Podcasts about stoics

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.

Was John 1:1 an example of John the Apostle copying a concept from Stoic Philosophy? I will explain everything.

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.

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.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore a powerful line from Seneca's On Anger (Book 3.5): “The first essential is not to become angry; the second, to cease being angry; the third, to cure anger in others.” Seneca calls anger a form of “momentary madness,” a state that pulls us away from clarity and keeps us from making the right moral choice.We walk through why the Stoics saw anger as a judgment rather than an inevitable reaction, and how examining that judgment helps us understand the emotion instead of being overpowered by it. Drawing on the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, this episode shows how we can pause before anger rises, return to reason when it does, and eventually help others do the same.You'll also hear practical ways to apply Seneca's three steps in daily life, from creating a pause between trigger and response, to setting a calmer example for the people around us. This is a reflective and grounded look at how Stoicism helps us navigate one of the most common and disruptive emotions.For more, check out this related article with quotes on anger: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: https://badmic.com

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.

In this episode, Brandon explores Hemingway's famous line: “The world breaks everyone.”But instead of treating breaking as failure, we look at it through the Stoic lens—as a natural part of being human, and the raw material for growth.From tendon micro-tears in heavy lifting, to emotional micro-fractures in leadership and relationships, we break far more often than we admit. And yet every fracture offers us a choice: shatter through denial… or rebuild into something stronger.Brandon talks about:• Why strong people break harder• The illusion of invulnerability• Micro-damage as a metaphor for character development• Stoic recovery: reflection, realignment, rebuilding• How to turn every break into wisdom• Why breaking means you're becoming—not failingIf you're carrying a heavy load, if you feel cracks forming, or if you've recently broken and are trying to make sense of it—this episode will help you rebuild strong at the broken places.

In this episode, Brandon explores Hemingway's famous line: “The world breaks everyone.”But instead of treating breaking as failure, we look at it through the Stoic lens—as a natural part of being human, and the raw material for growth.From tendon micro-tears in heavy lifting, to emotional micro-fractures in leadership and relationships, we break far more often than we admit. And yet every fracture offers us a choice: shatter through denial… or rebuild into something stronger.Brandon talks about:• Why strong people break harder• The illusion of invulnerability• Micro-damage as a metaphor for character development• Stoic recovery: reflection, realignment, rebuilding• How to turn every break into wisdom• Why breaking means you're becoming—not failingIf you're carrying a heavy load, if you feel cracks forming, or if you've recently broken and are trying to make sense of it—this episode will help you rebuild strong at the broken places.

Let us be good Stoics today and prove that we don't just talk about this philosophy—we live it.Feeding America | We donated the first $30,000 and would love your help in getting to our goal of $300,000—which would provide over 3 million meals for families across the country! Just head over to dailystoic.com/feeding—every dollar provides 10 meals, even a small donation makes a big difference.Resources Mentioned:- Action Against Hunger: https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/

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.

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

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.

The Stoics said what needed to be said. But they weren't jerks. Not on purpose anyway.

In this episode I take my favourite holiday film, A Muppet Christmas Carol, and use it to explore the Stoic idea that every human being is pulled toward moral excellence—even when they have spent years rolling downhill in the wrong shape. Scrooge's story gives us a clear picture of how isolation, habit, early wounds, and neglect warp a person's disposition, and how a return to goodness is still possible when someone is willing to face their past, see the present clearly, and respond to both with honesty and concern. Key takeaways from this episode include: Isolation blinds us to our shared humanity — and when we habituate isolation, we become harder, colder, and more unjust without even knowing it. The Stoics believed every person has an inborn pull toward Virtue — but that pull is often overridden by poor habits, early trauma, or years of vicious choosing. Scrooge's transformation shows it is never too late to change shape — our rational faculty can always realign with the natural inclination toward the good. Seeing the goodness of others corrects our cynical view of the world — most people are doing the best they can with what they have, even in hard conditions. Holiday “magic” can be understood Stoically as the felt pull toward Virtue — and we don't need to limit that awareness to one season. True change requires facing the past, seeing the present, and choosing better now — just as Scrooge does with each ghost and each revelation. For an ad-free version of this podcast please visit https://stoicismpod.com/members For links to other valuable Stoic things, please visit https://links.stoicismpod.com If you'd like to provide feedback on this episode, or have questions, 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

