Practical Stoicism

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Practical Stoicism

Stoicism is the pursuit of Virtue (Aretê), which was defined by the Ancient Greeks as "the knowledge of how to live excellently," Stoicism is a holistic life philosophy meant to guide us towards the attainment of this knowledge through the development of our character. While many other Stoicism podcasts focus on explaining Ancient Stoicism in an academic or historical context, Practical Stoicism strives to port the ancient wisdom of this 2300-plus-year-old Greek Philosophy into contemporary times to provide practical advice for living today, not two millennia ago. Join American philosopher of Stoicism Tanner Campbell, every Monday and Friday, for new episodes.

  1. Why Stoicism Teaches Us to Be Prepared for Death (Meditations 3.8)

    -4 J

    Why Stoicism Teaches Us to Be Prepared for Death (Meditations 3.8)

    In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.8 and the idea of preparing for death—not as a morbid fascination, but as a necessary step toward living justly and without fear. Marcus Aurelius describes the Stoic sage as someone unshaken by fate, someone who meets the end of life without hesitation or regret. But how does this apply to the rest of us, who are still progressing in our practice? “In the understanding of a man of chastened and purified spirit you will find, no trace of festering wound, no ulceration, no abscess beneath the skin. The hour of fate does not surprise his life before its fulfilment, so that one would say that the actor is leaving the stage before he has fulfilled his role, before the play is over. You will find nothing servile or artificial, no dependence on others nor severance from them; nothing to account for, nothing that needs a hole to hide in.” -- Meditations 3.8 A core theme in this meditation is the relationship between fear and duty. If we allow fear—whether of death, judgment, or hardship—to dictate our choices, we risk abandoning our roles and responsibilities. Through a firefighter analogy, I break down how Stoicism teaches us to act justly by focusing on our roles rather than potential consequences. The takeaway? True Stoic practice isn’t about becoming fearless but about ensuring that fear never prevents us from acting in alignment with Virtue. Key Takeaways: • Marcus Aurelius is speaking about the Stoic sage, not the Prokoptôn. • Fear of death impairs our ability to act justly and fulfill our roles. • Stoicism does not glorify suffering—it values resilience and moral clarity. • Stoics are not indifferent to life, but they recognize it as an indifferent in the pursuit of Virtue. • The ancient Stoics believed sagehood was theoretically possible, but practically, it remains an unreachable ideal. Ultimately, this meditation reminds us that shedding fear—especially fear of death—frees us to serve others and pursue Virtue without hesitation. Join The Society of Stoics Want to deepen your understanding of Stoicism in a private community? Join The Society of Stoics for $10/month: https://community.stoicismpod.com Resources & Links • Purchase a copy of my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book • Read the source text used: https://stoicismpod.com/far • Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min
  2. The Commitment To A Moral Life (Meditations 3.7)

    11 FÉVR.

    The Commitment To A Moral Life (Meditations 3.7)

    In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.7, where Marcus Aurelius reminds us that nothing should take priority over Virtue. Many misunderstand Stoicism as a philosophy of detachment, resilience, and isolation, but in truth, it is profoundly prosocial. Being a Stoic means fulfilling our roles within the broader human community, not retreating from it. I challenge the popular but misguided idea of Stoicism as a philosophy for lone survivalists, demonstrating how its core teachings—from Zeno to Epictetus to Seneca—emphasize duty, justice, and engagement with the world. True Stoicism isn’t about turning inward; it’s about striving for moral excellence in every interaction. “Never value as an advantage to yourself what will force you one day to break your word, to abandon self-respect, to hate, suspect, execrate another, to act a part, to covet anything that calls for walls or coverings to conceal it. A man who puts first his own mind and divinity, and the holy rites of its excellence, makes no scene, utters no groans, will need neither the refuge of solitude nor the crowded streets. What is most worthwhile, he will pass his days neither in pursuit nor in avoidance, and it is no concern at all of his whether the time be longer or shorter for which he shall have the use of the soul in its bodily envelope; for even if he must be released at once, he will depart as easily as he would perform any other act that can be done with reverence and sobriety, being careful all his life of this one thing alone: that his understanding be not found in any state which is foreign to a reasonable social being.” --(Meditations 3.7) TAKEAWAYS — The highest priority in Stoicism is the pursuit of Virtue—nothing should stand in its way. — Stoicism is not a philosophy of detachment or isolation but of prosocial engagement and duty. — A Stoic does not seek solitude or approval; they act justly regardless of external validation. LINKS — Get on the list: https://stoicismpod.com/list — Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members — Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book — Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far — Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social — Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    18 min
  3. Stoicism Isn’t Toxic, But Misunderstanding It Can Be (Meditations 3.6)

