Occasional reflections on the wisdom of Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers with Prof. Massimo Pigliucci. Complete index by author and source at https://massimopigliucci.org/stoic-podcast/. (cover art by Marek Škrabák; original music by Ian Jolin-Rasmussen). Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/support
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Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 1 day 23 hours 40 minutes
episode 3: 395. Have you changed your mind yet?
Epictetus bluntly tells us that if we have not been affected by philosophy and have not changed our mind about something important as a result of it, we are simply playing a game. So, has philosophy changed your mind yet?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/supportepisode 394: 394. Have you taken the easy step yet?
Seneca says that being able to do without luxuries is but a small and easy step toward virtue. And yet so many of us have much trouble taking that step. Have you?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/supportepisode 393: 393. The difference between thinking and worrying
Seneca advises Lucilius to think, but not to worry, about the future. It is reasonable to plan for things to come and to act in the best way possible. So long as we don't delude ourselves into thinking that we actually control outcomes.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/supportepisode 392: 392. In a little time you will be like Hadrian and Augustus
Marcus Aurelius takes the long view of things in order to remind himself that whatever troubles us so much right now will soon be over, one way or another. This isn't nihilism, but rather the conscious adoption of a healthier perspective on human affairs.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/support391. Pick your virtue buddy
Think of practicing philosophy as going to the gym: sure, you can do a lot on your own. But if you choose a good partner to keep you focused on the task, you'll see more steady improvement. So, who's your virtue buddy?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/supportepisode 390: 390. Thus the study of wisdom has become the study of words
Seneca says that some people are interested in studying philosophy not to improve their souls, but to sharpen their wits. Time to reflect on what, exactly, we are doing and why.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/support389. Consider vegetarianism
Seneca says that we have enough sustenance without resorting to blood, and that a habit of cruelty is formed whenever butchery is practiced for pleasure. Something to meditate on a bit.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/supportepisode 388: 388. On the best way to resist temptation
Seneca and Epictetus agree: the best way to resist temptation is to avoid it altogether, because it's hard to practice temperance, at least initially. Modern cognitive science agrees.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/supportepisode 387: 387. The fortune of everyone is molded by their character
Cicero explains a classic Stoic paradox: only the wise person is free, while everyone else is a slave. To what? To externals that they think are indispensable for their happiness, and yet lay outside of their control.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/support386. The true hearer is ravished and stirred by the beauty of the subject matter, not by the jingle of empty words
Seneca briefly tells us both how to approach philosophy, and how not to. Are you a passive consumer of the stuff, or are you looking to become a better human being?
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stoicmeditations/support