“It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” - Teach Different with Epictetus

In this episode of the Teach Different podcast, Steve Fouts and Jarvis Funches explore the Stoic philosophy of Epictetus, focusing on the quote, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." They explore the claim of the quote, discussing personal experiences related to this quote, the importance of mental preparation, and the power of decision-making in the face of life's challenges. They unpack the counterclaim of the quote, diving into the complexities of human emotions and the necessity of acknowledging external factors that can impact our reactions. Ultimately, they emphasize the significance of controlling one's mindset and decisions as a pathway to personal growth and resilience. 

Episode Chapters:  

00:00 - The Impact of Family and Personal Circumstances 

01:08 - Understanding Stoicism: Epictetus and Personal Reactions 

03:58 - Personal Stories: Overcoming Rejection and Stereotypes 

07:02 - Defensive Mechanisms: Responding to Criticism 

10:10 - The Power of Control: Decisions and Reactions 

13:09 - The Domino Effect: Cause and Effect in Reactions 

15:57 - The Nature of Control: What Can We Really Control? 

19:02 - Counterclaims: The Complexity of Emotional Responses 

22:18 - The Weight of External Forces 

24:58 - Facing Life's Harsh Realities 

27:58 - The Power of Acceptance 

30:52 - Harnessing Mental Strength 

33:59 - Navigating Rejection and Perseverance 

35:44 - The Importance of Mental Preparation 

38:48 - Understanding Control and Decision-Making 

42:54 - Teach Different Outro 

Image Source: Tucson, AZ, USA via Wikipedia Commons https://sco.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Discourses_-_Epictetus_%28illustration_1%29_%289021700938%29.jpg#file