Podcasts about Epictetus

This podcast is supported entirely by you, the listener. Without your patronage, none of this is possible. Become a patron of my work for as little as $0.50/week here: https://stoicismpod.com/members -- In this episode I reset Practical Stoicism back to its foundations and begin a new chapter for the show by returning to the classical texts themselves. I explain why this version of the podcast will move deliberately across the Stoic corpus rather than reading a single work straight through, drawing from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Musonius Rufus, and, where possible, the early Greek Stoics like Zeno of Citium, Chrysippus, and Cleanthes. From there, I focus on Meditations 2.1, one of the most concise and powerful passages in Meditations, using George Long's translation. I explain why Marcus is so often misunderstood, why he should be read as a deeply committed practitioner rather than a philosophical instructor, and why Meditations was never meant to teach Stoicism to anyone but Marcus himself. We then unpack what Marcus is really doing in this meditation: preparing himself to meet difficult people, refusing to moralize or dehumanize them, and grounding his response in the Stoic claim that ignorance of good and evil (virtue and vice) is the root of wrongdoing. I explain why, in Stoicism, there is only one good and one evil, how this reframes resentment and anger, and why Marcus sees hostility toward others as fundamentally anti-social and contrary to Nature. The episode closes by showing how Stoicism combines sympathy, personal responsibility, and moral resolve, and why caring for others is not optional if one is genuinely pursuing virtue. This is not a philosophy of withdrawal or toughness for its own sake, but a demanding ethical system aimed at producing better human beings. Key takeaways from this episode include: Why Meditations is a private practice document, not a Stoic instruction manual, and how misunderstanding this leads to shallow readings How Meditations 2.1 reveals the Stoic view that vice is ignorance, not malice, and why this matters for how we treat others Why Stoicism is fundamentally pro-social, and why turning away from others undermines the pursuit of virtue itself If you'd like to provide feedback on this episode, or have question, you may do so as a member. Email sent by non-members will not be answered (though they may be read). This isn't punitive, I just cannot keep up. Limiting access to members reduces my workload. You're always invited to leave a comment on Spotify, member or not. Thanks for listening and have a great day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Food for Thought podcast remains listener-supported. To support this work and receive perks and exclusive engagement, please consider becoming paid subscriber (but don't go anywhere if you're a free subscriber)!Welcome to 2026—and to the 20th anniversary year of Food for Thought! I'm kicking off the new year with an episode about stretching our comfort zones through small, intentional practices that help us live with more clarity, resilience, and purpose.In this episode, I explore:* Why the idea of “doing hard things” isn't new at all—and how it's rooted in Stoic philosophy* What thinkers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius actually meant by hardship (hint: it wasn't suffering for suffering's sake)* How we can manifest this ancient practice in our modern lives* Why trends like cold plunges miss the point if we focus only on promised (and alleged) health benefits* How Dry January fits perfectly into this framework—not as a detox or moral stance, but as an experiment in awareness, habit, and choiceI also reflect on looking back at 2025—what I learned, what I practiced, what I shared with you—and why I still believe that setting intentions (whether for 24 hours or 365 days) is a powerful way to orient our lives.If you're feeling curious about:* Doing something different this year* Letting go of what's familiar just long enough to learn from it* Or giving yourself a gentle nudge instead of a total overhaul…this episode is for you.

Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Check out the full episode: https://greatness.lnk.to/1868"You end up the way I did, which is you have everything and you're incredibly unhappy." - Dr. James DotyDr. James Doty spent years climbing mountains, thinking the view from the top would finally cure his shame and insecurity. He manifested the external success, checked all the boxes, heard everyone tell him his life was perfect. But at every peak, he found nothing but disappointment. He's seen destroyed marriages, damaged relationships with his kids, and ignored everyone in his life while obsessively focusing on goals. The brutal truth he learned: you can manifest everything on your vision board and still feel like a prisoner because you're the only one holding the key to that cell. The real work isn't about getting more, it's about understanding whether you're operating from fear or love. When fear drives you, your sympathetic nervous system keeps you in survival mode. When love drives you, you activate the parasympathetic system and suddenly you're open, generous, present. That's not motivational fluff, that's neuroscience meeting ancient wisdom.Here's what makes this conversation so powerful: Dr. Doty doesn't pretend positive thinking solves everything. He acknowledges that structural barriers exist, that poverty is incredibly hard to escape, that your circumstances matter. But within whatever situation you're in, you still have the power to choose your response. The Stoics knew it, Epictetus taught it from slavery: you can't control your external environment, but you can control how you react. The greatest cause of suffering isn't lack of achievement, it's attachment and craving. When you focus only on reaching the goal with no awareness of the process or the people around you, you end up hollow even when you win. The shift isn't about manifesting harder or wanting more intensely. It's about realizing that until you address the insecurity and shame driving your desires, external success will never fill that void. This is the conversation that breaks through the surface level manifestation talk and gets to what actually changes your life from the inside out.Sign up for the Greatness newsletter: http://www.greatness.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Is it possible to define the good in a way that everyone would accept? Is ‘good' something defined only relative to the individual or community?  In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss values and what is good.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 