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore the roots of Stoic thought through Donald Robertson's new book, How to Think Like Socrates. Instead of beginning with Marcus Aurelius, we step back to the source, to a philosopher who shaped the very way the Stoics learned to think. Socrates invites us to examine our beliefs, question our assumptions, and approach life with clarity and honesty.Listen to the full episode now and discover how the Socratic method can sharpen your thinking and deepen your Stoic practice.Support the showviastoica.comviastoica.com/stoic-life-coachingviastoica.com/benny-vonckenYouTube: @viastoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

What can Diogenes teach us about the roots of Stoicism? In today's episode, Ryan and classicist Inger Kuin break down the real gap between Stoicism and Cynicism, discussing why one trusted order and structure while the other thought most of society was nonsense. They get into Diogenes' legendary stunts, the Stoics' attempt to distance themselves from him, and why the world still needs people who question absolutely everything.Inger Kuin is a researcher, writer, and teacher focused on the intellectual history of ancient Greece and Rome. She is Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Virginia. Originally from The Netherlands, she publishes both in English and in Dutch.Check out Inger's website: https://ingerkuin.com/Be sure to pick up a copy of Inger's new book Diogenes: The Rebellious Life and Revolutionary Philosophy of the Original Cynic.

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! What is the best way to deal with feeling overwhelmed? How can you keep your momentum while still taking time to enjoy yourself? What video games are Danny and Randy playing/excited to play? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss their recent problems, victories, video games, and more.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

How do you share the gospel in the world's intellectual capital? David Antwi explores Paul's strategic and compelling address on Mars Hill, where he engaged Athens' sharpest minds – Epicureans and Stoics – with their own philosophies to unveil the 'Unknown God.' A powerful message on contextualised evangelism.

Diogenes wasn't a Stoic… but without him, the Stoics don't exist. His life was so bold, so uncompromising, and so brutally honest that it reshaped the entire philosophical world the Stoics inherited. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with classicist Inger Kuin to unpack the wild and brilliant philosophy of Diogenes, the original cynic. Inger Kuin is a researcher, writer, and teacher focused on the intellectual history of ancient Greece and Rome. She is Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Virginia. Originally from The Netherlands, she publishes both in English and in Dutch. Be sure to pick up a copy of Inger's new book Diogenes: The Rebellious Life and Revolutionary Philosophy of the Original Cynic. Check out Inger's website: https://ingerkuin.com/

