Practical Stoicism – Details, episodes & analysis

In today’s episode, we explore Meditations 2.2 by Marcus Aurelius, diving into the Stoic understanding of our bodies, the concept of the “god” in Stoicism, and the relationship between our physical body, life-sustaining breath, and rational mind. Marcus identifies these three parts of the human being and challenges us to take control of the only one we can—the governing self, or rational mind. We also touch on the Stoic concept of Logos, the naturalistic “god” that underpins the universe, and discuss the Stoic perspective on the body as a temporary vessel on loan from the universe. Finally, we delve into the importance of not letting our minds be controlled by selfish impulses or distractions, emphasizing the Stoic practice of paying attention to our thoughts and actions as the path to living a virtuous life. Meditation Quoted: “This whatever it is that I am, is flesh and vital spirit and the governing self. Disdain the flesh: blood and bones and network, a twisted skein of nerves, veins, arteries. Consider also what the vital spirit is: a current of air, not even continuously the same, but every hour being expelled and sucked in again. There is then a third part, the governing self. Put away your books, be distracted no longer, they are not your portion. Rather, as if on the point of death, reflect like this: 'you are an old man, suffer this governing part of you no longer to be in bondage, no longer to be a puppet pulled by selfish impulse, no longer to be indignant with what is allotted in the present or to suspect what is allotted in the future.'” (Meditations, 2.2) -- Go ad-free : https://stoicismpod.com/members Follow the print publication : https://stoicismpod.com/print Take the free course : https://understandingstoicism.com Order my book : https://stoicismpod.com/book Source Text : https://stoicismpod.com/far Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first episode of Season 2, we dive into one of my favorite meditations from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.1. I’ll be using the Farquharson translation throughout this season, and today, I’m excited to get started. Meditation Quoted: "Say to yourself in the early morning: I shall meet today inquisitive, ungrateful, violent, treacherous, envious, uncharitable men. All these things have come upon them through ignorance of real good and ill. But I, because I have seen that the nature of good is the right, and of ill the wrong, and that the nature of the man himself who does wrong is akin to my own (not of the same blood and seed, but partaking with me in mind, that is in a portion of divinity), I can neither be harmed by any of them, for no man will involve me in wrong, nor can I be angry with my kinsman or hate him; for we have come into the world to work together, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of upper and lower teeth. To work against one another therefore is to oppose Nature, and to be vexed with another or to turn away from him is to tend to antagonism." -- (Meditations, 2.1) In this episode, I explore how Marcus’s reflection captures the essence of Stoicism by reminding us of the importance of viewing others with compassion, even when they act out of ignorance. We are all striving toward Virtue, and acknowledging our shared imperfections can foster a deeper sense of unity and purpose. I also discuss the Stoic concepts of Virtue, the Unity of Virtue, and the idea that no one does wrong knowingly. These ideas challenge us to reconsider our judgments of others and ourselves, recognizing that everyone is acting from their own perceived understanding of what is right—even if that understanding is flawed. Finally, I leave you with two questions to ponder and discuss in the comments: How well do you balance your service to the greater good with your own personal well-being? And how do you manage the conflict between your higher ideals and the distractions of daily life? -- Go ad-free : https://stoicismpod.com/members Follow the print publication : https://stoicismpod.com/print Take the free course : https://understandingstoicism.com Order my book : https://stoicismpod.com/book Source Text : https://stoicismpod.com/far Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I discuss the relationship between Stoicism and environmental responsibility. I emphasize that caring for the environment is not a political issue but a fundamental aspect of Stoic philosophy. I explore the Stoic belief in living in harmony with Nature, highlighting that Stoicism requires us to make morally just choices that respect the natural world. I explain that freedom, according to the Stoics, is the discipline to make virtuous choices that align with Nature's order. I challenge listeners to consider their personal impact on the environment, such as the necessity of driving heavily polluting vehicles and the environmental cost of importing exotic foods out of season. Drawing from Stoic teachings, I urge prioritizing rational and ethical behavior over personal convenience and luxury. This episode encourages reflection on how to reconcile actions with Stoic values and make thoughtful, virtue-driven decisions regarding environmental issues. -- Become a Patron : https://stoicismpod.com/members Download the daily app : https://stoicism260.com Subscribe to the Newsletter : https://practicalstoicism.net Enroll in the course : https://understandingstoicism.com Order my book : https://stoicismpod.com/book Join the Society of Stoics : https://societyofstoics.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, you! Yeah you; you thankless philosopher! Have you been grateful to your King lately? -- #1: Become a premium subscriber and get rid of ads : https://practicalstoicism.supportingcast.fm #2: Visit our store but buy some stuff : https://shop.stoicismpod.com #3: Attend some of our live workshops (or watch the replays) : https://actualstoicism.com #4: Subscribe to our free Substack : https://stoicismpod.substack.com #5: Join our free Discord community : https://stoicismpod.com/discord #6: Join our Stoic Journaling Program : https://link.stoicismpod.com/journaling -- Online copy of Meditations (Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-long Online copy of Meditations (Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubon Online copy of Meditations (Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson Online copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters -- Sponsor InsideTracker : https://insidetracker.com/stoicism Sponsor Neurohacker : https://neurohacker.com/practical Sponsor AG1 : https://athleticgreens.com/practical Sponsor BetterHelp : https://betterhelp.com/stoicism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you take credit for your deeds? Do you note them down in a sort of "Virtue ledger"? I think most of us do from time to time. In today's meditation, Marcus encourages himself (and us) to be more like a grape vine. Which will only make sense if you listen. -- Try 3 Fit Theory Shirts : https://link.stoicismpod.com/three-fit-theory -- #1: Become a premium subscriber and get rid of ads : https://practicalstoicism.supportingcast.fm #2: Visit