Modern Stoicism gets sold as self-control and grit, which leaves out the part Marcus Aurelius arguably cared about most. Donald Robertson and I talk about the missing piece: the idea that real strength shows up as kindness, and that anger is closer to weakness than to power. It is an easy philosophy to misread as cold and detached. We make the case for the o ... Show More
Yesterday
Finding Advantage In Adversity
What can you do with a setback you cannot undo?In this recorded Stoic talk, I explore the difference between enjoying a moment and valuing how you spent it. We look at wanting the life you already have, finding a useful response to adversity, and practising with ordinary frustrat ... Show More
28m 32s
Nov 6
Epictetus’s Two-Word Rule for Difficult Days
“Bear and forbear.” Two words are easy enough to remember. Using them when a conversation becomes uncomfortable, or your phone offers an escape from work, is harder.In this episode I look at where the saying comes from, what Aulus Gellius actually reports about Epictetus, and why ... Show More
15m 1s
Jul 2025
Defending Ourselves Against Our Enemies
In this episode, we look at what Stoicism has to say about resisting the urge for revenge and reclaiming our inner freedom.With help from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Diogenes, we examine why retaliation degrades us and how self-mastery is a better path to strength. Instead of ... Show More
4m 54s
Aug 2022
220 - Stoics and Emotions
Everyone faces up more bravely to a thing for which he has long prepared himself, sufferings, even, being withstood if they have been trained for in advance. Those who are unprepared, on the other hand, are panic-stricken by the most insignificant happenings. —SenecaStoicism is o ... Show More
14m 28s