal tru th equally. The Jedi, this poem suggests, have refined sight or an ability to interpret what's happening.You might call that wisdom.How We Label ThingsJ.R.R. Tolkien wrote in his celebrated essay, On Fairy Stories, about the role of a good story in illuminating the world for its audience. He called it “recovery” in the sense that our vision and health have been compromised. A good story heals.Separating himself almost directly from the Stoics, Tolkien quipped, “I do not say ‘seeing things as they are' and involve myself with the philosophers,” which is what Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus would call for. “I might venture to say,” Tolkien continues, “seeing things as we are (or were) meant to see them.”Geeky Stoics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The Stoics had a dogmatic commitment to blunt reality and practiced it by doing things like calling wine “the mere juice of crushed grapes,” so as not to romanticize what it's called for commercial purposes. Steak is a piece of dead cow, scorched and salted. That's the “truth”. Dead Scorched Cow is a little less appealing for 12oz at $45 than calling it Premium Aged Ribeye Steak.“We need, in any case, to clean our windows; so that the things seen clearly may be freed from the drab blur of triteness or familiarity—from possessiveness,” Tolkien adds.Whether it's eyeglasses, windows, or stained glass, the idea that unites so many great thinkers is that something exists outside of the room we're living in. There is something we're missing, and either smudges, a faulty prescription, or the absence of light is preventing us from seeing what we're supposed to see on the other side.Truth. Beauty. Purpose. Design.Overexposure and familiarity dull the senses to what would otherwise take our breath away.The Stoic mindset, though it has a lot to offer, has some pitfalls, including this one. Aurelius refers to sex as just “friction between bodies — followed by a convulsion”. Okay…..He's trying to deter himself from lust by demystifying sex and pointing out some of its peculiar and unattractive realities. That may have some utility, but it's cold, and sex, like Tolkien might suggest, is meant to be something far more powerful, warm, and beautiful than this. The triteness and overfamiliarity Tolkien describes is also a good way to think about pornography and what it does to the viewer over time. Clean your windows from the “drab blur”. Have you ever seen Mount Rainier just beyond Seattle, Washington? It's a wonder. The mountain stands so tall and grand that on a clear day, it's like an alien spaceship landing on the horizon. The first few times you lay eyes on it, particularly if you're not from that mountainous region, you'll do a double-take.How is that real?Let's return to the issue of the steak. What if the answer is neither the Stoic insight, that it's merely a charred strip of animal flesh, nor is it this thing we excitedly call steak? What if it's just sustenance, nourishment, and a gift deserving of gratitude?That is the perspective most of us are missing every single day. It's not “Thank you Lord, for this ham, eggs, and sourdough,” it's actually, “Thank you Lord, for this bounty.”Call the food whatever you want to call it, but what matters most at the end of the day is the value you attach to it. It's a pretty good value to consider your meal a blessing and to be grateful for it. Has gratitude ever steered a person wrong? New on YouTube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Marcus Aurelius' reminder from Meditations 7.18:“Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? What's closer to nature's heart?”Change is constant — from the rise and fall of empires to the daily challenges in our own lives. Marcus wrote these words while facing war, plague, and political turmoil, reminding himself that change is not something to resist but the very pulse of nature itself.Discover how the Stoics saw change not as an enemy but as the natural order of things. Learn how this view can help you face uncertainty with courage, accept the inevitability of loss, and meet each moment with wisdom and strength. Perfect for anyone exploring Marcus Aurelius' quotes on change, the Stoic view of nature, and practical philosophy for adapting to life's challenges.In the Stoic Quotes series, we uncover timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — exploring what they meant then and how we can live them today. In this episode, Benny connects Marcus' insight on change to Stoic physics, the cycle of renewal in nature, and the courage to face the unknown with dignity.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own work.

St. Michael, Religions and violence, the need for dogmas and more on Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

St. Michael, Religions and violence, the need for dogmas and more on Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

Life is precious because it ends. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on one of Seneca's most powerful lines from Consolation to Marcia:“Life, it is thanks to death that you are precious in my eyes.”Discover how the Stoics saw death not as something to fear, but as the reason we should live fully. Learn how this view can help you approach life with urgency, gratitude, and virtue — making the most of the time you have now. Perfect for anyone exploring Seneca's quotes on death, the Stoic view of mortality, and practical philosophy for living well.In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — uncovering what they meant then and how we can live it today.In this episode, Benny unpacks why the Stoics believed death adds value to life, weaving in Seneca's insights, Epictetus' advice, and even a lyric from Pearl Jam's I Am Mine. You'll hear practical reflections on living according to nature, fulfilling your roles well, and meeting the end of life — whenever it comes — with peace and dignity.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own work.