Most people think discipline is about willpower. Ryan Holiday knows better — it's about habit. After writing multiple bestselling books on Stoicism and spending decades studying history's highest performers, the author of The Obstacle Is The Way and Ego Is The Enemy has cracked the code on why the world's hardest workers aren't just talented or lucky. They've built systems that make discipline inevitable. In this raw conversation, Ryan breaks down the exact frameworks used by Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus to stay calm under fire, make sharper decisions under pressure, and most importantly — get things done. We dive into why discipline isn't something you are but something you do, how the Stoics battled procrastination (Seneca said all fools are always getting ready to start), and why negative visualization beats positive manifestation every time. Ryan reveals his actual research process (analog note cards, not AI shortcuts), why he reads the same books over and over, and how to inoculate yourself against audience capture when everyone's telling you what to create. But this isn't theory — it's applied philosophy. We get into why waking up early is useless if you stay up till 2 AM, how to make hard things black and white so you can't rationalize exceptions, and why your calendar should have large blocks of white space, not meetings. Ryan walks through his panic rules from coaching the LA Rams, why ego destroys more empires than external obstacles, and how he went from running publicity stunts and media manipulation campaigns to building one of the most disciplined creative practices in the world. If you've ever felt like discipline is this vague thing you either have or don't, or if you're tired of procrastinating on the life you know you should be building, this episode will change how you think about work, focus, and what it actually takes to win. Protect what you own. Next makes it fast, simple, and painless. Check it out: https://nextinsurance.com/codie ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:06 Panic Rules: What To Do When Everything Falls Apart 00:03:05 Discipline Now, Freedom Later: The Labor Will Pass 00:07:37 The Simplest Daily Habit to Build Discipline 00:11:59 Large Uninterrupted Blocks of Time: The Secret to Success 00:16:09 Procrastination is Arrogant: It Assumes You Have Forever 00:22:39 Enjoying the Journey: Why the Work Matters More Than the Reward 00:28:22 Negative Visualization: Why the Stoics Planned for the Worst 00:33:10 The Note Card System: How Ryan Remembers Everything 00:34:52 You Must Love Learning If You Would Possess It 00:43:14 Know Thyself: The Oracle of Delphi's Most Important Command 00:46:05 Ego is the Enemy: How It Destroys Success 00:53:16 The Power to Have No Opinion 01:00:06 Haters, Criticism, and the Statistical Certainty of Dislike 01:18:04 Audience Capture: When Your Audience Has You 01:09:04 From Marketing Manipulator to Stoic Philosopher 01:15:17 The Corner Office Phenomenon: Looking Down the Hall 01:17:01 Are Humans Contagious? Culture, Values, and Becoming Who You Spend Time With 01:06:44 Should We All Get a Donkey? Life Lessons from the Ranch 01:21:15 Final Reflections: The Path That's Yours Alone ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL

This episode dives into the Stoic idea of the “passions”—those powerful storms of anger, fear, envy, and grief that arise not from events themselves but from the judgments we attach to them.Epictetus teaches that emotional turmoil begins in the domain of desire, where unexamined impressions harden into false beliefs about what is good or bad.By learning to pause, test our impressions, and assent only to what is true, we reclaim mastery over our inner world.The work is gradual but transformative: each moment of careful attention becomes a step toward clarity, resilience, and the deep calm that comes from governing one's own mind.

In this podcast, we will be talking about The 10 ways to keep our New Year's Resolutions from the writings of Epictetus. Epictetus was one of the most influential teachers of the later years of the school of Stoicism. So here are 10 ways from Epictetus's discourses, that will help you in keeping your New Year's resolutions.   So here are 10 ways to keep our New Year's Resolutions from the writings of Epictetus -  01. Keep your resolutions simple 02. Routine is everything 03. Replace bad habits 04. Don't Share your resolutions with everyone 05. Give no excuses 06. Don't wait for other people's validation 07. Reward yourself 08. Review your day 09. Never Ever Ever give up 10. Always keep evolving  Hope you enjoyed listening to this podcast and find these insights on keeping New Year's resolutions helpful. .  Epictetus was a Greek/Roman philosopher of the Hellenistic period. He managed to overcome huge obstacles in developing from a crippled Roman slave to become one of the most popular and sought after philosophers of his time.  Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens in the early 3rd century BC. Even though it is over 2000 years old, more and more people are discovering how Stoicism is not only relevant to modern times, but can be applied in very simple, yet strong ways. 

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this episode, we explore why New Year's can feel strangely heavy, even when it's meant to be a celebration. For many people, it becomes a moment of judgment, comparison, and pressure, a symbolic “turning point” that makes unfinished business feel louder than usual. The Stoics offer a calmer way to approach it, not as a magical reset, but as another chance to live with clarity, intention, and steadiness.At the center of this episode is a simple Stoic shift: measure your year by your character, not your outcomes. We often evaluate ourselves by externals, achievements, money, status, habits, even health, yet so much of that is never fully up to us. For the Stoics, this wasn't about lowering ambition, but about grounding self-worth in what truly belongs to you: how you think, choose, and act.Epictetus captures this clearly when he reminds us:“Some things are up to us and some are not.”Epictetus, Handbook 1For the Stoics, this wasn't about becoming passive, but about becoming precise. When Epictetus writes this, he isn't telling us to stop striving, but reminding us to stop attaching our peace to results we cannot command. New Year's intentions become healthier when they focus on the inner work, boundaries, honesty, courage, and daily discipline, rather than a single dramatic change on January 1st.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:A yearly review of character – Ask, “Did I act well this year?” rather than “Did I win?” Look for progress in patience, integrity, and self-control.Set intentions, not fantasies – Replace rigid resolutions with small commitments you can practice daily, even when motivation fades.Detach from comparison – Notice the impulse to measure your year against others, and return to what you actually know: your own choices.Accept the past, begin again – Let last year be a teacher, not a verdict. Drop regret, take the lesson, and continue.New Year's can be a useful mirror, but it doesn't need to become a courtroom. Stoicism helps you step into the next year with less pressure and more direction, grounded in what you control and softened toward what you don't. By the end of this episode, you'll see that Stoicism isn't a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of living wisely, steadily, and with quiet confidence, one day at a time.Listen to the full episode now and discover how New Year's reflection can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Read the companion article: [insert link if available]Support the show

Send us a textDo you experience overwhelming stress because you must handle numerous tasks while feeling like your time supply is insufficient? The episode presents ancient Stoic teachings that help listeners eliminate distractions to concentrate on essential things.We'll explore:Your limited existence brings you freedom instead of creating sadness.Marcus Aurelius presents a basic inquiry which helps people stay focused on what matters.The Dichotomy of Control: how to stop worrying about things you can't changeThe experience of discomfort serves as an indicator which shows you are working on important tasks.You can start your focus recovery by taking one essential step during the current day.The episode draws its knowledge from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus to teach people about performing essential tasks. 