our store but buy some stuff : https://shop.stoicismpod.com #3: Attend some of our live workshops (or watch the replays) : https://actualstoicism.com #4: Subscribe to our free Substack : https://stoicismpod.substack.com #5: Join our free Discord community : https://stoicismpod.com/discord #6: Join our Stoic Journaling Program : https://link.stoicismpod.com/journaling -- Online copy of Meditations (Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-long Online copy of Meditations (Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubon Online copy of Meditations (Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson Online copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters -- Sponsor InsideTracker : https://insidetracker.com/stoicism Sponsor Neurohacker : https://neurohacker.com/practical Sponsor AG1 : https://athleticgreens.com/practical Sponsor BetterHelp : https://betterhelp.com/stoicism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I just think he's wrong, partially, on emotions. -- #1: Become a premium subscriber and get rid of ads: https://practicalstoicism.supportingcast.fm #2: Visit our store but buy some stuff: https://shop.stoicismpod.com #3: Attend some of our live workshops (or watch the replays): https://actualstoicism.com #4: Subscribe to our free Substack: https://stoicismpod.substack.com #5: Join our free Discord community: https://stoicismpod.com/discord #6: Join our Stoic Journaling Program: https://link.stoicismpod.com/journaling -- Online copy of Meditations (Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-long Online copy of Meditations (Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubon Online copy of Meditations (Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson Online copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters -- Sponsor InsideTracker : https://insidetracker.com/stoicism Sponsor Neurohacker : https://neurohacker.com/practical Sponsor AG1 : https://athleticgreens.com/practical Sponsor BetterHelp : https://betterhelp.com/stoicism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We worry about all the things we have no choice over, lament them or take credit for them. But those things which we can choose, we pay no mind to choosing. -- #1: Become a premium subscriber and get rid of ads: https://practicalstoicism.supportingcast.fm #2: Visit our store but buy some stuff: https://shop.stoicismpod.com #3: Attend some of our live workshops (or watch the replays): https://actualstoicism.com #4: Subscribe to our free Substack: https://stoicismpod.substack.com #5: Join the Stoic Path and deepen your Stoic practice: https://link.stoicismpod.com/path #6: Join our free Discord community: https://stoicismpod.com/discord #7: Join our Stoic Journaling Program: https://link.stoicismpod.com/journaling -- Online copy of Meditations (Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-long Online copy of Meditations (Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubon Online copy of Meditations (Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson Online copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters -- Sponsor InsideTracker : https://insidetracker.com/stoicism Sponsor Neurohacker : https://neurohacker.com/practical Sponsor AG1 : https://athleticgreens.com/practical Sponsor BetterHelp : https://betterhelp.com/stoicism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What use is opulence in the development of our character? To be fair, it may be of some use, there are no absolutes in the journey of a Prokoptôn, but Seneca would certainly be of the opinion that such alignments are rare. -- #1: Become a premium subscriber and get rid of ads: https://practicalstoicism.supportingcast.fm #2: Visit our store but buy some stuff: https://shop.stoicismpod.com #3: Attend some of our live workshops (or watch the replays): https://actualstoicism.com #4: Subscribe to our free Substack: https://stoicismpod.substack.com #5: Join the Stoic Path and deepen your Stoic practice: https://link.stoicismpod.com/path #6: Join our free Discord community: https://stoicismpod.com/discord -- Online copy of Meditations (Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-long Online copy of Meditations (Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubon Online copy of Meditations (Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson Online copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters -- Sponsor InsideTracker : https://insidetracker.com/stoicism Sponsor Neurohacker : https://neurohacker.com/practical Sponsor AG1 : https://athleticgreens.com/practical Sponsor BetterHelp : https://betterhelp.com/stoicism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything comes from Nature, it's all derived from the same ultimate source. Maybe we could talk about how framing Nature as "God" makes appreciating life a little more... lovely. -- #1: Become a premium subscriber and get rid of ads: https://practicalstoicism.supportingcast.fm #2: Visit our store but buy some stuff: https://shop.stoicismpod.com #3: Attend some of our live workshops (or watch the replays): https://actualstoicism.com #4: Subscribe to our free Substack: https://stoicismpod.substack.com #5: Join the Stoic Path and deepen your Stoic practice: https://link.stoicismpod.com/path #6: Join our free Discord community: https://stoicismpod.com/discord -- Online copy of Meditations (Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-long Online copy of Meditations (Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubon Online copy of Meditations (Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson Online copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters -- Sponsor InsideTracker : https://insidetracker.com/stoicism Sponsor Neurohacker : https://neurohacker.com/practical Sponsor AG1 : https://athleticgreens.com/practical Sponsor BetterHelp : https://betterhelp.com/stoicism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And old dilapidated house, a few insults from Seneca, and a thoughtful reflection on the ending of life stages. -- #1: Become a premium subscriber and get rid of ads: https://practicalstoicism.supportingcast.fm #2: Visit our store but buy some stuff: https://shop.stoicismpod.com #3: Attend some of our live workshops (or watch the replays): https://actualstoicism.com #4: Subscribe to our free Substack: https://stoicismpod.substack.com #5: Join the Stoic Path and deepen your Stoic practice: https://link.stoicismpod.com/path #6: Join our free Discord community: https://stoicismpod.com/discord -- Online copy of Meditations (Long) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-long Online copy of Meditations (Casaubon) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/meditations-casaubon Online copy of Meditations (Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson Online copy of Seneca's Letters : https://link.stoicismpod.com/letters -- Sponsor InsideTracker : https://insidetracker.com/stoicism Sponsor Neurohacker : https://neurohacker.com/practical Sponsor AG1 : https://athleticgreens.com/practical Sponsor BetterHelp : https://betterhelp.com/stoicism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices