Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Sunday Stoic

Steve and Dan present an abbreviated version of Lecture 5, and discuss whether cultivating Virtue is best brought about through the study of theory, or putting basic philosophical principles into practice every day.

Many people who study philosophy favor reading a great deal of philosophical theory and give little thought to practical application in life, for example, what is done in modern academic philosophy departments. Folks who think Wisdom is attainable solely through exposure to wise thoughts through written or lecture format have been with us for a long time, going back at least as far as the Sophists of the ancient world.

https://archive.org/stream/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS_djvu.txt

In this rebroadcast, we revisit the trial of Socrates—a pivotal moment in the history of Western civilization and a powerful influence on the Stoic tradition. Facing accusations, judgment, and ultimately death, Socrates offers an enduring example of courage, integrity, and commitment to principle.

Steve and Dan continue their journey through the lectures of Musonius Rufus. In this episode, they discuss Lecture 04, "Should Daughters Receive the Same Education as Sons." In Lecture 03, Musonius Rufus argued that women were equally capable as men in Reason and capacity to pursue Virtue. In Lecture 04, Musonius argued that women should receive the same philosophical education as men, and why.

Steve and Dan continue the journey through the lectures of Musonius Rufus. This is the third lecture, "That Women Too Should Study Philosophy." In it, Musonius argues that women should study philosophy because, just like men, they have been gifted by Nature / God with Reason.

Steve and Dan discuss the second lecture of Musonius Rufus, That Humanity is Born with an Inclination Toward Virtue. Musonius Rufus argues that humanity is born with the seeds of Virtue present in the fiber of our being.

Steve and Dan discuss the first lecture of Musonius Rufus, "That There is No Need of Giving Many Proofs for One Problem." Musonius Rufus argues that rather than endless proofs of philosophical concepts, it is better to provide a few lucid and powerful proofs, enough to convince the student of the truth of the claims being presented. Musonius further argued that it is of the utmost importance that the teacher of philosophy not only be able to utter truthful and impactful aphorisms, but he must also put what he says into practice so as to be a good example to his students and avoid being a hypocrite.

https://archive.org/stream/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS/MUSONIUSRUFUSSTOICFRAGMENTS_djvu.txt

What makes a true friend? This week, Marcus Aurelius reminds us that we exist for one another, while Seneca argues that genuine friendship is an act of virtue—not a transaction based on convenience or personal gain. Join us as we explore what it means to become the kind of friend who remains loyal in hardship, gives without expecting a return, and helps strengthen the human hive. After all, the truest test of friendship isn't what we receive, but what we're willing to give.

Steve and Dan discuss Seneca's Letter 95, "On the Usefulness of Basic Principles." Are precepts, rules and lists of do's and don'ts sufficient to live a good life? Or do we need doctrine, a philosophical framework through which you can evaluate every sense impression and develop an impulse to appropriate action?

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_95

Dan discusses how the contemplation of Cosmic Flux can reduce anxiety, put the importance of events into perspective, and help us break free from ruminations on the past and feelings of anxiety about the future. Also ... beavers!

This week on The Sunday Stoic, we're joined by Daniel Strain, founder of the Spiritual Naturalist Society and former Executive Director of the Society, for a thought-provoking conversation exploring the intersection of Stoicism, Spiritual Naturalism, Humanism, and Buddhism. Together we examine how these philosophical traditions can help us cultivate wisdom, compassion, resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world without relying on supernatural beliefs.

Whether you're a practicing Stoic, a Humanist, or simply curious about finding meaning through reason and nature, this episode offers an engaging discussion on living a thoughtful and flourishing life.

🎥 Prefer to watch? This episode is also available in video format.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Spiritual Naturalist Society: https://www.snsociety.org/
• Stoicism and Compassion: https://www.snsociety.org/compassion/
• British court ruling recognizing Stoicism as a protected philosophical belief: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8962815/Stoicism-recognised-religion-landmark-legal-ruling.html
• Daniel Strain's Stoic Emblem and the story behind its design: http://humanistcontemplativeblog.blogspot.com/

If you enjoy conversations that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life, be sure to subscribe and share the episode with a friend.