    4 FÉVR.

    Stoicism Isn’t Toxic, But Misunderstanding It Can Be (Meditations 3.6)

    In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.6 and the challenge Marcus Aurelius presents to those seeking the Good life: is there anything higher than justice, truth, temperance, and fortitude? If we find something greater, we should pursue it wholeheartedly. But if not, then we must commit ourselves fully to Virtue. I also address the common misconception that Stoicism promotes emotional repression or toxic perfectionism. True Stoicism is about disciplined reasoning, self-improvement, and moral alignment—not detachment or indifference. If the pursuit of Virtue is the highest aim, then what could be better than dedicating our lives to it? “If you discover in the life of man something higher than justice, truth, temperance, fortitude, and generally speaking than your understanding contented with itself, where it presents you behaving by the rule of right, and satisfied with destiny, in what is assigned to you and is not yours to choose; if, I say, you see something higher than this, turn to it with all your heart and enjoy the supreme good now that it is found…” - Meditations 3.6 TAKEAWAYS + The highest good in Stoicism is the pursuit of Virtue—nothing else surpasses it. + True Stoicism is not about emotional repression but about disciplined reasoning and moral alignment. + The pursuit of an ideal, even if unattainable, is valuable in itself and fuels lifelong self-improvement. LINKS — Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members — Follow the print publication: https://stoicismpod.com/print — Take my free courses: https://stoicismpod.com/courses — Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book — Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far — Follow me on BlueSky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky — Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min
  4. A Stoic’s Guide to Action (Meditations 3.5)

    28 JANV.

    A Stoic’s Guide to Action (Meditations 3.5)

    In this episode, Tanner explores Meditations 3.5 by Marcus Aurelius, diving into its core teachings about Stoic ethics and virtuous living. The meditation emphasizes acting with integrity, examining one’s motives, and focusing on moral reasoning rather than outcomes. Tanner reflects on Marcus’s invocation of the “God within” as a call to internalize virtue and gratitude, encouraging listeners to appreciate life, even during adversity. The discussion underscores the Stoic principle of striving for progress rather than perfection, illustrating how even imperfect circumstances can foster growth. MEDITATION TEXT “Do not act unwillingly nor selfishly nor without self-examination, nor with divergent motives. Let no affectation veneer your thinking. Be neither a busy talker, nor a busybody. Moreover let the God within be the guardian of a real man, a man of ripe years, a statesman, a Roman, a magistrate, who has taken his post like one waiting for the Retreat to sound, ready to depart, needing no oath nor any man as witness. And see that you have gladness of face, no need of service from without nor the peace that other men bestow. You should stand upright, not be held upright.” (Meditations 3.5) TAKEAWAYS — Stoics should act justly and logically, focusing on their motives rather than outcomes. — Virtue is accessible to anyone who earnestly pursues it, regardless of background. — Life’s challenges are fleeting opportunities to grow in gratitude and work toward Virtue. LINKS — Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members — Join the Discord Community: https://stoicismpod.com/discord — Follow the print publication: https://stoicismpod.com/print — Take my free courses: https://stoicismpod.com/courses — Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book — Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far — Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social — Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    11 min
  5. Are Humans Naturally Selfish? A Stoic Exploration