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

Send us a textWhat if the secret to genuine confidence isn't positive affirmations or fake-it-till-you-make-it energy—but five ancient skills the Stoics spent centuries perfecting?In this episode, we explore how clarity of purpose, non-attachment to outcomes, radical authenticity, unshakeable self-worth, and enjoyment of your own company create the kind of confidence that doesn't need external validation.You'll discover:Why clear intentions make you magnetic (and how to develop them)The Stoic practice of releasing outcomes without abandoning effortHow to close the gap between who you are and who you pretend to beWhy self-worth isn't arrogance—it's philosophical truthThe biofeedback loop that shapes your personality when you stop performingThese aren't traits you can fake. They're practices you cultivate. And when you do? You become someone who walks through the world with self-sovereignty—unbothered by rejection, unshaken by external chaos.Stop twisting yourself into shapes that don't fit. Start here.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this special episode, we dive into one of the most important and most misunderstood topics in the entire Stoic tradition: the nature of emotion. Today, I'm joined by Margaret Graver, the Aaron Lawrence Professor of Classics at Dartmouth College, and one of the world's leading scholars on ancient Stoicism. Her book Stoicism and Emotion has shaped how modern readers understand the emotional life of the Stoics. Together, we explore how ancient philosophy can help us meet the complexity of our own inner lives.At the heart of this episode is the Stoic idea that emotions are not things that happen to us, but judgments we make, often unconsciously, about what is good or bad. For the Stoics, joy is not mere smiling or comfort, but the deep, steady uplift that comes from living in harmony with reason, virtue, and our responsibilities to others.Margaret explains how Stoicism views emotions as voluntary in structure but not always voluntary in the moment, why some emotions feel automatic, and how the Stoics distinguished between destructive impulses and the good emotions grounded in truth. We discuss the role of character formation, the misconceptions about “suppressing feelings,” and why Stoicism is far more about love, courage, community, and responsibility than about detachment.In a world of constant stimulation and quick reactions, Stoicism helps us return to clarity. It shows us that emotions are not enemies but signals, invitations to examine ourselves more honestly. By the end of this episode, you'll see that Stoicism isn't about shutting down your humanity; it's about living wisely, lovingly, and courageously within it.Listen to the full episode to get a clear introduction into Stoicism and Emotions, and follow this up by reading Margaret Graver's book.Learn more about Margaret Graver here:Dartmouth Faculty Page:https://classics.dartmouth.edu/people/margaret-graverBooks:• Stoicism and Emotion – University of Chicago Presshttps://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/S/bo3625910.html• Seneca: The Literary Philosopher – Cambridge University Presshttps://www.cambridge.org/core/books/seneca/O01F0E7E3C9D6469A4C47A65BE85866EFollow us on:

This is the recording of my short presentation and the Q&A at the second Conversations With Modern Stoicism event, hosted in July 2023 by Phil Yanov. Asked to give a short and provocative presentation about an issue that arises in the everyday applications of Stoicism, I chose to focus on a common mistake and distortion of Stoic philosophy and practice. Quite a few people think that Stoicism means that a person shouldn't exhibit or feel care, concern, or compassion for others who experience something that they view and react to as "bad". There are indeed some passages from Stoic authors that one can take out of context to justify such a stance. But when Stoicism is rightly understood, and when we look at other, equally authoritative passages, we see that the authentic Stoic position is to be compassionate and concerned with others.

Embracing Life's Temporary Nature: The Power of Stoic Detachment What if nothing truly belongs to you? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore a transformative Stoic principle that challenges our fundamental understanding of ownership and attachment. Rather than promoting apathy, this perspective offers profound clarity—teaching us to see life as a series of experiences rather than possessions. The result? Less anxiety, deeper appreciation, and a remarkable freedom that comes when we stop clinging to what was never ours to keep. This episode delves into how our suffering often stems from attachment—to people, outcomes, titles, and control. When we shift our perspective to view everything as temporary experiences rather than permanent possessions, we create space to live more fully and authentically. Through personal stories from the Kokoda Track and practical wisdom from ancient Stoics, you'll discover how embracing impermanence can transform your relationship with both joy and loss. Timestamps & Key Takeaways: **3:15** - The Stoic perspective: Nothing truly belongs to us, everything is simply an experience**5:30** - How attachment creates suffering and detachment creates freedom**8:40** - The Kokoda Track as a metaphor for impermanence and presence**12:15** - Five practical ways to practice detachment:- Observe experiences without claiming ownership- Practice gratitude without possession- Reflect daily on what you're clinging to- Remember mortality (Memento Mori)- Serve others without expectation **17:30** - The paradox of loving fully while accepting impermanence Ready to transform how you approach life's inevitable changes and challenges? This episode might be the perspective shift you've been searching for. Listen now to discover how to experience everything while being owned by nothing—and finally live with open hands and an open heart. The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.auADVENTURE WITH GLENN ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS 1-ON-1 MENTORINGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Sandefur joins to discuss individualism in American culture. In this fun (but weird) conversation, we go through zombie shows, Westerns, and Star Trek, while invoking Hobbes, Ayn Rand, Epicurus, the Stoics, Plato and Aristotle. He is the author of the new book "You Don't Own Me: Individualism and the Culture of Liberty."   Past Sandefur chats:   ATA: The Last Policeman https://alienating.libsyn.com/the-last-policeman   ATA: Let's Fight About the Undiscovered Country https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-fight-about-the-undiscovered-country/id1488171922?i=1000485799630   ATA: Is Life Worth Living in a Perfect Utopia? https://alienating.libsyn.com/is-life-worth-living-in-a-perfect-utopia   ATA: Cold War Kirk vs. Picard the Moral Relativist https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cold-war-kirk-vs-picard-the-moral-relativist/id1488171922?i=1000456934729  