Today's wisdom comes from How to Be Free by Epictetus, translated by A. A. Long.   If you're loving Heroic Wisdom Daily, be sure to subscribe to the emails at heroic.us/wisdom-daily.   And… Imagine unlocking access to the distilled wisdom form 700+ of the greatest books ever written.   That's what Heroic Premium offers: Unlimited access to every Philosopher's Note. Daily inspiration and actionable tools to optimize your energy, work, and love. Personalized coaching features to help you stay consistent and focused   Upgrade to Heroic Premium →   Know someone who'd love this? Share Heroic Wisdom Daily with them, and let's grow together in 2025!   Share Heroic Wisdom Daily →

A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism as a Warrior PhilosophyIn this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with William C. Spears, active duty U.S. naval officer, submarine commander, and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. From the depths of nuclear-powered submarines to the halls of the Pentagon, William shares how Stoicism became a moral framework and mental toolkit for navigating high-stakes, high-pressure environments.We explore his path from discovering Epictetus through Admiral James Stockdale, to writing a book that bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern military service. William unpacks what he means by “warrior” and “warrior philosophy,” why Stoicism is more than emotional suppression, and how its principles can strengthen leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making in the armed forces.The conversation also delves into just war theory, the mental health benefits of Stoic practice, and the misconceptions, both in and outside the military, about what it means to live by Stoic principles. Whether you're in uniform, leading a team, or seeking a way to stay grounded in turbulent times, this episode offers a clear-eyed perspective on applying ancient wisdom to modern challenges.You can connect with William at his website https://williamcspears.com or on X/Twitter via @WilliamCSpears.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching.comhttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hoglehttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Do you say ‘Yes' too often? Are you afraid that if you don't take every opportunity that you might miss out? Should you say ‘No' more often? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss why we shouldn't hustle. Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com  Danny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The right time to do the hard thing, the courageous thing, the right thing? It's right now.

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.In this episode, we turn to a powerful quote from Epictetus, found in the Discourses, that asks us to reflect on self-worth and the price we're willing to pay for external approval:“For it is you who know yourself, and what value you set upon yourself, and at what rate you sell yourself.”What does it mean to "sell yourself"? And how often do we trade our principles, our time, or our peace of mind for things that are not truly valuable? In this episode, we explore how this quote invites us to know our inner worth and live accordingly.We also discuss the importance of self-examination, how our choices reflect what we value most, and why living in alignment with our true character is the key to Stoic freedom.For a deeper dive into this quote, check out the full reflection on our website:https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quote-on-self-worthAnd if you want to explore more quotes like this one, all properly sourced and referenced, head over to our Stoic quote library:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotesMake sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hoglehttps://twitter.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Aphorisms from the Stoic Greek.  Translated by Hastings Crossley.This is a collaborative reading.  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aphorisms from the Stoic Greek.  Translated by Hastings Crossley.This is a collaborative reading.  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.In this episode, we explore a quote cited by Marcus Aurelius in Meditations, but originally attributed to the pre-Socratic philosopher Democritus:“The world is nothing but change. Our life is only perception.”What does it mean to see life as perception and the world as change? And how can understanding this quote help us become more stable, more rational, and more resilient in the face of uncertainty?We unpack the Stoic idea that our emotions and actions depend not on what happens to us, but on the judgments we form about those events. By learning to step back and examine our impressions, we can train ourselves to see change not as something to resist, but as something to accept, and even embrace.If you want to dive deeper into this idea, check out our full blog post on it:https://viastoica.com/perception-and-change-in-stoicismAnd if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com — we've compiled hundreds of Stoic sayings, all carefully referenced so you can find and use them in your own writing.https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hoglehttps://twitter.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

This episode explores how Stoicism is not just about inner strength, but about cultivating virtue through community and just interaction with others.Guided by the examples of Zeno, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, and the legendary story of Lycurgus, we see how reasoned dialogue and patient understanding transform conflict into character.Join us as we discover why true Stoic wisdom is grown not in isolation, but in the company of others striving for a life well lived.

In this Field Notes episode, Ryan Jordan explores what happens when wilderness minimalism reaches its limits. Through real-world examples and the lenses of physiology, psychology, and Stoic philosophy, we examine how stripped-down gear systems perform under stress — and how they fail. We'll look at five high-risk scenarios, lessons from Epictetus and Seneca, and why both lightness and resilience should guide our backcountry decisions. To view the show notes for this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, click here.  

How can we make a great fortune out of misfortune? Reverse our circumstances, as Epictetus did?