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this Stoic Quotes edition, we reflect on Seneca's On Anger, Book III, where he reports Aristotle's concern that, without anger, the mind becomes “indifferent to great endeavors.” Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, On Anger, 3Seneca introduces this idea to question it. For the Stoics, anger is not a source of strength but a disturbance of reason. It clouds judgment and pulls us away from deliberate, ethical action. The greatest endeavor is not an external achievement, but the cultivation of character. Virtue does not need anger to motivate it.This view runs throughout Stoic philosophy. Epictetus urges us to examine impressions before giving assent, and Marcus Aurelius reminds himself to act without bitterness. Through the three Stoic disciplines, anger reflects misplaced desire, unexamined assent, and impulsive action.In practice, this means noticing anger early, pausing before reacting, and questioning the judgments behind it. Calm commitment to virtue proves far more powerful than anger ever could.For more, check out this related article with quotes on anger and self-control:https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-anger/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: https://badmic.com

The famous street artist Banksy shocked the art world in 2018 when his painting, Girl with Balloon, partially shredded itself moments after selling it for over a million dollars. at a Sotheby's auction in London. Banksy had secretly built a mechanical shredder into the painting's ornate frame, turning the destruction into a piece of performance art which was later authenticated and renamed Love Is in the Bin. He did this to make a statement about the art market's hyper-commercialization. One of the most famous and influential philosophers of the ancient world enjoyed doing similar types of shocking stunts to make his point in the most memorable way possible. Diogenes the Cynic had a reputation for eccentricity. He lived in a large clay wine jar and owned almost nothing, a demonstration that true freedom and happiness come from self-sufficiency. He defecated in public, and when criticized, he asked why it was acceptable to eat there but not to perform other natural acts, illustrating that social shame is arbitrary and not rooted in nature or reason. Since his death in 323 BC, devoted followers made him and his ideas famous the world over. But some modern philosophers like Friedrich Hegel thought of him as just a shock jock. To him, Diogenes had a way of life based on simple, isolated maxims and provocative anecdotes—like those of a folk figure—rather than a fully developed, systematic philosophical system that truly captured the evolving spirit of reason in history. Today’s guest is Inger Kuin, author of “Diogenes: The Rebellious Life and Revolutionary Philosophy of the Original Cynic.“ We look at this iconoclastic philosopher whose brash and free-thinking vision of life ended up inspiring the philosophy of Stoicism. His philosophy stresses the importance of living here and now and not concerning ourselves with things out of our control. Diogenes also stands apart as history’s first recorded critic of slavery, a lone voice of his time that powerfully influenced future thinkers, from Epictetus to future abolitionists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode explores listening as a form of courage and clarity—an active practice that shapes how we understand the world and ourselves.From Zeno's simple reminder that we have “two ears and one mouth” to Epictetus's deeper lesson on assent, we learn that true listening isn't passive reception but deliberate attention. It invites empathy, reveals uncomfortable truths, and creates the space in which wisdom can emerge.When we listen with patience and discernment—to others, to nature, to our own inner signals—we reclaim our freedom to choose our responses and, in doing so, walk a wiser path through life.

We all try to live with intention—but life keeps interrupting us.In this episode, I explore the tension between daily reactivity and long-term vision through a Stoic lens. Why do we keep returning to Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca? Why do we need constant reminders of principles we already know?Because life pulls us away—daily, hourly, relentlessly.This episode is about carving out small moments of intention inside a reactive world, and why you don't need more time—just space—to live with clarity and character.

We all try to live with intention—but life keeps interrupting us.In this episode, I explore the tension between daily reactivity and long-term vision through a Stoic lens. Why do we keep returning to Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca? Why do we need constant reminders of principles we already know?Because life pulls us away—daily, hourly, relentlessly.This episode is about carving out small moments of intention inside a reactive world, and why you don't need more time—just space—to live with clarity and character.

Send us a textWhat if the secret to gratitude isn't positive thinking—but imagining loss?In this 12-minute guided meditation, I'll walk you through an ancient Stoic practice called praemeditatio malorum—the premeditation of adversity. Used by Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, this technique trains you to appreciate what you have before it's gone.We'll imagine a vivid scenario: a sudden accident that changes everything. Not to be morbid, but to wake you up to the fragility and preciousness of your life right now—your health, your freedom, your relationships, the simple ability to walk across a room.This practice will help you:Cultivate deep, felt gratitude (not just intellectual appreciation)Prepare mentally for life's inevitable challengesReduce anxiety by rehearsing resilienceBreak free from hedonic adaptation and wanting moreAs Epictetus said: "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."Find a quiet space. Close your eyes. And let's practice together.

In Part 2 of The Utility Trilogy, Vulcan argues that fitness is not a hobby, a lifestyle choice, or a vanity project for Instagram. It is a Moral Obligation. If you are weaker than you should be, you are a burden to your family when disaster strikes.We dive deep into the philosophy of the "Chassis"—the machine that houses your mind. Drawing on Socrates, Plato, and Epictetus, Vulcan breaks down why we must stop "manufacturing our own decay" and start training for the harsh reality of "Winter."In this episode:The Chassis: Why your body is a machine that requires maintenance.The Swamp: Plato's brutal critique of lazy men and lifestyle diseases.The Anti-Hack: Why you can't "pill" your way out of a problem you behaved your way into.Operational Fitness: The difference between looking good and being useful.The Challenge: Stop outsourcing your reps. Pick up something heavy. Build your Utility."It doesn't matter if you have the skill to fix the problem if you don't have the physical capacity to GET to the problem."

