Practical Stoicism

10 Episodes
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By: Tanner Campbell

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 e...

Understanding Purpose And Meaning Through Stoic Philosophy
#27
Last Tuesday at 9:00 AM

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...


An Hour With A. A. Long
#26
03/22/2024

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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A. A. Long's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._A._Long

A. A. Long's website: https://dagrs.berkeley.edu/user/40<...


Choosing Not To Be Angry With Others
#25
03/18/2024

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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Become...


Stoic Strategies For Dealing With Procrastination
#24
03/15/2024

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...


Dealing With Our Heartbreak Stoically
#23
03/11/2024

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...


Are Personality Types Helpful To Stoics?
#22
03/08/2024

Greetings, listeners. It's remarkable to witness our community's growth, now exceeding 100,000 listeners every Monday and Friday. Your continued support is truly appreciated.

Today's episode delves into a thought-provoking query posed by Griff, a dedicated listener and Patron, regarding the relevance of personality types within the context of Stoicism. Griff questions whether such classifications confine individuals rather than foster personal development.

From my perspective, I maintain a degree of skepticism towards these systems. They often serve as tools for self-indulgence rather than avenues for genuine self-improvement. However, I do recognize their practical applications. They can provide...


Virtue Is Its Own Reward
#21
03/04/2024

In today's episode, I tackle the enduring Stoic principle that "Virtue is its own reward." This exploration is a personal journey into the heart of Stoicism, examining whether this ancient wisdom holds true in our contemporary lives, and I won't shy away from getting a bit salty or taking some swipes along the way.

We begin with Meditation 11.4 as our focal point, which encourages us to reflect on our contributions to the common good and to find contentment in these efforts as our reward. This meditation is the springboard into a deeper discussion about the role of...


3 Steps To Forgiving Others
#21
03/01/2024

In today's episode, I delve into the profound theme of Forgiveness within the framework of Stoicism, a topic that resonates deeply with both my personal experiences and the Stoic principles I strive to embody. I commence with a note of gratitude towards new Patrons – Dan Brann, Jenny Kay, and Jay – whose support is instrumental in dedicating myself fully to this podcast. For those contemplating joining our Patreon, it offers an ad-free listening experience, exclusive articles, discussions with special guests, and a vibrant private Discord community.

The essence of today's discourse on Forgiveness is drawn from a personal narr...


The Balance Between Being Just And Being Nice
#20
02/26/2024

It is not always Just to be nice, but it is always nice to be Just. This is easier said than done. Can Meditations 5.32 and a bit of heavy Monday morning reflection help us get better? If not, there's a Toblerone at the end of this episode that you might be interested in.

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Philosophy Is More Than Just Stoicism And Not Just For The Grown-Ups
#19
02/23/2024

Anya Leonard is my friend and one of my heroes. She's built something really incredible over the last 10-years (ClassicalWisdom.com) and I think it is as important a contribution to mankind as was Britannica compiling the great works of Western literature - she has create a "great works" platform and she provides it for free to everyone. This makes her not just a friend and a hero but also a comrade in arms. In today's episode you'll learn about Anya, some of her history, what inspired her to start Classical Wisdom more than a decade ago, and also...