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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Apr 11, 2022 · 3 min
1034. On free will: Chrysippus vs Cicero
For it does not follow that if differences in people’s propensities are due to natural and antecedent causes, therefore our wills and desires are also due to natural and antecedent causes; for if that were the case, we should have no freedom of the will at all.
Apr 8, 2022 · 2 min
1033. Ethics and morality are the same thing
Because it relates to character, called in Greek ethos, we usually term that part of philosophy ‘the study of character.’ But the suitable course is to add to the Latin language by giving this subject the name of ‘moral science.’
Apr 7, 2022 · 2 min
1032. On magnanimity
It is no proof of a great mind to give and to throw away one’s bounty; the true test of a great mind is to throw away one’s bounty and still to give.
Apr 6, 2022 · 2 min
1031. The importance of memory
Consider within yourself, whether you have always shown gratitude to those to whom you owe it, whether no one’s kindness has ever been wasted upon you, whether you constantly bear in mind all the benefits which you have received.
Apr 5, 2022 · 2 min
1030. Socrates' cloak
Seneca tells the story of when Socrates asked his friends for money to buy a cloak, and reminds us of our duty to bestow benefits on our friends before they even ask.
Apr 4, 2022 · 3 min
1029. The problem with being ultra-wealthy
Wretched is he who can take pleasure in the size of the audit book of his estate, in great tracts of land cultivated by slaves in chains, in huge flocks and herds which require provinces and kingdoms for their pasture ground.
Apr 1, 2022 · 3 min
1028. Useful vs leisure knowledge
There is nothing which is hard to discover except those things by which we gain nothing beyond the credit of having discovered them. Whatever things tend to make us better or happier are either obvious or easily discovered.
Mar 31, 2022 · 3 min
1027. Memorize reminders to be ready to act
The cynic Demetrius had an admirable saying about this, that one gained more by having a few wise precepts ready and in common use, than by learning many without having them at hand.
Mar 30, 2022 · 2 min
1026. Gratitude irrespective of reputation
You do wrong if you are grateful only for the sake of your reputation, and not to satisfy your conscience.
Mar 29, 2022 · 3 min
1025. A long list of dangerous fools
Do you not see how powerful people are driven to ruin by the want of candor among their friends, whose loyalty has degenerated into slavish obsequiousness?
Mar 28, 2022 · 3 min
1024. Some things are worth much more than the asking price
Some things are of greater value than the price which we pay for them. You buy of a physician life and good health, the value of which cannot be estimated in money; from a teacher you buy the education of a gentleman and mental culture.
Mar 25, 2022 · 3 min
1023. You don't own anything
That which you esteem so highly, that by which you think that you are made rich and powerful, owns but the shabby title of “house” or “money;” but when you have given it away, it becomes a benefit.
Mar 24, 2022 · 2 min
1022. Ungrateful politicians
Seneca discusses the widespread ingratitude of politicians toward their country and fellow citizens. Which raises the obvious question: why is it so difficult to find virtuous politicians?
Mar 23, 2022 · 2 min
1021. Sick stomach, sick mind
Just as the stomach, when disordered by disease, turns every kind of sustenance into a source of pain, so whatever you entrust to an ill-regulated mind becomes to it a burden, an annoyance, and a source of misery.
Mar 22, 2022 · 2 min
1020. Instinctive vs conscious actions
A benefit is a voluntary act, but to do good to oneself is an instinctive one.
Mar 21, 2022 · 2 min
1019. Diogenes and Alexander
Diogenes was far more powerful, far richer even than Alexander, who then possessed everything; for there was more that Diogenes could refuse to receive than that Alexander was able to give.
Mar 18, 2022 · 2 min
1018. The reserve clause
The wise person begins everything with the saving clause, “If nothing shall occur to the contrary.”
Mar 17, 2022 · 2 min
1017. Seneca, the Skeptic?
We proceed in the way in which reason, not absolute truth, directs us.
Mar 16, 2022 · 3 min
1016. Of sages and torture
A good conscience is of value on the rack.
Mar 15, 2022 · 2 min
1015. The two fundamental human strengths
While all other animals have sufficient strength to protect themselves, man is covered by a soft skin, has no powerful teeth or claws with which to terrify other creatures, but weak and naked by himself is made strong by union.