Steve and Dan discuss Seneca's Letter 105, wherein Seneca has advice for how to lead a more tranquil life. Seneca describes how to minimize other people's envy, hatred, fear and contempt, so as to have a smooth flow of life.

Stoicism often gets a reputation for being stern and unyielding, but the ancient Stoics never intended us to become detached spectators of our own lives. Their goal was to help us engage more deeply with the world around us. In this episode, we talk about the importance of balancing philosophy with joy—getting out there, making memories, appreciating the people we love, and living a full and meaningful life.

This week I’m revisiting a conversation with my former colleague Dr. Ben Waggoner, who joined me to explore his translation of the Hávamál. This Old Norse poem—preserved in medieval Iceland—offers a blend of practical wisdom, sharp observations about human nature, and guidance for living well. In our discussion, Ben walks us through the cultural background of the text, the challenges of translating Old Norse, and the surprising ways the Hávamál echoes themes familiar to students of Stoicism.

If you’d like to hear more from Ben, you can find his podcast Heathen History at: https://www.heathenhistory.com/

His translations of Old Norse and related works are available through The Troth:https://www.thetroth.org/shop/books-and-magazines.html

In this episode, Dan discusses the Stoic Spiritual Exercise of Circumscribing the Present. Dan describes how Circumscribing the Present can:

- Ensure we do not suffer more than is necessary,

- Help us in moments when circumstances are threatening to overwhelm us, and

- Help us to be more effective actors in the world while we are fulfilling our social roles through appropriate action.

Dan also touches on how Circumscribing the Present intersects with other Stoic practices and concepts like Prosoche and the Dichotomy of Control.

Steve and Dan discuss the Stoic practice of Voluntary Hardship (aka Voluntary Discomfort and Voluntary Suffering), which is physical discomfort that we choose to expose ourselves to for the purpose of improving ourselves.  Voluntary Hardship is implemented for practice in the Discipline of Desire & Aversion with a view to cultivating the Cardinal Virtues of Temperance and Courage. Examples of Voluntary Hardship include things like fasting, confining beverage consumption to water, wearing light clothing in cold weather, strenuous exercise, and foregoing other pleasures, among many others.

Steve and Dan discuss Diogenes the Dog (aka Diogenes of Sinope), who founded the Cynic movement, and was a precursor of the Stoic school. Some of the most important Stoic concepts come to Stoicism though Diogenes.  For example, Living According to Nature, Virtue is the Only Good, and Cosmopolitanism. Steve and Dan discuss their favorite Diogenes the Dog anecdotes, who was an undeniably shocking and revolutionary thinker.

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In this episode, Steve and Dan discuss the Stoic concept of Amor Fati (Love Your Fate). They explore whether Amor Fati is tenable under different conceptions of Divine Providence.

Dan expands on the discussion regarding Marriage and Stoicism that began in Part 1. Dan begins by presenting the position of Musonius Rufus that it is the duty of a Stoic practitioner to marry and have children, and then presents his reasons to disagree with that position. Dan goes on to discuss how the Stoic Spiritual Exercises of Prosoche and Memento Mori relate to marriage. He also expands the discussion regarding the importance of evaluating the character of the person you are choosing as a spouse-to-be, and why it is important to avoid choosing a spouse based on their Externals, like their beauty, wealth, power, influence, prestige, etc.

In this continuation of Mary Miller’s interview on The Sunday Stoic, Steve and Mary explore how Stoic philosophy can shape courage, leadership, parenting, resilience, and moral clarity in the modern world. Drawing from her father’s deeply practical wisdom, Mary shares unforgettable stories from her childhood, her groundbreaking career in the nuclear Navy, and the hard-earned lessons that taught her to lead with integrity under pressure.

The conversation weaves together the teachings of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and James Stockdale with real-life experiences involving bullying, authority, toxic workplaces, emotional discipline, religion, and the importance of protecting one’s mind from manipulation and social pressure.

Mary reflects on tactical Stoicism in high-stakes naval environments, explains how practical wisdom is learned through struggle rather than theory, and discusses how parents can model virtue through their actions instead of merely preaching it. The episode also explores the dangers of modern “brainwashing” through media and social influence, the importance of choosing one’s battles wisely, and how true leadership often means creating safety and accountability for others.

