How To Be A Stoic - Epictetus (Stoicism)

Episode Overview

• An introduction to the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, contrasting its original principles with its modern, simplified definition.
• A breakdown of the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism: practical wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, which form the foundation for self-improvement.
• A guide through 12 practical exercises, inspired by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, designed to help individuals apply Stoic wisdom in their daily modern lives.
• An exploration of key Stoic concepts like focusing only on what you can control, understanding impermanence, and maintaining emotional resilience.

Key Concepts

• Modern vs. Ancient Stoicism: The episode distinguishes between the common modern perception of Stoicism (enduring hardship silently) and its original, richer philosophy focused on a system for achieving a good life (eudaimonia).
• The Dichotomy of Control: A core Stoic principle is to differentiate between what is within our control (our thoughts, judgments, and actions) and what is not (external events, other people's opinions). The goal is to focus our energy entirely on the former.
• The Four Cardinal Virtues: Stoicism provides a framework for self-improvement based on four key virtues:
  • Practical Wisdom: The ability to navigate complex situations with logic and calm.
  • Courage: Facing daily challenges with clarity and integrity.
  • Justice: Treating every person with fairness and kindness.
  • Temperance: Exercising moderation and self-control in all aspects of life.
• Logos: The Stoic belief that the universe is a rational, ordered system governed by a web of cause and effect. While we cannot control this system, we can control how we respond to it.
• Practical Exercises: The episode's primary focus is on actionable exercises derived from the teachings of Epictetus, such as examining one's impressions, practicing mindfulness of impermanence, and daily reflection.

Quotes

• At 00:00 - "Of one thing beware, O man: see what is the price at which you sell your will. If you do nothing else, do not sell your will cheap." - An opening quote from Epictetus that frames the central theme of protecting one's agency and inner self.
• At 02:47 - "When giving your child or wife a kiss, repeat to yourself, 'I am kissing a mortal.'" - Epictetus's stark reminder about the impermanence of all things, encouraging us to appreciate our loved ones in the present moment without clinging.
• At 10:29 - "If you learn that someone is speaking ill of you, don't try to defend yourself against the rumours; respond instead with, 'Yes, and he doesn't know the half of it, because he could have said more.'" - Epictetus's advice on how to disarm insults with self-deprecating humor, demonstrating that another person's opinion is outside of your control and not worth getting upset over.

Takeaways

• Examine your impressions before reacting. When you have a strong initial reaction to an event, pause and ask yourself, "Is this something that is within my control?" Focus your energy only on what you can influence.
• Practice gratitude through the lens of impermanence. Regularly remind yourself that the people and things you love are not permanent. This helps you appreciate them more deeply in the present moment and builds resilience against future loss.
• Choose your company wisely. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better and hold you accountable. Avoid those who indulge in gossip or negativity, as their habits can influence your own character.
• Reflect on your day, every day. Before sleeping, review your actions. Acknowledge what you did well, identify where you could have done better, and consider how to improve tomorrow. Practice self-compassion instead of self-criticism.