Stoic Meditations

Massimo Pigliucci

Occasional reflections on the wisdom of Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers with Prof. Massimo Pigliucci. Complete index by author and source at https://massimopigliucci.org/stoic-podcast/. (cover art by Marek Škrabák; original music by Ian Jolin-Rasmussen).

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1,094 episodes
Updated Aug 23, 2022

Episodes1094

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Feb 18, 2021 · 3 min
794. The symmetry argument
We seem to be awfully bothered by the fact that we will one day no longer exist. And yet, we didn't suffer from the equally true fact that for a long time we didn't exist.
Feb 17, 2021 · 3 min
793. Are you so silly as to believe in Cerberus and Sisyphus?
Cicero disputes with his friend about whether we should be afraid of the afterlife, and concludes that we will not exist, and therefore we will not be feeling anything. It is superstition that generates fears of death.
Feb 16, 2021 · 2 min
792. On true friendship
Just prove to me that you are trustworthy, high-minded and reliable, and that your intentions are benign, and you’ll find that I won’t even wait for you to open your heart to me, I’ll be the first to implore you to lend an ear to my own affairs.
Feb 15, 2021 · 2 min
791. Get better today, not tomorrow
As it is, you say, 'I will fix my attention tomorrow': which means, let me tell you, 'Today I will be shameless, inopportune, abject: others shall have power to vex me: today I will harbor anger and envy.'
Feb 12, 2021 · 2 min
790. You are not perfect, so what?
Is it possible to escape error altogether? No, it is impossible: but it is possible to set one's mind continuously on avoiding error.
Feb 11, 2021 · 3 min
789. Just pay attention, will you?
Now if such postponement of attention is profitable, it would be still more profitable to abandon it altogether: but if it is not profitable, why do you not keep up your attention continuously?
Feb 10, 2021 · 2 min
788. How would you like death to find you?
For my part I would be found by death busy with some humane task, whatever it be—something noble, beneficent, advancing the common weal.
Feb 9, 2021 · 2 min
787. The real value of things
You were shameless and shall be self-respecting, you were untrustworthy and you shall be trusted. If you look for greater things than these, go on doing as you do now: not even a god can save you.
Feb 8, 2021 · 2 min
786. Pay attention to the cosmic trainer
'Get up', says the trainer, 'and wrestle again, until you are made strong.' Let this be your attitude; for know that nothing is more amenable than the mind of a human being.
Feb 5, 2021 · 3 min
785. What sort of thirst do you have?
Epictetus draws a distinction between natural and greedy desires, reminding us that the first ones are part of a virtuous life, while the second ones are characteristic of a sick soul.
Feb 4, 2021 · 2 min
784. Take care of your prohairesis
What then is the subject-matter of the philosopher? Is it a cloak? No, it is reason. What is his end? Is it to wear a cloak? No, but to keep his reason right.
Feb 3, 2021 · 2 min
783. The distinctiveness of philosophy
Philosophy has been criticized since antiquity, and Epictetus explains why some of this criticism misses the point, and indeed shows that such critics could benefit from a bit of sound philosophical training.
Feb 2, 2021 · 2 min
782. Be charitable toward other people's shortcomings
'This man washes hastily.' Does he do evil then? Not at all. What is it he does then? He washes hastily.
Feb 1, 2021 · 2 min
781. Do you have the skills?
When I hear a man called happy because he is honored by Caesar I say, 'What is his portion?' 'A province.' Does he also get a judgement, such as a governor should have? Does he get the skill to use it?
Jan 29, 2021 · 2 min
780. Don't use fancy words, describe the facts
'But now the time is come to die.' What do you mean by 'die'? Do not use fine words, but state the facts as they are. 'Now is the time for your material part to be restored to the elements of which it was composed.'
Jan 28, 2021 · 2 min
779. Pretend you are in exile
'Exile?' Wherever I go, it will be well with me: for even here it was not the place that made me well off, but my judgements, and these I shall carry away with me, for no one can rob me of them.
Jan 27, 2021 · 2 min
778. The judgment of others
Those who pity me shall take their own views: I have neither hunger nor thirst nor cold, but their own hunger or thirst makes them imagine the same of me.
Jan 26, 2021 · 2 min
777. Are you a fox or a lion?
Although we are capable of writing and reading these sentiments, although we can praise them as we read, yet they do not bring conviction to us, nor anything like it.
Jan 25, 2021 · 2 min
776. The difference between an amateur and a craftsman
How will those who know despise one who is gentle and self-respecting? By those who do not know? What do you care for them? No craftsman cares for those who have no skill!
Jan 22, 2021 · 2 min
775. The real value of people, and apples
Is everything judged by its outward form alone? On that principle you must call your waxen apple an apple. No, it must smell and taste like an apple: the outward semblance is not enough.