In today's episode, Ryan Holiday sits down with legendary biographer Walter Isaacson for a wide-ranging, deeply thoughtful conversation recorded live at the Texas Tribune Festival. They talk about Walker Percy and The Moviegoer, how Stoicism shows up in fiction, and why the ancient virtues still matter in the modern world. They talk through Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Viktor Frankl, and why history tends to outlast the noise of the present moment.

This is the recording from my invited talk on philosophical resources for understanding and managing anger, which was part of my alma mater Lakeland University's Thinkhaus talk series, given up at the Mead Public Library in Sheboygan, WI. The original recording from 2017 was made by a local high school AV club, which unfortunately didn't do a great job with sound, lighting, video, or editing, so I didn't release it at the time, but I've subsequently remastered it to improve all of those. In the talk, I discuss how ideas drawn from Plato, Aristotle, and Epictetus can help us to deal productively with the anger that we inevitably encounter or experience. Specifically, from Plato we learn how to identify the sorts of conflicts that are likely to lead to anger, from Aristotle how to assess our own anger responses, and from Epictetus how to shift our feeling of anger into a different feeling by reminding ourselves of why people do things that we take as wrong or offensive.

From the teachings of Epictetus to the US Government's secret "Manhattan Project" for AI. We debate the Rick Rubin philosophy of "creation as devotion" vs. the marketing mind virus, breakdown how to live an "optionally retired" lifestyle today, and uncover the details of the "Genesis" AI mission. Plus, a conspiracy theory regarding Nvidia, China, and a 20% government kickback.Welcome to the Alfalfa Podcast

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, we turn to Epictetus and one of the most important passages from the Handbook (Enchiridion), 1. Epictetus writes: “Practice then from the start to say to every harsh impression, ‘You are an impression and not at all the things you appear to be.' Then examine it and test it by these rules … whether it has to do with the things which are up to us or with the things which are not. And if it has to do with the things which are not up to us, be ready to reply, ‘It is nothing to me.'”This quote points to a core Stoic insight: events themselves do not disturb us, but the judgments we add to them do. Impressions arise automatically, but we always have the capacity to pause, examine them, and decide whether they concern what is truly up to us. This is where Stoic freedom begins.The same idea appears throughout Stoic philosophy. Marcus Aurelius urges us to remove opinion from events, while Seneca warns how unchecked impressions quickly turn into destructive emotions. Through the disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, the Stoics teach us to release attachment to externals, question our immediate reactions, and act from virtue rather than impulse.In practice, this means learning to pause when something unsettling happens, asking whether it lies within your control, and letting go of value judgments where it does not. What remains is the freedom to respond well, no matter the circumstances.For more, check out this related article with quotes on control:https://viastoica.com/10-epictetus-quotes-on-control/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Healing alchemy: That load you struggle under— Is it lead or gold? It's an invitation to look at the weight we carry with different eyes—to see our struggles not as proof that we're failing, but as the raw material for something deeper, stronger, and more meaningful. I brought in a line from Epictetus that has been sitting with me lately, and we explore what it means to transform our suffering instead of being crushed by it. And as a way of saying thank you, I wrote this haiku in calligraphy, framed it, and I'm giving it away. Giveaway details: Email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com with “healing alchemy” in the subject line. I'll put every entry into a drawing and choose a winner at random. Thanks for joining me. “may I be I is the only prayer—” — e. e. cummings I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com. My books of poetry are availabe for purchase at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Scott-R.-Edgar/e/B0B2ZR7W41%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share) "The Ghost of a Beating Heart", "My Mother Sleeps" and "Haiku Village" 

Imposter syndrome doesn't mean you're weak.It often means you're growing.In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I explore imposter syndrome through a Stoic lens—why it shows up during periods of growth, why it often steals our sleep, and why it may actually be evidence that your character is strengthening.When we take on new roles—at work, in relationships, as parents, or in life—we carry weight we haven't carried before. Our knees shake. Our confidence wavers. And at night, when there's no more room in the day to process it all, the mind takes over.Drawing on Stoic philosophy, personal experience, and thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Viktor Frankl, this episode reframes restless nights not as failure—but as adaptation.Life doesn't necessarily get easier.We get stronger.But there's also a limit. Not all weight can be squatted. Growth requires ambition and humility—knowing when to stretch your capacity, and when the load risks crushing you.This episode is for anyone:Taking on a new responsibilityFeeling behind, unqualified, or overwhelmedLosing sleep during a season of growthWondering whether they're built for the weight they're carryingYou are.But strength is built under load—and with rest.

Imposter syndrome doesn't mean you're weak.It often means you're growing.In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I explore imposter syndrome through a Stoic lens—why it shows up during periods of growth, why it often steals our sleep, and why it may actually be evidence that your character is strengthening.When we take on new roles—at work, in relationships, as parents, or in life—we carry weight we haven't carried before. Our knees shake. Our confidence wavers. And at night, when there's no more room in the day to process it all, the mind takes over.Drawing on Stoic philosophy, personal experience, and thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Viktor Frankl, this episode reframes restless nights not as failure—but as adaptation.Life doesn't necessarily get easier.We get stronger.But there's also a limit. Not all weight can be squatted. Growth requires ambition and humility—knowing when to stretch your capacity, and when the load risks crushing you.This episode is for anyone:Taking on a new responsibilityFeeling behind, unqualified, or overwhelmedLosing sleep during a season of growthWondering whether they're built for the weight they're carryingYou are.But strength is built under load—and with rest.