This episode is a profound meditation on Stoic virtues—wisdom, justice, temperance, and courage—and how ancient philosophy can still guide us through the chaos of modern life.

In this deeply personal episode of The Sunday Stoic, Steve sits down with engineer, Navy captain, and consultant Mary Miller to explore the profound influence of her father — an Air Force fighter pilot, test pilot, engineer, and quiet Stoic philosopher.

Through unforgettable porch conversations, Mary’s father taught her timeless lessons about character, responsibility, freedom, and choosing one’s own path in life. From survival school wisdom about “owning your mind” to lessons on picking battles, mastering your craft, and becoming a “citizen of the universe,” this episode reveals how Stoic philosophy can be lived and passed down through everyday parenting.

Mary shares stories of growing up in the 1960s as a girl determined to become an engineer, inspired by a father who believed that what matters most is not what you do, but who you choose to become. Along the way, listeners will hear reflections on Marcus Aurelius, Musonius Rufus, courage, independence, and the lifelong pursuit of meaningful work.

This is an episode about mentorship, resilience, identity, and the rare kind of wisdom that shapes a life forever.

Steve and Dan explore the topic of marriage as it relates to Stoicism. What did the ancient Stoics have to say on the topic of marriage? Do Stoic practitioners have a duty to marry? To have children? How much of what the ancient Stoics had to say regarding marriage is still persuasive in the 21st century?

In this classic episode, Dr. Benjamin Rider joins the show to discuss the similarities between the ancient philosophy of Daoism and Stoic Philosophy

The fear of death has haunted humans for as long as we’ve been able to imagine the future. The early Stoics knew this, and they insisted that learning to face mortality with clarity—not panic—is one of the first steps toward real freedom. This week, we open the worn pages of Marcus Aurelius’ journal to explore how he wrestled with anxiety, impermanence, and the stories the mind invents when we’re afraid.

Marcus doesn’t offer melodrama or mysticism. Instead, he gives us three grounded reminders:

1. Death is natural—as natural as fruit ripening and falling. What is natural is not to be feared.

2. Stay with the present moment—most of our suffering comes from imagination, not reality.

3. There is nothing to dread—either death is a peaceful end of sensation, or a transition into another form of life.

In this episode, we’ll unpack these ideas and consider how they can help us live with more courage, calm, and purpose today. All readings come from the 1896 translation of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Carnivore diet? Vegetarian diet? Vegan Diet? This week Dan and Steve discuss how to eat like a Stoic? Also, check out this recipe for Zeno Stew!

https://eatshistory.com/zenos-stoic-lentil-soup-a-taste-of-ancient-greek-philosophy/gan Diet?

In this episode, Dan Monks and Sean O'Connor act out a Socratic dialogue, wherein they explore how to behave appropriately when you are in the employ of a tyrant. The dialogue takes place circa 200 CE, but unfortunately, for many this scenario is not a hypothetical in our own time. Dan and Sean touch upon Living According to Nature, human nature, the universal human role, acquired roles, using role models to provide inspiration for appropriate action, and the Premeditatio Malorum spiritual exercise.

References:

Aurelius, Marcus (1916), Meditations:

https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius_(Haines_1916)

Cicero(1914), De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum: https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_ufOZBzV878IC/mode/2up

Cicero (1913), De Officiis: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/47001

Diogenes Laertius (1915), Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/57342

Epictetus (1904), Discourses: https://archive.org/details/discrsepictetus00epiciala/page/n5/mode/2up

Epictetus (1948), Enchiridion: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/45109/pg45109.txt

Homer, Iliad: https://classics.mit.edu/Homer/iliad.html

Sellars, John (2003), The Art of Living, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, New York City and London.

Seneca (1918), Moral Letters to Lucilius: https://en.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius

Stobaeus (1824), Florilegium: https://archive.org/details/joannisstobaeif00gaisgoog

Steve and Dan complete their journey through Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes. In this episode they discuss the sixth Stoic Paradox - That the Wise Man Alone is Rich.

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Steve and Dan discuss the fourth and fifth of Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes, #4: That Every Fool is a Madman, and #5: That the Wiseman Alone is Free, and That Every Fool is a Slave.