Episode 307 - TD35 - How The Wise Epicurean Is Always HappyWelcome to Episode 307 of Lucretius Today. This is a podcast dedicated to the poet Lucretius, who wrote "On The Nature of Things," the most complete presentation of Epicurean philosophy left to us from the ancient world. Each week we walk you through the Epicurean texts, and we discuss how Epicurean philosophy can apply to you today. If you find the Epicurean worldview attractive, we invite you to join us in the study of Epicurus at EpicureanFriends.com, where we discuss this and all of our podcast episodes.    This week we continue covering Cicero's "Tusculan Disputations" from an Epicurean perspective. Today we continue our discussion with the second half of  [section 9 of Part 5](https://handbook.epicureanfriends.com/Library/Text-Cicero-TusculanDisputations/#ix_3) whereCicero criticizes Metrodorus and Epicurus for allegedly making high-sounding statements by being inconsistent for involving pleasure and pain in them.As Joshua said last week, Cicero is criticizing Aristotle and Theophrastus for admittedly being consistent but at the same time being ignoble, while he allows that Epicurus and Metrodorus sound noble but at the same time being inconsistent for involving pleasure and pain in their formulations. Cicero would prefer both consistency and noble langue, and he finds that in the Stoics.  Epicurus would respond that there is nothing ignoble about pleasure and pain, as they are the guidance that Nature herself provides. Further, Epicurus is being consistent when he realistically assesses that human happiness best defined as a life in which we always have more pleasure than pain ("more reason for joy than for vexation") not an idealistic state of pure virtue from which all evil is absent.https://www.epicureanfriends.com/thread/4796-episode-307-td35-how-the-wise-epicurean-is-always-happy/

Buy The BookIn his own day, the ancient philosopher Diogenes the Cynic had a reputation for eccentricity, heckling his fellow philosophers in the marketplace, living in a clay pot, and relieving himself in public. Since his death in 323 BCE, devoted followers made him and his ideas famous the world over. But what we think we know about Diogenes remains distorted and sanitized.In Diogenes, classicist Inger N.I. Kuin scours all existing evidence of Diogenes and his followers to offer an in-depth account of Diogenes' life and thought, revealing a man whose innovative ideas about power, death, nature, and the body have much to teach the contemporary world. He pioneered a vision of simplicity and autonomy in his day-to-day life, stressing the importance of living in the here and now, and of always thinking for oneself. Diogenes stands apart as history's first recorded critic of slavery and a proud exile from polite society whose challenging thought proved foundational for the Stoics and their successors.Diogenes rehabilitates Diogenes as a compelling thinker for the twenty-first century, one who demands that we look at our society with fresh eyes and be unafraid of change—starting with ourselves.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be a friend and to have one. We often say “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” but the Stoics invite us to look deeper. What makes a friendship good? When does it help us grow in virtue, and when does it distract us from it? Drawing on the insights of Seneca, Epictetus, and even Aristotle, this episode looks at friendship not as a social convenience but as a moral relationship that reflects our own character and self-knowledge.For the Stoics, friendship begins within. Seneca reminds us that “The wise person is content with themselves, but not that they wish to be without friends.” (Moral Letters to Lucilius, 9.3)In other words, genuine friendship can only grow from inner stability. If we depend on others to complete us, we'll mistake attachment for care and convenience for connection. But if we first learn to be at peace with ourselves, we can approach others freely, not out of need, but from shared virtue and goodwill.Aristotle described three types of friendship: those of pleasure, of utility, and of virtue. The Stoics agree that only the last kind, friendship rooted in moral growth, endures. As Seneca wrote to Lucilius, “Associate with those who will make a better man of you; welcome those whom you yourself can improve.” (Moral Letters, 7.8)True friends are those who help us live according to reason, who hold us accountable with honesty and kindness, and who rejoice in our happiness as their own.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:Be content alone. Practice solitude to build a calm inner base before seeking connection.Examine your friendships. Ask whether they are based on pleasure, utility, or virtue.Pay full attention. When with a friend, give them your complete presence; it is the essence of friendship.Cultivate gratitude. Cherish the time you share with good friends; hold them in spirit even when apart.Friendship, like all externals, is a preferred indifferent; it enriches life but should never define our peace of mind. When we accept that change and loss are natural, we can honor past friendships without clinging to them and stay open to new ones that align with virtue.By the end of this episode, you'll see that Stoic friendship isn't about dependence or detachment, but about mutual improvement, two people walking the path of virtue together, freely, honestly, and with joy.Listen to the full episode now and discover how friendship can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Read the companion article: https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-friendship/Support the show