This is the invited presentation I provided for the attendees of the Stoicon-X Brisbane conference in Australia held in October 2019. It discusses Epictetus' advice to remind ourselves that we want to maintain or keep our "prohairesis" - our faculty of choice - in accordance with nature. For those who would like more information about Epictetus' conception of prohairesis, or about the Stoic notion of "in accordance with nature", I have two longer talks: Stoicism and "In Accordance With Nature" | A Center for Ethics and Entrepreneurship Lecture - https://youtu.be/NyHUMD2_ghQ?si=Ge0aYdjR-jFXFoi6 Prohairesis in Epictetus' Stoic Moral Theory - Midwest Seminar in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy - https://youtu.be/EWS4QR1PM58?si=Gx_HNZfsuar8wsbf

In this podcast we will be talking about 12 practical exercises, as per the book How to be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci that uses Epictituse's Enchiridion, which we can use in the modern world while mastering the four stoic virtues.  So here are 10 important insights for being a stoic from Epictetus. 01. Examine your impressions 02. Remind yourself of the impermanence of thing 03. The reverse clause 04. How can I use virtue here and now 05. Pause and take a deep breath 06. Other-ize 07. Speak little and well 08. Choose your company well 09. Respond to insults with humor 10. Don't speak too much about yourself 11. Speak without judging 12. Reflect on your day I hope you enjoyed listening to this podcast and hope you find these exercise helpful if you wish to pursue Stoicism.  The Enchiridion is a short read on stoic advice for living. Epictetus' practical precepts might change your life.

This is the recording of my short presentation and the Q&A at the second Conversations With Modern Stoicism event, hosted in June 2025 by Phil Yanov. Asked to give a short and provocative presentation about an issue that arises in the everyday applications of Stoicism, we decided on the topic of grief and grieving I first discuss what we can call a "standard Stoic take" on grief, which they understand as belonging to the broader emotional category of pain or distress, and therefore being something bad for us. We then look briefly at some of the treatments of grief and grieving in Epictetus and Seneca. Texts mentioned in this talk: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - https://amzn.to/3osPFNF Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion - https://amzn.to/37G6bE0 Seneca's Letters - https://amzn.to/3dZQrNk Cicero's Tusculan Disputations - https://amzn.to/3L1WoxY

Vulcan is back from the Lair with a critical question: Are you a thinker, or are you just a repeater? In the age of the algorithm, we have outsourced our most vital utility: our Mind. We are downloading pre-packaged opinions from our "tribes," influencers, and the news cycle, copying and pasting thoughts without ever verifying the source code.In this episode, Vulcan covers:Mental Utility: Why self-reliance isn't just about fixing a flat tire; it's about fixing your ability to analyze a fact without an emotional filter.The "Repeater" Trap: How we outsource our Hegemonikon (Ruling Faculty) to the silo/echo chamber because thinking is "metabolically expensive."The Rain Analogy: A lesson from Epictetus on separating the Fact ("It is raining") from the Opinion ("This is bad because it ruined my picnic").Skepticism as a Firewall: How to use healthy skepticism as an antivirus for your mind.The "Headline" Danger: A personal story about how rage bait and "headline reading" almost destroyed a local business owner's reputation.Stoic Challenge:This week, practice Critical Thinking. Strip away the emotional adjectives from the news. Ask: "Is this true? Where is the primary source?" Trust Thyself and build your mental immune system.Don't let the algorithm write your script.#CriticalThinking #Stoicism #MentalUtility #Algorithm #SelfReliance #Vulcan #SundaySmokePodcast #Epictetus #InnerCitadel #TrustThyself

Journalist and author, Brigid Delaney looked into the ancient philosophy during an assignment from her editor. What she discovered led her to years of study and a brand-new outlook on life that focuses less on happiness and more on meaning and contentment.Brigid is devoted to the Stoics, a philosophy that encourages its followers to focus on what they can control, accepting what happens outside of that sphere of control, and mastering inner peace to have a good life.These ideas have helped Brigid prepare for grief and take the edge off her anxiety by putting it in context.One of the most powerful Stoic ideas is that all the wonderful things and people in our life are “on loan” and can be taken away at any moment.Instead of taking them for granted, the Stoics wanted us to run toward them at full speed, and wring as much fun and juice out of them as we can.Further informationBrigid's new book The Seeker And The Sage, and Reasons Not To Worry: How to be Stoic in chaotic times are both published by Allen & Unwin.The Executive Producer of Conversations is Nicola Harrison.This episode contains references to a buddhist with attitude, Nassim Taleb, stoic week, Nero, improving my life, how to improve my life, how to be content, how to find meaning in life, The Guardian, Brigid Delaney's Diary, newspaper column, newspaper columnist, writer, writing life, author, novel, fable, Circles of Hierocles, meditation, Celeste Barber, Wellmania, netflix and internal happiness.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

This episode turns the Stoic lens toward the illusions of power and wealth, as Epictetus and Cicero expose the tyranny of desire and the poverty of excess.Through the figure of the boastful ruler and the self-satisfied rich man, both philosophers reveal how dependence on externals—on fortune, status, or approval—enslaves the soul.True mastery, they argue, lies not in ruling others but in ruling oneself. The person content with virtue alone, free from craving and fear, is richer and stronger than any tyrant alive.