Steve and Dan discuss the third of Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes - All Vice is Equal, and all Virtue is Equal. The Ancient Stoics held that all Vice / inappropriate actions were equal in value and likewise, all Virtue / appropriate actions were equal in value.  Do you agree or disagree?     

Steve and Dan discuss the second of Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes - Virtue is Sufficient for Happiness. The Ancient Stoics held that Virtue is all that is necessary for happiness.  How and why?  After all, aren’t wealth, prestige, and other External things also necessary to have the good life?    

In this episode, Steve and Dan discuss the first of Cicero's Stoic Paradoxes - Virtue is the Only Good. To know what to pursue in life, you must first know what is good. What did the Stoics say was the Good? Virtue, and Virtue alone.

A rebroadcast of an early episode where I had a chance to chat with the brilliant Brittany Polat about Stoicism and parenting. Check out her book Tranquility Parenting here https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-Pa...Brittany also has a website! https://www.brittanypolat.com/

Dan explores the Reserve Clause in this episode and how it is a vital technique to pursue the Cardinal Virtue of Justice while mitigating the Passions of Anger and Fear.  The Reserve Clause relates to the cultivation of Justice, Temperance, and Courage.  The episode explores how the Reserve Clause relates to the Discipline of Action, and the Discipline of Desire and Aversion.  Dan also briefly discusses Cicero’s Archer, and how Christianity and Islam make use of the Reserve Clause.

Steve and Dan complete their journey through the Cardinal Virtues. This week they discuss Prudence / Practical Wisdom, and the Discipline of Assent

Steve and Dan continue their journey through the CardinalVirtues. This week they discuss Justice. Humans are inherently social animals, and Justice governs how we appropriately interact with each other. 

In this supplemental episode, Dan clarifies why he does not think military service in the USA is a prudent life choice in the present moment.

Steve and Dan continue their journey through the Cardinal Virtues. This week they discuss Courage / Fortitude. Of what use is knowing what the appropriate and Just act would be, if we lack the Courage to do the right thing?

Happiness is a byproduct of living virtuously.  In this episode, Steve and Dan discuss how to cultivate the cardinal virtue of Temperance.

What did Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, have to say about happiness, living according to nature, and achieving a smooth flow of life?  Steve and Dan discuss happiness from the perspective of the Stoics

In this rebroadcast, Donald Robertson joins the podcast to discuss his new graphic novel Verissimus. This graphic novel follows the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. We discuss the writing process, the life of Marcus Aurelius and Donald's new project Plato's Academy Center. https://platosacademy.org/

In this classic episode Dr. Kevin Vost joins the show to discuss the crossroads that connect Stoic philosophy and Christianity.

In this re-released episode, Ryan hosts the show and discusses New Year's Resolutions

Its the time of year when we all make, then break New Year's resolutions. What are a few good Stoic resolutions and how can we stick to them? In this classic episode Steve Discusses Stoic themed resolutions.

Moral Letters to Lucilius: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_16https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_83https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_120

 What do we do when we encounter the shamelessness of others?  What did the Ancient Stoics advise? 

Shame tends to be looked on as a negative emotion in our society, but can it sometimes be useful? This week Dan and Steve explore the Stoic view of Shame and guilt. 

Unlike the Epicureans, Stoics are called to be part of the whole. All is one, we are part of the body of the Cosmos, let's make sure we are a good part! 

How would a Stoic handle being wronged by others? This episode explores how Stoics respond when wronged—transforming insults and injustice into exercises in virtue. 

Steve reflects on Thanksgiving, family, history, and the importance of the present moment. 

 This week, in honor of Thanksgiving, Dan discusses themes of gratitude found in Stoicism. 

 Death is inevitable and when it takes a loved one by surprise, the grief can be devastating.  It is good to have been preparing for that moment in advance, so as to lessen the potentially devastating impact.  

One way to ensure you make progress is to list out your basic rules for life. In this episode I go over my 10 rules for living. 
I will revere Nature

I will not conceal the truth

I will not not compare myself to others

I cannot control events, so I must control yourself

I will strive to subdue my passions

I will strive for arete in all that I do

I will honor those who have nurtured me and ensure that I nurture others 

I will place family before all else

I will be present in all that I do

 I will never stop learning