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.

It takes a trained mind to see wonder and awe in the middle of everyday struggles. In today's PT. 2 episode, Ryan and persuasion expert Jay Heinrichs dive deeper into discipline, the power of our inner dialogue, and what it really means to have agency. Jay shares the story of having breakfast with the Dalai Lama and how the Stoics, Buddhists, Aristotle, and even Taylor Swift all point to the same truth about how we see and respond to life. Jay Heinrichs is a New York Times bestselling author of Thank You For Arguing and is a persuasion and conflict consultant. Middlebury College has named him a Professor of the Practice in Rhetoric and Oratory. Jay has conducted influence strategy and training for clients as varied as Kaiser Permanente, Harvard, the European Speechwriters Association, Southwest Airlines, and NASA. He has overseen the remake and staff recruiting of more than a dozen magazines. Pick up a copy of Jay's latest book Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion: How Ancient Rhetoric, Taylor Swift, and Your Own Soul Can Help You Change Your Life Follow Jay on Instagram @JayHeinrichs and check out more of his work at www.jayheinrichs.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we turn to Epictetus, Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 10, where he begins with a powerful invitation:“Examine who you are. For you are capable of understanding the divine governance of the universe and of reasoning on what follows from that.”Epictetus, Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 10At the heart of this quote lies the Stoic call to self-knowledge. Epictetus reminds us that our first duty is not to chase success, fame, or wealth, but to understand ourselves. Only when we know who we are can we know how to live. This isn't abstract philosophy; it's an invitation to observe, question, and align our actions with our nature. In modern terms, it's about becoming aware of our beliefs, values, and reactions, the foundations of a meaningful life.Epictetus follows the example of Socrates, who famously said that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” The Stoics carried this Socratic insight further: by knowing ourselves, we come to understand nature itself. As Marcus Aurelius often reminded himself, we are fragments of the same Logos that governs the universe.This idea connects deeply with the three Stoic disciplines:Desire – wanting only what aligns with nature.Assent – judging impressions clearly and rationally.Action – behaving in a way that reflects our true character.Through self-examination, we cultivate harmony between what we think, desire, and do.Pause before reacting. When something triggers you, ask: Why does this affect me so strongly? What belief lies beneath my reaction?Reflect daily. Journal about your choices and emotions. What patterns do you see? What virtues guide your actions?Detach from labels. You are not your job, income, or reputation. You are the sum of your moral choices — your character revealed through action.For more, check out this related article with quotes on self-knowledge: https://viastoica.com/how-to-know-yourself/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

Psychologists, Theologians, Philosophers, Stoics, Scientists and a Bogan from Latrobe Valley have been trying to identify, understand and get-to-know the 'self' for millennia. With absolutely no qualifications or credibility, Tiff and I continue the exploration in - what can only be described as - a convergence of pseudo-science, psychology, humour, and complete conversational mayhem. If you're looking for some high-brow education, this is not the episode for you but I will say that the last five minutes might be the TYP moment that gets us pulled off the air. Funny though. Totally worth it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Stoics were not passive. They did impressive things. They were impressive people. They were fighters. But you know what? They, like the rest of us, sometimes got carried away, sometimes hung on too long, went after the wrong things.

