This week I cover the Stoic way to receive bad news. We spend time in Epictetus' Discourses, Book 3, Chapter 28 and talk about the hegemonikon (ruling faculty of the mind) and Stoic indifference. I wrap up by discussing how to use the practice of Physical Definition (as mentioned in Episode 3) to decide what to do in light of distressing events.

Episode 6 - Handling Distressing News

'Good Fortune' is dedicated to understanding, practicing, and maintaining a Stoic outlook towards life.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

In this episode, Matt Van Natta talks about the Stoic view of Virtue. Questions asked and answered:

How does Stoicism describe virtue?
But what is virtue?
How can we be virtuous?

Episode 19: Virtue

In this episode, Matt Van Natta talks about how Stoics deal with personal conflict. Questions asked and answered:

What is the Stoic view of personal conflict?
How does a Stoic respond to conflict?
How does this radical viewpoint apply to life today?

Episode 18: Conflict

In this episode, Matt Van Natta talks about why Stoics will sometimes be considered foolish by others. Questions asked and answered:

Why would practitioners of philosophy be considered foolish?
What benefit is there to being foolish in the Stoic way?
How can I be certain I'm being Stoically foolish and not generally foolish?

Episode 17: The Stoic Fool

In this episode, Matt Van Natta addresses progress in Stoic philosophy. Questions asked and answered:

How do Stoics define Progress?
How does a Stoic practice the philosophy?
How can we know if we're missing the point of Stoicism?

Episode 16: Progress

In this episode, Matt Van Natta addresses Stoic self-care. Questions asked and answered:

What does Stoicism advise, when I've had my fill of life's stresses?
How can I find personal harmony in a discordant world?
Why does Stoicism recommend brief and basic mental renewal?

Episode 6 - Handling Distressing News

Download our free app to listen on your phone