Category: Thinking & Doing

Healthy Skepticism, Group Bill, Never Regret a Day, & Vacuum Filters (16m) – Episode 040

Skyler J. Collins (Editor)

Episode 040 looks at the importance of maintaining a healthy level of doubt (or skepticism) toward all of the new information you receive; why you should immediately pay back someone who conveniently took care of a group bill or expense; how every day, good, bad, worst, or best, can ultimately be beneficial; and why your vacuum’s filter is probably the cause of it not working well.

No Excuses & It’s Not about You (17m) – Episode 039

Skyler J. Collins (Editor)

Episode 039 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Marcus Aurelius who wrote, “It is possible to curb your arrogance, to overcome pleasure and pain, to rise above your ambition, and to not be angry with stupid and ungrateful people—yes, even to care for them.”; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by mussel_bouy, who started off with, “Have you ever received a venomous insult? Words that stuck in your head? A look that you can’t erase from your memory? Maybe it was on your appearance, your character, your actions? Well it wasn’t about you. It never was.”

Quitting Something, Nurturing Curiosity, Work Life, & Changing People (22m) – Episode 037

Skyler J. Collins (Editor)

Episode 037 looks at the advice to “never give up” on something that is no longer serving you (see also “sunk cost fallacy”); being kind to those, adults and children, who are curious about the world, even when you’re surprised by their ignorance; the importance of focusing on more areas of your life outside of work; and why and possibly how you can change the people in your life that are bringing you down.

What We Train For & Poor Expectations (20m) – Episode 036

Skyler J. Collins (Editor)

Episode 036 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Epictetus who wrote, “But what is philosophy? Doesn’t it simply mean preparing ourselves for what may come? Don’t you understand that really amounts to saying that if I would so prepare myself to endure, then let anything happen that will? Otherwise, it would be like the boxer exiting the ring because he took some punches. Actually, you can leave the boxing ring without consequence, but what advantage would come from abandoning the pursuit of wisdom? So, what should each of us say to every trial we face? This is what I’ve trained for, for this my discipline!”; and the second from r/Stoicism, a post by Throwawaymykey9000 who started off with, “Whenever you find yourself upset, pay close attention to what false appearance/expectation you had that led to the discomfort. This is how you grow as a Stoic.”

Angry or Rude People, Expenses in Hours, Laser Printers, & Google Calendar (26m) – Episode 034

Skyler J. Collins (Editor)

Episode 034 looks at why we shouldn’t expect an angry person to be able to reason or think clearly, especially children; having empathy and compassion for someone acting rudely, as they’re likely dealing with something difficult; how to calculate your expenses in work hours instead of money, and the benefit of doing so; why a laser printer is more economical for home use than an inkjet; and how Skyler utilizes Google Calendar and Gmail to keep track of recurring tasks, events, and reminders.

Seeing Our Addictions & Don’t Be a Slave (29m) – Episode 033

Skyler J. Collins (Editor)

Episode 033 looks at two Stoic topics: the first from Seneca who wrote, “We must give up many things to which we are addicted, considering them to be good. Otherwise, courage will vanish, which should continually test itself. Greatness of soul will be lost, which can’t stand out unless it disdains as petty what the mob regards as most desirable.”; and the second from Demetrius the Cynic who wrote, “If I cherish my body, I make a slave of myself, if I cherish my property, I make a slave of myself; because I’ve disclosed the means to make me captive.”; also a story of devastation experienced by Skyler due to his attachment to some of his property.