In this episode I take on a listener question about gender roles and Stoicism — whether they exist, how the Stoics would have defined them, and what any of it means for modern relationships. We look closely at Musonius Rufus, the so-called “fourth head” of the Stoic school, who argued that women and men share reason, virtue, and moral responsibility in equal measure — but who also, being a man of his time, fell back on some outdated assumptions about what that equality should look like in practice. From there, I unpack how we can read those ancient ideas without either dismissing them or accepting them wholesale. What would a Stoic say about “fifty-fifty” relationships today, about who pays for dinner, or who does the dishes? We'll explore how justice and reason — not gender — define our roles, and how mutual care can guide modern partnerships without falling into pathos or ideology. Key takeaways from this episode include: Musonius Rufus saw virtue as genderless, even if his society didn't. Stoicism asks us to perform our chosen roles justly, not conform to old scripts. Rational partnership — not cultural expectation — is what makes a relationship Stoic. For an ad-free version of this podcast please visit https://stoicismpod.com/members For links to other valuable Stoic things, please visit https://links.stoicismpod.com If you'd like to provide feedback on this episode, or have questions, 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

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.What if love begins not with grand gestures, but with simple attention? In this episode, we explore the link between love, presence, and awareness — what philosopher Simone Weil called “attention.” In a distracted world, the Stoics remind us that attention is more than focus; it's a moral act, a form of love, and the foundation of a virtuous life.Drawing from the wisdom of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, this episode reflects on prosochē, the Stoic discipline of attention. Epictetus warns, “When you relax your attention for a while, do not fancy you will recover it whenever you please.” (Discourses, 4.12).For the Stoics, this wasn't about perfection, but about wakefulness. Attention trains the mind to notice impressions before they harden into judgments, to respond instead of react, and to live deliberately. Marcus Aurelius reminds himself: “Concentrate every minute like a Roman… on doing what's in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness.” (Meditations, 2.5). In other words, love life by truly being present in it.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:Examine your impressions – Pause before reacting. Notice your first impulse and ask: “Is this really good or bad, or just my opinion?”Practice deep listening – Give someone your full presence. Listen not to reply, but to understand.Anchor in the present – When your thoughts drift to the past or future, bring attention back to the task or person before you.Pause and breathe – When overwhelmed, take one slow breath and ask: “What deserves my attention right now?”In a time when our focus is scattered by screens, tasks, and constant noise, attention becomes an act of rebellion, and of love. It's how we connect with others, with nature, and with ourselves. Stoicism teaches that to live wisely is to live attentively: seeing what is, accepting it fully, and acting from virtue.By the end of this episode, you'll see that Stoicism isn't a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of living gratefully, wisely, and in harmony with what is.Listen to the full episode now and discover how attention can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Read the companion article: https://viastoica.com/what-is-prosocheSupport the show

Running isn't just good exercise, it's Stoicism in motion. In part two of Ryan's conversation with Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, they talk about how running mirrors the daily discipline of Stoic philosophy, the decline of expertise in modern life, the one decision Marcus Aurelius made that changed history, and what the Stoics might have gotten wrong.Nick Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023. In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine. He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.Check out Nick's new book The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of SportsFollow Nick on Instagram and X @NXThompson

Today is Halloween here in America, a holiday of fun and mischief for children—masks, candy, and staying up late. But tomorrow, in Mexico, begins Día de los Muertos, a holiday more aimed at adults and with deeper philosophical roots.

In a world of hypocrites, status worship, and fools masquerading as wise men, we need the clarity and courage the Stoics embodied.