In real life, Epictetus taught his students that freedom lies in wanting only what we can control: our character, our choices, our reasoned response. 

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.In this episode, we turn to Seneca and his timeless essay On the Shortness of Life, where he reminds us:“It's not that we have a brief length of time to live, but that we squander a great deal of that time.”Benny explores what it means to truly live rather than merely exist. Why do our days feel so short, even though life is long enough? How do we let our time slip away through distractions, regrets, and other people's expectations?This quote hits especially hard in today's world of overstimulation and hustle culture. Instead of rushing through your day, the Stoics urge us to pause and ask: Is this how I want to spend my life? We reflect on modern busyness, personal alignment, and the importance of knowing your own “enough.”For a deeper dive into this quote and its practical lessons, visit the companion article:https://viastoica.com/reclaim-your-time-with-stoicism/And if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes/https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes/https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes/https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. And leave a rating—it helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by:http://badmic.com

If enslavement—the horrible torture that Epictetus experienced, the lifelong disability that followed it—didn't touch his power over himself, what excuse do the rest of us have?

We study philosophy to learn how to protect this real estate between our ears—and you could argue there's no better teacher than Epictetus.

It's one of the most unbelievable stories in all of history. A kid is born into slavery and becomes one of the most influential philosophers not just in their own lifetime, but of all time. 

Epictetus didn't just theorize about resilience—he lived it. It's why his powerful lessons have endured for nearly two millennia as perhaps the most practical and accessible playbook in Stoic philosophy.

People will betray us in life. They will take from us. We can be hurt and broken and angry about this, or we can use it as Epictetus did—as a reminder of the transient nature of possession.

This lecture discusses key ideas from the ancient Middle Platonist philosopher and biographer Plutarch's essay On Awareness Of Progress In Virtue This episode focuses specifically on his criticisms of the standard Stoic position on virtue and vice, which is that every person is either virtuous or vicious, with no middle state. The Stoics (with some exceptions like Epictetus) also seem to think that there is no such thing as "making progress" towards virtue and away from vice. You can find the copy of the text I am using for this sequence on Plutarch'sOn Awareness Of Progress In Virtue here - https://amzn.to/4cNYknt To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 3500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler (Amazon links are associate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

It's unfortunate Epictetus isn't more widely read—because when he is, he changes lives.

In this episode, we explore the timeless Stoic lesson that true freedom lies in accepting what we can't control—echoed powerfully in the life and art of Frida Kahlo.Drawing parallels between Epictetus's teachings and Kahlo's indomitable spirit, we see how even when life confines our bodies, our will can still soar.

Win or lose, what matters, the Stoics believed, was that we tried. That we did our best.

It's rather sad—almost sacriligeous—that more people don't know who shaped Marcus's philosophical worldview.

Why is self-command and self-knowledge so elusive? How can we find it? Well, Epictetus can show us the way, as he did for Marcus and Hadrian and countless others over the centuries.

The key to life, Epictetus said, was not to dream for things to be a certain way but to dream for them to be the way they were. To be grateful that you had the fate you had.

What Epictetus learned in his fascinating life—beginning in slavery and culminating in a legacy as one of the most influential philosophers of all time—was simple, profound, and enduring. It's why countless Roman families sent their children to learn from Epictetus at his school in Nicopolis. And that's why we're spending this month doing a deep dive into Epictetus—because if reading him changed Marcus Aurelius' life, how might he change yours?

When we think of great Stoic figures like Marcus Aurelius, Cato, and Epictetus, we tend to focus solely on the individual, their perspective, their observations. But how did these brilliant thinkers treat those around them?Read this article here: https://dailystoic.com/6-stoic-tips-to-being-a-great-friend/

Sometimes the answers we're chasing in business and life have already been written—centuries ago. In this solo episode, Darius Mirshahzadeh dives deep into four timeless quotes by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, exploring how ancient wisdom still holds power in modern life. Recorded from an Airbnb in Barcelona, Darius shares personal insights and stories on choosing uplifting relationships, living in alignment with purpose, breaking negative patterns, and redefining what true wealth really means. Whether you're navigating business partnerships or personal transformation, this is a philosophical deep-dive that will leave you asking the right questions about your life. In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Context of Stoicism (02:27) The Importance of Uplifting Relationships (05:40) Devoting Life to Progress (08:25) Learning from Books and Applying Knowledge (11:02) Understanding Wealth and Wants Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. Huel: Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF with code GREATNESS at https://huel.com/GREATNESS (Minimum $75 purchase). IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness.  ExpressVPN: Secure your online data today with ExpressVPN. Go to expressvpn.com/darius. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices