Introduction

Each week, we explore the wisdom of the Stoics and how their insights apply to modern life. Today, we confront a difficult truth—our natural inclination is to be selfish. This isn’t a moral failing in itself; it’s an evolutionary survival instinct. But when left unchecked, it leads to a world where relationships are reduced to transactions, where power dominates, and where people are seen as tools rather than fellow human beings.

The Role of Morality

If selfishness is our default state, morality is what lifts us beyond it. It is the force that transforms instinct into virtue, shaping us into beings capable of wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. Without it, we drift toward moral apathy, where self-interest consumes everything in its path. The absence of morality doesn’t create neutrality—it creates vice. And where vice thrives, evil follows.

The Personal Battle Against Selfishness

The path to virtue is not something we can delegate to others; it is a personal responsibility. We become moral not through abstract ideals but through daily choices—choosing integrity when deception is easier, practicing discipline when indulgence tempts us, and showing courage when fear urges retreat. The fight against selfishness is not waged in grand gestures but in the small, consistent acts of virtue that define who we are.

Conclusion

The easy path is to surrender to our base instincts to justify selfishness as natural and inevitable. But history has shown where that road leads—division, corruption, and destruction. The harder path, the path of virtue, demands effort, discipline, and sacrifice. But it is the only road that leads to a life of meaning, to a society built on trust rather than exploitation. The question remains: will we rise above our nature, or will we be ruled by it? The answer is in our hands.

Thank you for listening to A Modern Stoic. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. For a deeper dive, a free PDF of A Fortress of Virtue is available. Until next time, live with wisdom, act with courage, and pursue justice in all that you do.

This week's episode discusses "The Folly of Debating Evil." Is every idea worthy of a platform? Should every position be considered worthy of debate? We tackle these questions head-on, arguing that the answer is a resounding no. Engaging with evil as if it were a legitimate perspective grants it an undeserved level of credibility and allows for manipulating moral absolutes into moral relativism.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

* How evil seeks to erode moral certainty by drawing the virtuous into debate, shifting the conversation from right and wrong to preferences and perspectives.

* Why debating with those who seek to justify wickedness is a dangerous game, as evil seeks to corrupt rather than understand.

* Why arguing with a liar only dignifies their lies and entertaining conversations about harming children grants evil legitimacy.

* Why the proper response to wickedness is to call it out, not debate it.

* We discuss how we should not debate, treat arguments as valid discussion points, or allow those advocating evil to set the terms of conversation; instead, we should expose them and name their tactics.

* Why, in an age of moral confusion, it is a mistake to assume all positions deserve a hearing, and some ideas deserve only rejection and condemnation.

* Why entertaining evil is a betrayal of the truth, and the only way to defeat it is to refuse to yield ground.

Stoicism is one of the most misunderstood philosophies in the modern world. Many assume that to be Stoic means to be cold, emotionless, and indifferent to life’s challenges. But these misconceptions obscure the true nature of Stoicism—a practical philosophy designed to cultivate resilience, wisdom, and deep engagement with the world.

In this three-part podcast episode of A Modern Stoic, we tackle the four most common myths about Stoicism and reveal what it truly teaches:

* Stoicism is about emotional mastery, not suppression. Contrary to popular belief, Stoicism does not require the elimination of emotions but rather the ability to govern them wisely. We explore why a Stoic still feels deeply but chooses to respond with reason rather than impulse.

* Stoicism is joyful and life-affirming, not pessimistic. Far from being a bleak or fatalistic philosophy, Stoicism teaches how to cultivate lasting peace of mind by focusing on what is within our control. We discuss how this shift in perspective leads to greater happiness and contentment.

* Stoicism encourages deep engagement, not cold detachment. While some mistake Stoicism for social withdrawal, the truth is that Stoics see themselves as active contributors to society. We explain how Stoicism promotes thoughtful, effective action rather than reckless emotional reactivity.

* Stoicism calls for action without desperation, not passive resignation. Stoicism does not teach blind acceptance of everything that happens; rather, it urges us to focus our energy on what we can change while maintaining our inner stability. We break down how this mindset fosters both personal growth and positive impact in the world.

We’ll also discuss how to effectively explain Stoicism to others, using analogies, historical examples, and personal experiences to correct these misunderstandings. The best way to educate others? Embody the philosophy in your daily life as an example to others.

Join us as we debunk the myths and reveal the true power of Stoicism—not as a philosophy of detachment, but as a guide to a life of clarity, purpose, and resilience.

In "A Fortress of Virtue," Michael Lines presents a powerful antidote to the rise of moral relativism: a practical guide to building your own inner stronghold against the encroaching forces of evil. This isn't just another self-help book; it's a call to arms for those who refuse to stand idly by while the foundations of our civilization crumble.

In this highly engaging audio overview of the book, you'll discover:

• The insidious tactics used to erode morality, from the weaponization of lies and confusion to the normalization of evil and the inversion of good.

• How to reclaim the timeless Stoic virtues of wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice as your personal defense system against corruption.

• Actionable strategies for applying Stoic principles to everyday challenges, from overcoming criticism to mastering your desires and cultivating self-reliance.

• How to transform from a passive observer into an active warrior for truth, justice, and virtue, not just for your own sake, but for your family, your community, and the world.

Ready to build your fortress and stand firm against the tide of moral decay? This audio overview could be the critical first step to getting you started. Listen and find out more.