    21 JANV.

    Are Humans Naturally Selfish? A Stoic Exploration

    In this episode, Tanner answers a listener question from Wyatt Bennett: “What does Stoicism say about human nature? Are humans naturally selfish?” Exploring this through the Stoic concept of Oikeiôsis and the Circles of Concern, Tanner explains how our understanding of responsibilities expands as we mature. Starting from self-concern in infancy, we grow to care for family, friends, community, humanity, and even the planet. Tanner challenges Thomas Hobbes’ pessimistic view of human nature, offering a Stoic perspective that emphasizes the dynamic and evolving nature of human rationality and moral growth. TAKEAWAYS Stoicism sees human nature as dynamic, with our rational and moral concerns expanding over time. Self-concern in early life is natural but not permanent; growth involves widening our circles of responsibility. Nature’s alignment isn’t always pleasurable for individuals but serves a greater universal purpose. LINKS Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members Join the Discord Community: https://stoicismpod.com/discord Follow the print publication: https://stoicismpod.com/print Take my free courses: https://stoicismpod.com/courses Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    14 min
  6. Choosing Your Counsel and Thoughts Wisely (Meditations 3.4)

    14 JANV.

    Choosing Your Counsel and Thoughts Wisely (Meditations 3.4)

    In this episode, Tanner explores the rich insights of Meditations 3.4 by Marcus Aurelius, focusing on four main Stoic principles. Marcus warns against wasting time on unnecessary concerns about others, emphasizing opportunity cost and the importance of focusing on appropriate external and internal matters. Tanner also discusses the practice of habituating virtuous thoughts—those we would not be ashamed to express openly—as a step toward moral excellence. The meditation highlights the innate rationality within us, gifted by the Logos, and reminds us that our purpose is to act in alignment with justice and reason. Finally, Marcus advises caution in choosing whose counsel to value, urging Stoics to avoid being swayed by those who do not pursue Virtue themselves. MEDITATION TEXT “Do not waste the balance of life left to you in thoughts about other persons, when you are not referring to some advantage of your fellows—for why do you rob yourself of something else which you might do—I mean if you imagine to yourself what so and so is doing, and why; what he is saying or thinking or planning, and every thought of the kind which leads you astray from close watch over your governing self? [full meditation can be found at https://stoicismpod.com/far] — (Meditations 3.4) TAKEAWAYS — Every choice carries an opportunity cost; time spent on unproductive thoughts cannot be reclaimed. — Virtue begins with habituating honest and just thoughts that align with Stoic values. — Moral reasoning is not just an ability but the purpose of a rational being. — Stoics must be selective about whose counsel they value, focusing on those who align with Nature. LINKS — Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members — Join the Discord Community: https://stoicismpod.com/discord — Follow the print publication: https://stoicismpod.com/print — Take my free courses: https://stoicismpod.com/courses — Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book — Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far — Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social — Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    19 min
  7. Death and the Choice to Live Wisely (Meditations 3.3)

    7 JANV.

    Death and the Choice to Live Wisely (Meditations 3.3)

    In this episode, I reflect on Meditation 3.3 from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, exploring its central themes: the inevitability of death, the futility of fearing it, and the Stoic imperative to live well while we can. Marcus reminds us that even the most accomplished and revered figures—be they healers, conquerors, or philosophers—ultimately succumb to mortality. Their stories serve as a humbling reminder of our shared fate and an encouragement to prioritize virtue over fame, power, or fear. Key Takeaways: Mortality as a Universal Truth: From Hippocrates, the renowned healer, to Alexander the Great, a world conqueror, and even pre-Socratic philosophers like Heraclitus and Democritus, death claims everyone regardless of their accomplishments, intellect, or virtue. The Two Reasons to Remember Mortality: (1) It motivates us to cherish the time we have and use it wisely, both for personal growth and to nurture meaningful relationships. (2) It grounds us in the natural order, reminding us that we are part of Nature and subject to its laws. Why Immortality Isn’t the Goal: The aim of life isn’t to avoid death but to live virtuously. A good life is defined by our choices and actions in the present, not by the number of years we accumulate. Marcus’ Reassurance About Death: Marcus suggests that death leads to one of two outcomes: either we transition to another life governed by reason, or we enter a state of eternal rest free from pain and struggle. Both are nothing to fear. Living in Accord with Nature: Death, like all aspects of life, is part of the rational order of the Cosmos. By accepting it as natural, we can focus on fulfilling our purpose—striving for virtue and contributing to the Cosmopolis. “Hippocrates, after curing many sicknesses, himself fell sick and died. The Chaldean astrologers foretold the death of many persons, then the hour of fate overtook them also. Alexander, Pompeius, and Julius Caesar, after so often utterly destroying whole towns and slaying in the field many myriads of horse and foot, themselves also one day departed from life. Heraclitus, after many speculations about the fire which should consume the Universe, was waterlogged by dropsy, poulticed himself with cow-dung and died. Vermin killed Democritus; another kind of vermin Socrates. What is the moral? You went on board, you set sail, you have made the port. Step ashore: if to a second life, nothing is void of gods, not even in that other world; but if to unconsciousness, you will cease to suffer pains and pleasures and to be the servant of an earthly vessel as far inferior as that which does it service is superior; for the one is mind and deity, the other clay and gore.” - Meditations 3.3 -- Go ad-free : https://stoicismpod.com/members Join the Discord Community : https://stoicismpod.com/discord Follow the print publication : https://stoicismpod.com/print Take my free courses : https://stoicismpod.com/courses Order my book : https://stoicismpod.com/book Source Text : https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social Follow me on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@stoicismpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
  8. The Beauty on Nature's Processes (Meditations 3.2)