Is the point of life to minimize suffering, or to understand and embrace it on some level? How do different belief structures view the ideal human response to negative situations? Is there a degree of suffering that would be bearable in order to enable something pleasurable that could offset it?Scott Samuelson is a professor of philosophy at Iowa State University and also the author of several books, Rome as a Guide to the Good Life: A Philosophical Grand Tour, The Deepest Human Life: An Introduction to Philosophy for Everyone, and Seven Ways of Looking at Pointless Suffering: What Philosophy Can Tell Us About the Hardest Mystery of All.Greg and Scott discuss the universal accessibility of philosophy, the role of suffering in human life, and the balance between fixing and facing suffering. Scott shares his experiences teaching philosophy in prisons and how men in prison viewed suffering from different perspectives. He also explores the philosophical implications of thinkers like Epictetus, Nietzsche, and John Stuart Mill. Their conversation touches on the themes of modernity, the significance of facing suffering, and finding meaning in both joy and pain. *unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*Episode Quotes:Philosophy begins with wonder and deepens through suffering04:26: I think there's a kind of built-in wonder in all of us. But I also think, and this goes to the suffering book, that another thing that tends to make philosophers out of everyone is suffering. There's something about suffering that kind of blows our minds. I mean, a certain amount of suffering seems to make some sense. I mean, it makes some sense that my hand, you know, feels pain when it gets near a fire so that I protect myself. But almost everyone has experiences where someone dies prematurely, or where perhaps they suffer pain that just doesn't add up, like a migraine headache. Or we look at the world and see great injustice, and it's hard not to be a human and start to ask philosophical questions in the face of that—to start to wonder what's going on here. You know, why is this happening? Sometimes, why me? And as I've had a chance to teach a really wide variety of people over the years, I've found that they all—it's without exception—people feel these questions quite deeply inside them.How philosophy provides us space to face life's hard questions05:27: One of the beautiful things that philosophy can do is provide a space that kind of dignifies that part of us that is asking these questions and thinking about it. And so even when philosophy can't necessarily provide all the answers to the questions, there's something powerful just about being in that space where you're facing those questions.Why suffering is part of being human10:38: We, of course, are going to kind of combat suffering in some ways, shape, or form. But at the same time, it seems like we have to learn to face it and be open to it and to accept it and to see it as just a part of life rather than as a foreign invader of what it means to be human. And that when we do that, we open ourselves up to the adventure of being human. We had opened ourselves up to, you know, the possibilities of real growth and finding meaning. And a lot of people, when they come out the other side of difficult experiences, have a kind of weird sense that that was a very valuable and important thing, even something they're grateful for. Even though, at the same time, it's not that they wish that it happened, but they're grateful that it has become part of their story and their life. And so when we can do that, I think we're kind of living better lives overall.Show Links:Recommended Resources:William JamesPlato's ApologyAlexis de TocquevilleAleksandr SolzhenitsynSusan NeimanEpictetusStoicismBeing MortalJohn Stuart MillUtilitarianismWhen Breath Becomes AirFriedrich NietzscheEichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of EvilGuest Profile:Faculty Profile at Iowa State UniversityScottSamuelsonAuthor.comProfile on WikipediaGuest Work:Amazon Author PageRome as a Guide to the Good Life: A Philosophical Grand TourThe Deepest Human Life: An Introduction to Philosophy for EveryoneSeven Ways of Looking at Pointless Suffering: What Philosophy Can Tell Us About the Hardest Mystery of All Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textEver feel like you're drifting through life without a clear moral compass? The ancient Stoics had an answer: four timeless virtues that can transform how you handle stress, make decisions, and find meaning.In this episode of Stoic Handbook, Jon Brooks breaks down wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance – the four cardinal virtues that philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus used to navigate everything from personal anxiety to leading empires.You'll discover:Wisdom: How to see reality clearly and focus on what you can control (with a modern work deadline example)Courage: Why acting on your principles matters more than physical bravery (plus the truth about Stoic tattoos!)Justice: How treating others fairly becomes the source of all other virtuesTemperance: The art of balance in a world of excess and distractionJon shares practical daily exercises, modern examples, and explains why these 2,000-year-old principles are more relevant than ever in our chaotic world. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, seeking clarity, or just want to be a better human, this episode gives you a framework that actually works.Perfect for: Anyone new to Stoicism, people struggling with emotional resilience, or philosophy enthusiasts looking for practical wisdom.Resources mentioned: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, Epictetus' Enchiridion, Modern Stoicism website

Send us a textIn this episode, we take on one of Epictetus' most uncomfortable claims: you're not disturbed by events, only by the opinions you bring to them. We unpack his three-tiered model of the mind (the untrained blames others, the novice blames himself, the wise blame no one) and follow the story of the Roman visitor who wants Epictetus to predict his future, only to be told that his fate depends entirely on the quality of his opinions. From the “seller of vegetables” roast to the danger of untested beliefs, we explore why every action—from where you work to why you play tennis—flows from the narratives you've never examined. Along the way, we perform an “opinion audit,” question the stories we tell about ourselves, and connect Stoic diagnosis to modern cognitive biases. By the end, you'll see why Marcus says nothing fuels spiritual growth more than analyzing your impressions—and why the hardest thing to test in life is the certainty you already feel.And we also dive into the darkly charming world of Insane Clown Posse... 

