INTRO
You know when you see it, someone with great character. But what is character, exactly? In this episode, we look at the ideas of the Stoics and realise that although they were around millennia ago, they were right all along. Cultivating virtues is the key to being a better person and living a better life.

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

• Stoicism is not about the stiff upper lip
• Stoicism is a philosophy from around 300BC onwards
• The underlying principles are to be real, be virtuous, and grow wise
• The philosophy of today’s world is wrecked
• Four main types of virtues are courage, moderation, justice, and wisdom
• Sometimes you need to push the boundaries and sometimes you need to pull back
• Wisdom tells the difference
• The Stoics suggested we actively cultivate these virtues
• Wandering and wondering is a good way to think and talk
• Stoics included:
• Zeno
• Seneca
• Marcus Aurelius
• Epictetus
• Don’t become a Stoic, use the principles in your own life
• Book: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
• Website: dailystoic.com
• Book: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
• Ideas should be cumulatively absorbed over time
• Saying: “Repetition is the mother of skill” - Rob Bialostocki
• I regret that I was so  judgemental when I was younger
• Compassion is a better mindset
• What you do on a daily basis is what your life’s like
• Do it because that’s what you do
• Living an examined life - Socrates
• Wisdom is context-dependent

HOW TO WORK THIS INTO YOUR LIFE

• Do a periodic self-check
• Schedule it into your life - weekly or monthly
• Ask yourself, “How well am I doing?” in relation to virtues in your life
• Ask with your head, listen with your heart
• My list:
  • Kindness
  • Compassion
  • Fairness
  • Integrity
  • Generosity

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