    24/12/2024

    The Beauty on Nature's Processes (Meditations 3.2)

    In this episode, I discuss Meditation 3.2 from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. This meditation reflects on the inherent beauty in all things that align with Nature, even when they might seem imperfect or undesirable to us at first glance. Marcus uses examples such as cracks on a freshly baked loaf of bread or the ripe, oozing fig to illustrate how side effects of Nature’s processes carry their own grace and fascination. I explore two key takeaways: I. Understanding Natural Processes – By studying and respecting Nature, we learn to identify the optimal points in its processes, whether in baking bread or recognizing when something has reached its natural conclusion. II. Redefining Beauty – Marcus invites us to find beauty not just in the outcomes we prefer but in all stages of life’s processes. Even in things like a furrowed brow, overripe fruit, or the inevitability of decay, there is a harmony with Nature that can inspire respect, wonder, and acceptance. Finally, I reflect on how shifting our judgment of ugliness to one of wonder and appreciation can deepen our understanding of the world and our place in it. "We must also observe closely points of this kind, that even the secondary effects of Nature's processes possess a sort of grace and attraction. To take one instance, bread when it is being baked breaks open at some places; now even these cracks, which in one way contradict the promise of the baker's art, somehow catch the eye and stimulate in a special way our appetite for the food. And again figs, when fully mature, gape, and in ripe olives their very approach to decay adds a certain beauty of its own to the fruit. Ears of corn too when they bend downwards, the lion's wrinkled brow, the foam flowing from the boar's mouth, and many other characteristics that are far from beautiful if we look at them in isolation, do nevertheless because they follow from Nature's processes lend those a further ornament and a fascination. And so, if a man has a feeling for, and a deeper insight into the processes of the Universe, there is hardly one but will somehow appear to present itself pleasantly to him, even among mere attendant circumstances. Such a man also will feel no less pleasure in looking at the actual jaws of wild beasts than at the imitations which painters and sculptors exhibit, and he will be enabled to see in an old woman or an old man a kind of freshness and bloom, and to look upon the charms of his own boy slaves with sober eyes. And many such experiences there will be, not convincing to every one but occurring to him and to him alone who has become genuinely familiar with Nature and her works." – Meditations 3.2 -- Go ad-free : https://stoicismpod.com/members Join the Discord Community : https://stoicismpod.com/discord Follow the print publication : https://stoicismpod.com/print Take my free courses : https://stoicismpod.com/courses Order my book : https://stoicismpod.com/book Source Text : https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
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À propos

Stoicism is the pursuit of Virtue (Aretê), which was defined by the Ancient Greeks as "the knowledge of how to live excellently," Stoicism is a holistic life philosophy meant to guide us towards the attainment of this knowledge through the development of our character. While many other Stoicism podcasts focus on explaining Ancient Stoicism in an academic or historical context, Practical Stoicism strives to port the ancient wisdom of this 2300-plus-year-old Greek Philosophy into contemporary times to provide practical advice for living today, not two millennia ago. Join American philosopher of Stoicism Tanner Campbell, every Monday and Friday, for new episodes.

Informations

  • Création
    Evergreen Podcasts
  • Années d’activité
    2022 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    260
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Evergreen Podcasts 2025
  • Site web de l’émission
    Practical Stoicism

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