Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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About this meditation:

This meditation will help you see all of the invisible and magic conditions of life that make everything possible. There is so much going on beneath the surface of existence that we take for granted such as the way our societies are run, the way we get access to food and water, the statistical likelihood of being born, and the way the atmosphere is perfectly attuned to our survival. To allow oneself to become oblivious to the awe of ordinary life is a mistake that we will put right in this lesson. It's time to once again see the beauty of a raindrop and feel the vitality of a single breath of cold air. 

Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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This is an interview I did with the creator of the brilliant WhatIsStoicism blog and podcast. 

Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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In this episode, I speak to the legendary Stoic writer Donald Robertson and ask him about the Stoic view on exercise. 

More from Donald: https://donaldrobertson.name/

Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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Many of us are interested in philosophy and self-improvement not to become wise, but for the reputation of being wise. Epictetus saw that this pattern of behavior is very counter-productive if one wishes to acquire true wisdom.

After listening to this episode, read the breakdown here:
https://www.stoichandbook.co/do-not-wish-to-appear-wise/

Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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"If you want to make progress, drop reflections like: ‘I will end up destitute if I don’t take better care of my affairs,’ or, ‘Unless I discipline my slave, he’ll wind up good for nothing.’ It is better to die of hunger free of grief and apprehension than to live affluent and uneasy. Better that your slave should be bad than that you should be unhappy."
— Epictetus

In this episode, I explore the topic of stress and worry. I begin by looking at the game most of us play, and then offer a Stoic alternative recommended by Epictetus.

✍️ Get the Stoic diagrams for this episode here. 

Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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In this lesson, I ask Donald Robertson about the difference between reading about Stoicism and practicing it, and we discuss what would happen if Marcus Aurelius time traveled to modern times. 

Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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And when asked what he had learned from philosophy, Diogenes replied, “To be prepared for every fortune.“
— William B. Irvine, A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy

Diogenes is the most famous of the Cynics, a branch of philosophy that served as the precursor for traditional Stoicism. Diogenes was a bizarre fellow for a number of reasons. He lived inside a barrel and shunned any form of luxurious living. Diogenes only ate when he was starving hungry and drank when he was gaspingly thirsty. This allowed him to enjoy a simple cup of water as if it was the world’s most expensive wine.

The core of Diogenes' thought was based on his observation that “bad men obey their lusts as servants obey their masters,” and because we are so bad at controlling our desires, we can never find contentment. This is why Diogenes was so intent on being the master of his own lust and attachments.

Perhaps Diogenes' greatest and most memorable display of Stoic superhero strength was in his meeting with Alexander the Great. Alexander was taught by Aristotle and had brilliant admiration for great thinkers. One day when riding through Greece Alexander encountered Diogenes, a philosopher he had heard many great things about. The legend states that upon meeting Diogenes, Alexander asked the philosopher if there was anything he could give him.

Alexander at this point in time was the most powerful man in the world, and he was extremely hot-tempered. There were stories of Alexander having his best friends executed for disrespecting him. So when he offered Diogenes a gift, nobody would have expected the words that would have come out of the strange philosopher’s mouth:

“Yes,” said Diogenes, “stand a little out of my sun.”

Diogenes was so steadfast in his Stoic way of living he even risked the wrath of Alexander the Great to demonstrate it. Diogenes was not someone who just lived his philosophy, he was continuously on the lookout for opportunities to teach it and his meeting with Alexander presented one.

It worked. So taken aback by this reply, and admired the courage and wit of Diogenes so much, he said to his followers laughing, “But truly if I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.”

Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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The "What If" Technique comes from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is an effective, science-backed therapeutic system inspired by Stoic philosophy and it helps you discover the root of your anxieties.

This meditation is one of over a dozen found in Stoic Anxiety Mastery. 

Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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Modern Stoicism says a lot about how to be more resilient and how to "accept things" with equanimity. But what about feelings of joy, awe, and laughter.

Can Stoicism help us live a more joyful life... really?

I ask Stoicism writer Donald Robertson in a new series where I'll be picking his brain about important Stoic ideas. 

Start here: If you want to build a consistent Stoic practice — not just listen to one — I made a free 7-day challenge. One short audio lesson per day, one practice to try. No fluff. stoicchallenge.co

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Order a copy of Verissimus here

Stoic author, philosopher and cognitive behavioural therapist, Donald Robertson, returns to discuss his brand new graphic novel, VERISSIMUS. 

This is the most epic philosophical project that I am aware of to date. 

If Ridley Scott's Gladiator had a baby with Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, you’d get Verissimus.

As you’ll hear in this interview, this project was a massive undertaking, taking nearly 3 years to complete. Detailing the life, times, and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, the book acts as a historically accurate, action-packed entry point into the Stoic landscape.

In this episode, we cover:

• The process of creating this book
• Why Donald decided to make a graphic novel
• Why many Romans actually opposed Marcus Aurelius
• Marcus’ mission to cultivate natural compassion towards all human beings, even his worst enemies
• The absurdity of Stoicism’s most popular criticism 
• Stoicism’s deep influence on early Christianity
• The relationship between intuition and reason
• Jon's single favourite chapter on Stoicism

Links to Donald's Work:

 Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, by Donald Robertson 

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, by Donald Robertson

Donald’s website

Modern Stoicism