Conclude your week with the Weekly Anchor, a soothing, gentle practice designed not to judge, but to notice and celebrate. This session guides you to compassionately review the last seven days, using the lens of Stoic awareness and loving-kindness. We will practice glancing back to identify the moments when you successfully applied the techniques to notice what worked well for you and what you could do differently. I  Congratulations on completing another series! I honor you for taking part in this week's series! ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 7 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Today the goal is to move beyond reacting to life and into the space of intentional, virtuous living, where happiness is not a fleeting reward, but the inherent result of your character. By weaving together the resilience of the Stoics with the expansive warmth of the Heart Chakra, you will leave this session with a complete, integrated toolkit for cultivating enduring, unyielding joy, today and every day forward. ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 6 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Be guided with deep connection, compassion, and boundless love. This transformative meditation series is designed to peel back the layers of guardedness and doubt, helping you cultivate a wellspring of Loving-Kindness—first for yourself, and then effortlessly for the world around you.  ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 5 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Welcome to a transformative practice that gently guides you toward unshakeable joy. This session beautifully weaves together the enduring strength of Stoic wisdom—the liberating truth that your inner peace is completely within your control—with the profound power of connection. We begin by setting an intention using a beautiful, grounding mudra , a silent commitment held in your hands. From this centered space, we turn our awareness toward a deeply cherished loved one. We're not seeking attachment; we're practicing the pure, vivid appreciation of their unique beauty. This focused gaze transforms simple love into a powerful, internal source of happiness and gratitude that the external world can never diminish. Step into this moment and discover how virtue, presence, and love create the most resilient happiness of all. ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 4 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

In today's meditation, we draw inspiration from the Stoics, who believed that peace begins within—and that the mind becomes clearer the moment the body softens. This session guides you through a gentle breathing technique designed to melt tension from your shoulders, unclench the jaw, and steady the thoughts. You'll explore how even the ancient Stoics used simple, intentional breaths to return to the present, regulate strong emotions, and create space between stimulus and response. With each inhale, you invite calm; with each exhale, you let go of what you no longer need. Perfect for releasing physical tightness, clearing mental clutter, and grounding yourself in inner resilience. Tune in, breathe deeply, and let the Stoics lead you back to ease. ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 3 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Following yesterday's focus on external control, Day 2 guides us into the most powerful territory of all: our Inner Commentary. Negative tendencies—like impatience, self-criticism, or resentment—are rarely caused by the event itself, but rather by the instantaneous, faulty judgment we place upon that event. ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 2 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Send us a textReclaim your calm in a world of group chat drama and endless notifications. This 12-minute guided practice breaks down Epictetus' 20 social rules from the Enchiridion Chapter 33—ancient Stoic wisdom for modern chaos.Learn to pause before reacting, redirect gossip into growth, disarm critics without ego, and curate connections that elevate your energy. Perfect for high-stakes meetings, family dinners, or digital detox.Ideal for: Anyone tired of reactive conversations, people-pleasing, or social media drain.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In today's episode, we explore a simple but powerful December practice: returning to a few meaningful books as a way to reflect, reset, and prepare for the year ahead. This is a time when many people think about change, but the Stoics approached renewal differently. For them, reflection wasn't about waiting for January 1st, it was about using this moment, right now, to strengthen the mind and clarify intention.At the heart of this episode is the idea that reading is not an escape but a form of self-examination. He isn't urging perfectionism, but pointing us toward small, present-moment choices, the kind of choices this yearly reading ritual helps illuminate.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:• Reflective reading — return to books that ground you, not for new information but to renew your mindset and revisit forgotten insights.• Preparing the mind early — instead of waiting for New Year's resolutions, use December as your mental runway to understand why you want to change.• Examining impressions — pause when you feel pulled toward old habits and ask yourself what belief or expectation sits underneath the impulse.• Daily philosophical reminders — create your own “handbook” of quotes or ideas that steady you when life becomes noisy.This episode is a quiet invitation to step back from the rush of the year and reconnect with what matters. The books Benny discusses — Man's Search for Meaning, Epictetus' Handbook, and Marcus Aurelius' Meditations are not just texts but companions that sharpen attention, deepen gratitude, and restore a sense of direction. By returning to them, we rediscover that Stoicism is not about cold detachment. It is about remembering who we want to be and choosing to live with clarity, courage, and a bit more kindness toward ourselves.Listen to the full episode now and discover how end-of-year reflection can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Support the show

 Most of what people know about Stoicism is totally wrong. They might recognize names like Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus, or they assume the whole philosophy is about being stoic in the modern sense, cold, emotionless, shut down, resigned. But that picture couldn't be more off.

We kick off our new series, The Path to Happiness with the Stoics, by exploring the absolute foundation of emotional freedom: the distinction between the internal and the external world. So much of our daily exhaustion comes from carrying burdens that were never ours to hold—the unpredictable future, the actions of others, or the natural flow of events. Today, we invite a sense of deep relief into our meditation. We will practice drawing a gentle line in the sand, separating what we can influence from what we must simply witness. This isn't about giving up; it is about focusing your energy where it actually matters. ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 1 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In today's Stoic Quotes episode, we explore a powerful teaching from Epictetus taken from the Handbook (Enchiridion), Section 4, a short, concentrated guide to Stoic practice.“When you are about to undertake some action, remind yourself what sort of action it is.”Epictetus, Handbook, 4This simple instruction contains a profound Stoic discipline: prepare your mind before entering situations where frustration, irritation, or impatience are likely to arise. Epictetus uses the example of going to the public baths in ancient Rome, a chaotic place full of noise, crowds, and annoyances. His point is timeless: if you remember what you are stepping into, you won't be surprised by what happens inside it.What he's really pointing to is the Stoic principle of prosochē, attentive presence. When you anticipate the nature of the situation, you protect your freedom of response. You remember that your task is not just to “take a bath,” or “drive a car,” or “stand in a queue,” but to keep your choices aligned with nature, meaning aligned with reason, patience, and virtue.When you adopt this mindset, daily life becomes far less reactive. You stop wishing people were different and begin practicing who you want to be.In practical terms, this teaching can help you:• Reduce frustration in situations you already know will test you — driving, airports, crowded shops, delays.• Take a brief mental pause before entering a task and ask, “What am I about to do — and who do I want to be while doing it?”• Shift from reacting to others' behavior toward fulfilling your own role with patience, calm, and steadiness.By preparing your mind before the moment, you create space for virtue within the moment.For more, check out this related article with quotes on how to take the right action:https://viastoica.com/how-to-take-right-action-like-a-stoic/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

In this episode, Dr. Killeen draws inspiration from the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who taught that while we can't control what happens to us, we can always control how we respond. From late patients to insurance frustrations, dentistry throws plenty of curveballs—but our real power lies in how we handle them. Dr. Killeen shares how finding that “stimulus-response gap” can turn chaos into clarity and help you lead with calm, purpose, and perspective. Tune in to learn how mastering your mindset can change your day—and your practice—for the better.