In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil is joined by Dr. Kyle Dunham to explore the fascinating intersection between Stoic philosophy and biblical wisdom. Drawing from the teachings of ancient Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and modern interpreters such as Ryan Holiday, the conversation delves into seven core principles of Stoicism and compares them with insights from Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and Job.Learn More about DBTS at https://dbts.eduLearn More about the Rice Lecture Series at https://dbts.edu/rice

How do we persevere well? How do we persevere happily? Thankfully, we can look to the Stoics. The Stoics not only wrote about how to persevere, they used Stoicism to persevere in the face of plagues, exiles, imprisonment, and wars. You can read this article here: https://dailystoic.com/perseverance/

Life is unpredictable, but what if you could face every challenge with unshakable strength and clarity? In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh dives into Stoicism and shares seven key lessons from the ancient philosophy, inspired by Ryan Holiday and “The Daily Stoic.” From avoiding unnecessary suffering to breaking free from the victim mindset, Darius unpacks timeless wisdom from Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and more. Tune in for a deep dive into how Stoic principles can help you navigate life with resilience, self-awareness, and purpose. In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Stoicism and Personal Journey (01:27) Seven Stoic Principles for a Better Life (02:48) The Importance of Not Complaining (05:14) Avoiding Comparison with Others (07:37) The Power of Listening (10:29) Judgment and Empathy (12:51) Finding Balance and Temperance (16:45) Energy and Living a Good Life (18:39) Reflections on Life Experiences Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.  Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.  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

This lecture discusses key ideas from the ancient Stoic philosopher Seneca's Letters, this one looking at Letter 109 It focuses specifically on whether or not a wise person, according to the Stoics, would want or need to be involved with other people, particularly other wise people, to which his answer (perhaps surprisingly to some) is yes. He provides some reasonings for the position he articulates on this, including how the wise person, despite in a strict sense not needing anything or anyone else, will nevertheless desire to share their life with others, and will also benefit from the advice and fellowship of other wise people. 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 Purchase Seneca's Letters - amzn.to/2Myx6os

Todd Sattersten brings over 20 years of experience in nonfiction book publishing, and is the author of "The 100 Best Books for Work and Life." He's also the publisher at Bard Press and has dedicated his career to helping leaders navigate the overwhelming world of business literature. In this episode, Todd reveals how he curated 100 essential books into 25 problem-focused chapters, moving beyond traditional business categories to address both professional and personal challenges leaders face. He explains why growth comes from believing change is possible and how daily effort accumulates into meaningful progress.  Todd discusses the shift from data-heavy business books toward more introspective, permission-giving literature that acknowledges the chaotic nature of modern leadership. Todd discusses the difficulty of finding quality fiction with positive leadership examples and his preference for books that help readers ask different questions rather than provide step-by-step formulas. Todd concludes by stressing the importance of reading with intention, distinguishing between reading for entertainment versus insight, and building sustainable reading habits that focus on addressing real challenges rather than collecting impressive quotes. Listen to discover how to navigate information overload, identify truly transformative books, and develop the reading habits that separate effective leaders from those who simply accumulate knowledge. You can find episode 482 on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Watch this Episode on YouTube |   Key Takeaways [03:42] Todd explains his selection process started with 60-70 known books, then Todd describes how the 25 topics emerged naturally from the books themselves - goal setting, habits, leadership, relationships, motivation. [06:48] Todd identifies two key patterns to accumulate people's consistent actions: "growth comes from the belief that change is possible" and "daily effort matters." [13:28] Todd explains that great books redefine problems to create different solutions, citing examples like focusing on better customers rather than better products. [16:02] Todd reveals he's nervous about trendy books, especially about companies or leaders that don't hold up over time. [20:51] Todd believes people recognize tremendous value in listening to work others have already done, whether from Stoics, Buddhists, or other traditions. [23:50] Todd emphasizes reading requires choosing between entertainment versus insight, asking "how will I act differently after reading this." [27:03] Todd explains the data-heavy book trend came from 30 years of neuroscience research but now sees a shift toward permission-giving books. [31:50] Todd identifies "Your Brain at Work" by David Rock as his top pick for explaining brain function limitations. [35:40] Todd describes "Reboot" by Jerry Colonna as transformative for connecting personal stories to leadership effectiveness. [39:17] Todd concludes by encouraging leaders to "build a habit of reading" since most successful leaders are readers. [40:09] And remember…”The things I want to know are in books. My best friend is the man who will get me a book I ain't read.” - Abraham Lincoln.   Quotable Quotes “Growth comes from the belief that change is possible.” “Daily effort matters.” “A different way to define the problem creates a different way to solve the problem.” “If you don't understand the stories that you have about yourself, then you can't possibly be the best possible leader.” “Fiction can provide a really great perspective.” “The work is internal most of the time. It's not, hey, I need to go fix some business thing.” “Leadership is a journey of growth.” “A book still does something that almost every other art form doesn't do.” “The people who understand the value of books understand there's a tremendous value in listening to the work others have already done.” “Identifying a set of effective solutions… that's what leaders need.” “Please build a habit of reading. I can't think of a better habit for a leader.”   These are the books mentioned in this episode   Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | Sponsored by | Rafti Advisors. LLC | Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | Todd Sattersten Website | Todd Sattersten LinkedIn | Todd Sattersten Instagram |  

