Michael and Caleb look back on their favorite reads, conversations, and discoveries from the year.

They discuss why Cicero’s On Ends deserves a spot on every Stoic’s reading list, what the New Testament and Stoicism have in common, and the power of keeping philosophical maxims close at hand. The conversation covers a Spanish Jesuit’s handbook on practical wisdom, Plato’s failed attempt to mentor a tyrant, and which Stoic exercises actually work in daily life. Finally, they wrap up with moves of the year.

(01:00) Cicero’s On Ends: Why It’s the Perfect Second Book

(08:10) Reading the New Testament as a Stoic

(17:00) The Art of Worldly Wisdom by Baltasar Gracián

(24:20) The Life of Plato: Philosophy Meets Tyranny

(28:00) Stoic Maxims as Mental Magic

(32:20) The 10 Stoic Exercises: What Actually Works

(37:20) Movie Picks: Lord of the Rings and The Great Beauty

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations:

https://ancientlyre.com/

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