Join Vulcan (aka Coach House) for a deep dive into the psychological toll of the modern 24-Hour Information Cycle and the crucial Stoic principles needed to fight back.This 7-minute discussion connects our digital habits to the erosion of our self-worth, revealing how constant input is fundamentally redesigning our brains.In This Episode:The Core Problem: Why our brains are not designed to handle information 24/7, leading directly to low self-esteem, anxiety, and rage.The Notification Trap: The moment a "ding" or vibration interrupts your focus, and how this habit is destroying your concentration on the task at hand.The "Sewer in Your Pocket": An analysis of how doom-scrolling and consuming non-essential information (the "sewer") stains your mind and creates stress over things out of your control.The Perfection Lie: How seeing curated "perfect world people" on screen leads to FOMO, depression, and a feeling of intimidation and perceived threat.Epictetus on Complicity: The profound Stoic truth that if someone successfully provokes your anger or jealousy, your own mind is complicit in that reaction.The Worth Paradox: Why we, despite loving ourselves, elevate the opinions of strangers on social media higher than our own well-reasoned beliefs.Digital Memories vs. Real Life: The scary tipping point where younger generations have more memories of events they've watched others do than experiences they've actually lived.

Send us a textLet me guess: you've read Marcus Aurelius. You know some things are up to you and some aren't. And yet... you still lie awake replaying conversations, spiraling over outcomes, or feeling like a failure when things don't go your way.Yeah. Me too.Here's the problem: the dichotomy of control is brilliant philosophy—but it's terrible instructions for real life. People hear "focus on what you control" and either become passive ("guess I'll just accept everything") or confused ("wait, don't my actions influence outcomes?").Today I'm fixing that.I'm walking you through the Epictetan Control Framework (ECF)—a 6-step process that upgrades Stoicism's most famous tool into something you can actually use without your brain short-circuiting.We're covering:Why even smart people misuse the dichotomyThe one question that instantly clarifies what's "up to you"How to plan like a strategist and evaluate like a SageReal examples: job hunting, tough conversations, and everything in betweenThe "reserve clause" that makes you bulletproofA field exercise to run the framework on YOUR stressor (right now)By the end, you'll have a tool you can use in two minutes, any time anxiety or frustration tries to hijack your day.This is Stoicism that actually works. No fluff. No philosophy-speak. Just clarity, action, and peace.Let's go.

Discover why uncontrolled hand movements instantly betray your anxiety and compromise your authority. We explore the codified Roman rhetoric of gestures, revealing how intentional stillness sends a powerful signal of clarity and calm to both your audience and your own nervous system. Finally, we integrate the story of Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who used unwavering hand control as his shield against external turmoil and a testament to his ultimate inner freedom. ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to The Roman Power Code: 7 Days to Inner Authority and Calm. If you've ever felt your energy drain away in a stressful situation, if your hands shake before a presentation, or if you struggle to maintain focus under pressure, this series is for you. We often try to solve problems of confidence and anxiety with our thoughts—we argue with our inner critic, we try to logically reason our way into feeling secure. But the ancient Romans understood a profound truth: Your body is the source of your authority. The Roman Empire was built on more than just discipline; it was built on an embodied presence that they called Gravitas—a personal weight, seriousness, and undeniable importance. This journey is a practical masterclass in self-command. By the end of this series, you won't just feel more confident—you will have a physical, repeatable, and accessible code to embody that confidence whenever you need it. This is day 4 of a 7-day meditation series, The Roman Power Code: 7 Days to Inner Authority and Calm," episodes 3416-3422. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Intentional Micro-Posturing Quest: Check your posture, adjust your shoulders, back, relax your jaw, and hold the Gaze of Authority (steady, calm eye contact). This challenge forces you to consciously apply the Roman techniques in low-stakes situations, building the neural pathways for Embodied Power to become automatic. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Dignity Visualization Day 2:  Affirmation: "I command my presence and own my peace." Day 3:  Praetor's Pause Day 4:  Ganesha mudra for overcoming obstacles Day 5:  Seventh Chakra for Interconnectedness Day 6:  Mental Focus Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

my invited talk at the first Stoicon-X Brasil online conference. Due to technical issues, I provided a live presentation (translation provided by participants) to the conference. In this presentation, I briefly present the Stoic doctrine of the indifferents (adiaphoria), namely that Stoics view many things as neither good nor bad, but are indifferent. Some indifferents may be "preferred" or "rejected", which means that they have some positive or negative value, but not the sort of that makes us virtuous or vicious, happy or miserable. The Stoics teach that we should not be entirely indifferent to the indifferents, for several important reasons. The use (khresis or usus) of indifferents is not something indifferent, and as Epictetus tells us, is something we ought to be careful about. The virtues, as Seneca and Cicero clarify, bear upon indifferents. Texts mentioned in this talk: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - https://amzn.to/3osPFNF Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion - https://amzn.to/37G6bE0 Seneca's Letters - https://amzn.to/3dZQrNk Cicero's On The Ends - https://amzn.to/3mmgJMB

Ulysses S. Grant knew what the Stoics knew—that outside circumstances don't say anything about us, that it didn't matter, as Epictetus said, what we bear, only how we bear it.