Like it says. See you May 6th, Prokoptôn. Take care until then!

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Anya Leonard, creator of Classical Wisdom and Classical Wisdom for kids, is filling in for me today because my wife and I just had our first baby, THIS MORNING, and Anya is a dear friend who wants to help ensure I get a "paternity" leave. Thanks Anya!

Everyone, please check out https://classicalwisdom.com to learn more about Anya, the First Philosophers, and other cool stuff from the Classical Age.

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Apparently this episode got uploaded only in part. I'm sorry it took me nearly a month to realize it (been busy with the new baby), but this is the full episode. Thanks for letting me know and for being patient.

In today's episode of "Practical Stoicism," I tackle the deeply personal and often challenging topic of improving self-esteem. At its core, low self-esteem is a lack of self-approval, a revelation that can evoke a powerful emotional response in many of us. As we delve into this subject, I guide you through an introspective journey, starting with the acknowledgment of our self-disapproval and moving towards understanding and eventually overcoming these feelings. By differentiating the aspects of ourselves that we disapprove of for our own reasons versus those influenced by external expectations, we embark on a path to genuine self-acceptance. This episode not only seeks to deepen your understanding of self-esteem from a Stoic perspective but also to provide practical steps towards cultivating a healthier relationship with yourself.

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Umberto Eco's "On Ugliness": https://amzn.eu/d/7ASfkXw

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In today's episode of "Practical Stoicism," I explore the concept of living simply, not in the sense of minimalism as it's often portrayed—with a focus on physical belongings and a Scandinavian design aesthetic—but in the realm of simplifying our thoughts and, by extension, our lives. While Stoicism isn't about adopting an aesthetic of minimalism, it does advocate for simplicity over complexity in many aspects of life. I delve into how living simply, in a Stoic sense, means focusing on what truly matters, reducing unnecessary mental clutter that leads to physical clutter. By reflecting on Seneca's admiration for Scipio Africanus's modest bathhouse, I illustrate the beauty of simplicity and the Stoic pursuit of focusing on essentials. This episode challenges contemporary culture's superficial grasp of ancient philosophies and invites you to embrace true simplicity by prioritizing virtue and rational choices over material excess.

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Letter 86 from Seneca: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_86

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Who is the current Roman Emperor? Okay, so the Roman Empire no longer exists -- but if it did, who would have rightful claim to the throne?

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In this practical episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the critical art of forming good habits, a cornerstone of personal growth and self-improvement. Starting with a deep dive into the nature of bad habits—those that are not chemical addictions or compulsions but rather result from habituated choices—I draw from the profound insights of Epictetus on the realms of choice and control.

I emphasize that our actions and behaviors are within our grasp, aiming to guide you through the transformative process of becoming your best self by making deliberate choices. By clearly distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, I set the stage for overcoming undesirable habits.

With wisdom from Chrysippus and practical strategies for reshaping our behavior, this episode offers a Stoic roadmap to replace chronic behaviors with virtuous habits, guiding you on a transformative journey towards self-discipline and enlightened character development.

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In this enlightening episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the profound realization that the search for purpose and meaning in life becomes increasingly urgent as we age. I explore the journey from the invincibility felt in youth to the mature quest for fulfillment, highlighting the importance of discovering a purpose that transcends the expectations of others. Drawing on the wisdom of Stoic philosophy and the teachings of Epictetus and Agrippinus, I've come to understand that true purpose is a deeply personal voyage towards enlightenment, free from the constraints of conformity and rebellion. Join me as I navigate the path to uncovering our individual essence through the lens of Stoicism, offering insights into how to lead a life marked by virtue and excellence.

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Ladies and gentlemen, A.A. Long. The man responsible for Stoicism's contemporary revival.

We talk about free will, Zeno's criterion of truth, virtue ethics beyond the Classical period, and more.

I hope you enjoy this special episode.

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In today's episode, we embark on a Stoic journey to manage anger, exploring how Stoicism provides practical tools for transforming our emotional responses. I delve into the Stoic distinctions between proto-emotions and assented-to emotions, illustrating how understanding these concepts can empower us to master our anger. By examining the role of impressions and the importance of not hastily giving assent, I share insights on how we can approach life's challenges with a calm and rational mindset. Join me as we discover Stoicism's timeless wisdom for managing anger and leading a more harmonious life.

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In today's episode, I delve into the pervasive issue of procrastination, a mental health symptom that seems to afflict us all in various degrees. From the stress of not being able to afford housing to the pressures of societal expectations, procrastination can manifest in many forms.

The Stoics, with their practical philosophy, offered a solution to procrastination through the concept of Memento Mori, or "remember that you must die." By confronting our mortality, we're reminded of the limited time we have and are encouraged to act accordingly. However, as I explore in the episode, simply reminding ourselves of death doesn't always translate into action.

We discuss the societal obsession with productivity and the relentless pursuit of efficiency, which often leads to burnout and anxiety. Despite our efforts to maximize productivity, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of endless tasks and obligations, with little time for genuine relaxation or self-reflection.

But there's a way out of this cycle. By redefining our priorities and embracing a mindset focused on virtue rather than productivity, we can reclaim control of our time and lives. This involves recognizing the inherent value of rest, leisure, and personal fulfillment, rather than constantly striving for external measures of success.

Ultimately, the key lies in two practices: Memento Mori, as a gentle reminder of life's finite nature, and the creation of a plan to guide our actions and priorities. With these tools, we can navigate the complexities of modern life with clarity and purpose, free from the burden of endless productivity.

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In this episode I delve into the painful experience of losing a relationship, particularly one that we didn't want to end. I highlight the acute distress caused by breakups, where someone actively chooses to leave, unlike death, which is inevitable and beyond anyone's control. I discuss how Stoicism-inspired reasoning can help alleviate the pain of heartache and navigate through the grief that follows a breakup.

I emphasize the concept of "indifferents" in Stoicism, things that have no power over our ability to choose virtuously. These indifferents prompt us to make choices, but they do not dictate the choices we ultimately make.

The episode clarifies the distinction between "indifferents" and "indifference," explaining that Stoics do not treat indifferents with indifference. Rather, they carefully consider how their choices regarding indifferents reflect their character and virtue.

Furthermore, Stoic role ethics are introduced, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's roles in life responsibly. The host explains that heartache can hinder our ability to fulfill our roles effectively and underscores the need to address heartache as an indifferent that could impede our progress toward cultivating a good character.

Practical steps for coping with heartbreak are provided, including acceptance, understanding that another person's unhappiness does not define your worth, focusing on fulfilling other roles in life, and practicing self-care.

Overall, the episode offers a Stoic perspective on navigating the emotional turmoil of heartbreak with rationality and self-care, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting indifferents while striving to fulfill one's roles in life responsibly.

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