Mutual Interdependence & Efface Opinions (28m) – Episode 051

Episode 051 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Marcus Aurelius who wrote, “Meditate often on the interconnectedness and mutual interdependence of all things in the universe. For in a sense, all things are mutually woven together and therefore have an affinity for each other—for one thing follows after another according to their tension of movement, their sympathetic stirrings, and the unity of all substance.”; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by Anderson Silver (yourusermanual), which began with another Marcus Aurelius quote, “Efface the opinion, I am harmed, and at once the feeling of being harmed disappears; efface the feeling, and the harm disappears at once.”

The Truly Educated & This is The Way (24m) – Episode 048

Episode 048 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Epictetus who wrote, “The beautiful and good person neither fights with anyone nor, as much as they are able, permits others to fight . . . this is the meaning of getting an education—learning what is your own affair and what is not. If a person carries themselves so, where is there any room for fighting?”; and the second from artwork by mjhiblenart involving a character from The Mandalorian, a television series on Disney+. The episode begins with sad news about Carl Watner (RIP), the person who introduced Skyler to Stoicism.

Face the Discomfort, Repeating Insults, Christmas Week Thrift, & Visiting Grandparents (27m) – Episode 046

Episode 046 looks at aligning your mindset with your goals so as it not allow your brain to sabotage your efforts; responding to an insult during an argument with, “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear that, can you repeat it?” and/or “Are you trying to hurt my feelings?”; the deals you can get at a thrift store just after Christmas; and the importance in visiting your grandparents regularly.

Sobering Thoughts & Stoic Habits (25m) – Episode 045

Episode 045 looks at several Stoic topics: the first from Epictetus who wrote, “Keep death and exile before your eyes each day, along with everything that seems terrible—by doing so, you’ll never have a base thought nor will you have excessive desire.”; and the rest from lists shared by gdm41 and austinthebean to r/Stoicism introduced as, “Hi guys, maybe you are already aware of DailyStoic.com, they send out a daily newsletter with Stoic topics. Last week they sent a good summary of Stoic virtues/habits to avoid”.

Anxious Thoughts, Workaholics, Social Gatherings, Holiday Frugality, & Moving On (25m) – Episode 043

Episode 043 looks at curbing anxious thoughts from spiraling out of control; carving time out now to spend with your family while they’re young, instead of waiting until you’re middle-aged or elderly; how to leave social gatherings early without damaging your reputation with the host; the importance of being frugal around the holidays, especially in such a tough year as 2020; and not being afraid to find a new job when your current job stops serving you.

King or Tyrant & The Jurisdiction of Fate (16m) – Episode 042

Episode 042 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Seneca who wrote, ““Our soul is sometimes a king, and sometimes a tyrant. A king, by attending to what is honorable, protects the good health of the body in its care, and gives it no base or sordid command. But an uncontrolled, desire-fueled, over-indulged soul is turned from a king into that most feared and detested thing—a tyrant.”; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by answersamir, who started off with, “Its true that fate has jurisdiction over your birth and death. It can also be argued that fate confines you within some realm of possibilities throughout your life.”