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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Jan 11, 2022 · 3 min
974. The morally right vs the expedient
It is nowadays accepted that a thing may be morally right without being expedient, and expedient without being morally right. No more pernicious doctrine than this could be introduced into human life.
Jan 10, 2022 · 3 min
973. Dogmatists vs Skeptics
As other schools maintain that some things are certain, others uncertain, we, differing with them, say that some things are probable, others improbable.
Jan 5, 2022 · 2 min
972. Philosophy, the most useful pursuit
And if someone lives who would belittle the study of philosophy, I quite fail to see what in the world they would see fit to praise.
Jan 3, 2022 · 2 min
971. If you can't do politics, do philosophy
And since my mind could not be wholly idle, I thought that the most honourable way for me to forget my sorrows would be by turning to philosophy.
Dec 28, 2021 · 2 min
970. Practical duties
If wisdom is the most important of the virtues, as it certainly is, it necessarily follows that that duty which is connected with the social obligation is the most important duty.
Dec 24, 2021 · 2 min
969. The virtue of temperance
Moderation is the science of doing the right thing at the right time.
Dec 22, 2021 · 2 min
968. Making important decisions early in life
We are called to make important decisions about our life and career when we are young and immature. That's why engaging in critical philosophical reflection as soon as possible is crucial for our happiness.
Dec 20, 2021 · 2 min
967. Four aspects of our character
Cicero relates that the Stoic Panaetius thought there are four fundamental aspects to our character, and that they shape our roles in society.
Dec 16, 2021 · 2 min
966. What about sports and play?
Here is how to balance the serious and the playful components of your life, what psychologists call the eudaimonic and hedonic aspects of existence.
Dec 15, 2021 · 2 min
965. The harmony of character and behavior
Cicero tells us that there is a harmonious beauty in the relationship between one's virtuous character and that person's actions. The relationship being analogous to that between physical beauty and health.
Dec 14, 2021 · 2 min
964. Justice and anger are incompatible
In administering punishment it is above all necessary to allow no trace of anger. It is to be desired that they who administer the government should be like the laws, which are led to inflict punishment not by wrath but by justice.
Dec 13, 2021 · 2 min
963. The two rules of good government
First, keep the good of the people so clearly in view that regardless of your own interests you will make your every action conform to that; second, care for the welfare of the whole body politic and do not let the interests of one party betray the rest.
Dec 10, 2021 · 2 min
962. On running for political office
Those whom Nature has endowed with the capacity for administering public affairs should put aside all hesitation, enter the race for public office and take a hand in directing the government.
Dec 9, 2021 · 2 min
961. On money
There is nothing more honourable and noble than to be indifferent to money, if one does not possess it, and to devote it to beneficence and liberality, if one does possess it.
Dec 8, 2021 · 2 min
960. The right kind of courage
The Stoics, therefore, correctly define courage as "that virtue which champions the cause of right." For nothing that lacks justice can be morally right.
Dec 7, 2021 · 2 min
959. The art of a duty calculator
Eric Weiner, the author of The Socrates Express, put it nicely: “Duty [is] not obligation. There is a difference. Duty comes from inside, obligation from outside.”
Dec 6, 2021 · 2 min
958. The most powerful fellowship
Of all the bonds of fellowship, there is none more noble, none more powerful than when good people of congenial character are joined in intimate friendship.
Dec 3, 2021 · 2 min
957. Is your act truly a kind one?
Cicero reminds us that in virtue ethics intentions are fundamental. If you do an act of kindness in order to receive a favor, then you have done no kindness at all.
Dec 2, 2021 · 2 min
956. How to do acts of kindness
Cicero argues that we ought to consider what is the best way for us to engage in acts of kindness. And that the fundamental criterion by which to judge their soundness is justice.
Dec 1, 2021 · 2 min
955. Don’t be a traitor to social life
There are some also who claim that they are occupied solely with their own affairs. They are traitors to social life, for they contribute to it none of their interest, none of their effort, none of their means.