In a world filled with distractions and endless desires, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But what if the answers to living a more meaningful life were already written in ancient wisdom? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh delves deep into the teachings of Stoicism and how they can help us live with intention and purpose. Drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of figures like Marcus Aurelius, he shares insights on how to reduce anxiety, focus on what truly matters, and show up as the best version of ourselves every single day. In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Anxiety and Stoicism (02:46) Marcus Aurelius on Perception and Anxiety (06:07) Epictetus: Imagined Anxieties vs. Real Problems (09:04) Seneca: The Power of Imagination (11:53) Living in the Present: True Happiness (14:48) Nature's Control and Personal Responsibility (17:47) Practical Tools for Managing Anxiety The 10-Second-Rule Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/307-the-10-second-rule/id1555334180?i=1000673543121  Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.  Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.  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

Today we talk about two famous critiques of Stoicism. One by Friedrich Nietzsche who thought the Stoics weren't life affirming enough and so rob themselves of some of the best parts of life. The other by Arthur Schopenhauer who thought the Stoics were too life-affirming of worldly things to ever reach a deep understanding of things. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Quince: https://www.QUINCE.com/pt Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help.  Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis  Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Practical ways to lead a good life.  Kieran Setiya is the Peter de Florez Professor of Philosophy at MIT, where he works on ethics and related questions about human agency and human knowledge. He is the author of Midlife: A Philosophical Guide and Life Is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way. He also maintains a Substack newsletter, Under the Net. In this episode we talk about: How Kieran became interested in practical philosophy (and philosophy more generally) A brief history of philosophy  The connection between philosophy and self-help Whether Buddhism is a philosophy? The upside of missing out (as opposed to FOMO)  Kieran's mild beef with the Stoics techniques for dealing with grief and loss  Why living well is not the same as feeling happy The connection between Plato, Aristotle and contemporary influencers today  How to deal with physical adversity  Navigating failure  Kieran's case for meditation  Operationalizing the cliché of “enjoying the process” rather than the outcome How to deal with the injustices of the world Join Dan's online community here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel   On Sunday, September 21st from 1-5pm ET, join Dan and Leslie Booker at the New York Insight Meditation Center in NYC as they lead a workshop titled, "Heavily Meditated – The Dharma of Depression + Anxiety." This event is both in-person and online. Sign up here! Get ready for another Meditation Party at Omega Institute! This in-person workshop brings together Dan with his friends and meditation teachers, Sebene Selassie, Jeff Warren, and for the first time, Ofosu Jones-Quartey. The event runs October 24th-26th. Sign up and learn more here! SPONSORS: Bumble: Thinking about dating again? Take this as your sign and start your love story on Bumble.    AT&T: Staying connected matters. That's why AT&T has connectivity you can depend on, or they will proactively make it right. Visit att.com/guarantee for details. Function: Our first 1000 listeners get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/Happier or use the gift code Happier100 at signup to own your health. To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris