This episode clears up confusion around Stoic indifferents, especially when it comes to fitness and health. I revisit last week’s topic of context and explain why outcomes—like physical strength or general health—have nothing to do with Virtue. Drawing on Epictetus’ concept of the hegemonikon, I explore how only our choices fall within the domain of moral responsibility. I also address the common misconception that Stoics should always pursue fitness and strength, showing that what is appropriat...
Apr 22, 2025•29 min
Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cailean This spring, Cailean is putting on his bunny ears and joining his nursery friends in a very special hopping challenge—Hop for Hospice—to help raise vital funds for Thames Hospice. Cailean is just one year old, but even at this young age, he’s taking his first steps (or hops!) toward making a difference in the lives of others. With your support, every bounce, wiggle, and hop he takes will help ensure that Thames Hospice can continue providing s...
Apr 16, 2025•2 min
In today’s episode, I take a close look at Meditations 3.15, which reads: “They have not learnt to know the manifold significance of theft, of sowing, of buying, resting, seeing what ought to be done. This depends not on the bodily eye but on another kind of vision.” Marcus is pointing us toward a crucial insight: context matters deeply. Nothing, not even theft or sowing, is always straightforwardly good or bad. I explore how Stoicism teaches us to see beyond the surface of actions and recognize...
Apr 15, 2025•27 min
This week, I take a closer look at Meditations 3.14, where Marcus Aurelius encourages us not to “wander from our path any longer.” It’s a meditation you’ve probably heard before, and while some translations simplify it to “put away your books,” I find that framing a little misleading. Books, much like hobbies or relaxation activities, have their place. They support our well-being and our pursuit of Virtue—when used in the right way. In this episode, I unpack what Marcus really means. I talk abou...
Apr 08, 2025•14 min•Season 2Ep. 34
In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.13, where Marcus Aurelius reminds us to keep the principles of Stoicism as close at hand as a doctor keeps their instruments. Our “scalpel” is our rational faculty—our ability to discern what is right and act justly, even when it's hard. When we stay ready in this way, we fulfill our role as rational agents within the whole of Nature. We also dig into what it means to be part of a rational and interconnected universe. Marcus urges us to treat others justl...
Apr 01, 2025•14 min•Season 2Ep. 33
In this episode, I walk through Meditations 3.12, where Marcus Aurelius claims that if we pursue Virtue with sincerity and without distraction, we will live “the blessed life.” But what does that really mean in Stoic terms? We examine what “blessed” refers to (spoiler: it’s Eudaimonia, or inner peace) and ask whether the Stoics pursued Virtue for its own sake or for the sake of that peace. I argue that Virtue leads to inner peace by removing destructive emotions like anger, fear, shame, and grie...
Mar 25, 2025•18 min•Season 2Ep. 32
In this episode, we explore Meditations 3.11 and its profound insights into how we process and assent to impressions. The Stoics believed that our initial reactions to external events—our impressions—are often flawed, and it’s our responsibility to critically examine them before accepting them as truth. This practice is essential for making rational, virtuous decisions instead of reacting emotionally or impulsively. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that true greatness comes from methodically and truth...
Mar 18, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Hey everyone, Tanner here. Today I'm going to share something with you that's a little bit different. This is not an episode. This is what's called a feed drop. A feed drop is when I feature a podcast I think you might like and then you listen to a little bit of it and if you like it you go find out more about it on your own. And this podcast is called Money for Couples. If you have ever found yourself wondering as a couple, where is all our money going? You're definitely not alone. That is exac...
Mar 18, 2025•19 min
In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.10, where Marcus Aurelius reminds himself—and us—that we only ever live in the present moment. He urges us to remember three things: life is short, the space we occupy is small, and fame is fleeting. But why does he emphasize this? Because knowing who we are and becoming the best version of ourselves is what truly matters. This discussion dives into the Stoic understanding of determinism and free will. I explore how our choices shape our character over ti...
Mar 11, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 30
This episode explores Meditations 3.9, where Marcus Aurelius urges us to revere our rational faculty. In Stoicism, rationality is our greatest gift—it’s the tool that allows us to pursue Virtue, shape our moral character, and ultimately live in accordance with Nature. But how do we cultivate this faculty, especially when our environment doesn’t support moral growth? I discuss how we are shaped by our surroundings, often without realizing it. If we’re immersed in Stoic teachings, the path to mora...
Mar 04, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Modern interpretations of Stoicism are often wildly inaccurate, reducing the philosophy to a life hack for suppressing emotions, a tool for productivity-obsessed entrepreneurs, or a justification for toxic masculinity. But do any of these portrayals hold up under scrutiny? In this episode, I break down these misconceptions by turning to the words of ancient Stoic thinkers—Musonius Rufus, Zeno of Citium, and others—who show us that Stoicism is far more profound and ethical than pop culture sugges...
Feb 25, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.8 and the idea of preparing for death—not as a morbid fascination, but as a necessary step toward living justly and without fear. Marcus Aurelius describes the Stoic sage as someone unshaken by fate, someone who meets the end of life without hesitation or regret. But how does this apply to the rest of us, who are still progressing in our practice? “In the understanding of a man of chastened and purified spirit you will find, no trace of festering wound, n...
Feb 18, 2025•20 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.7, where Marcus Aurelius reminds us that nothing should take priority over Virtue. Many misunderstand Stoicism as a philosophy of detachment, resilience, and isolation, but in truth, it is profoundly prosocial. Being a Stoic means fulfilling our roles within the broader human community, not retreating from it. I challenge the popular but misguided idea of Stoicism as a philosophy for lone survivalists, demonstrating how its core teachings—from Zeno to Epi...
Feb 11, 2025•18 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.6 and the challenge Marcus Aurelius presents to those seeking the Good life: is there anything higher than justice, truth, temperance, and fortitude? If we find something greater, we should pursue it wholeheartedly. But if not, then we must commit ourselves fully to Virtue. I also address the common misconception that Stoicism promotes emotional repression or toxic perfectionism. True Stoicism is about disciplined reasoning, self-improvement, and moral al...
Feb 04, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In this episode, Tanner explores Meditations 3.5 by Marcus Aurelius, diving into its core teachings about Stoic ethics and virtuous living. The meditation emphasizes acting with integrity, examining one’s motives, and focusing on moral reasoning rather than outcomes. Tanner reflects on Marcus’s invocation of the “God within” as a call to internalize virtue and gratitude, encouraging listeners to appreciate life, even during adversity. The discussion underscores the Stoic principle of striving fo...
Jan 28, 2025•11 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode, Tanner answers a listener question from Wyatt Bennett: “What does Stoicism say about human nature? Are humans naturally selfish?” Exploring this through the Stoic concept of Oikeiôsis and the Circles of Concern, Tanner explains how our understanding of responsibilities expands as we mature. Starting from self-concern in infancy, we grow to care for family, friends, community, humanity, and even the planet. Tanner challenges Thomas Hobbes’ pessimistic view of human nature, offeri...
Jan 21, 2025•14 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode, Tanner explores the rich insights of Meditations 3.4 by Marcus Aurelius, focusing on four main Stoic principles. Marcus warns against wasting time on unnecessary concerns about others, emphasizing opportunity cost and the importance of focusing on appropriate external and internal matters. Tanner also discusses the practice of habituating virtuous thoughts—those we would not be ashamed to express openly—as a step toward moral excellence. The meditation highlights the innate rati...
Jan 14, 2025•19 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode, I reflect on Meditation 3.3 from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, exploring its central themes: the inevitability of death, the futility of fearing it, and the Stoic imperative to live well while we can. Marcus reminds us that even the most accomplished and revered figures—be they healers, conquerors, or philosophers—ultimately succumb to mortality. Their stories serve as a humbling reminder of our shared fate and an encouragement to prioritize virtue over fame, power, or fear. Key...
Jan 07, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode, I discuss Meditation 3.2 from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. This meditation reflects on the inherent beauty in all things that align with Nature, even when they might seem imperfect or undesirable to us at first glance. Marcus uses examples such as cracks on a freshly baked loaf of bread or the ripe, oozing fig to illustrate how side effects of Nature’s processes carry their own grace and fascination. I explore two key takeaways: I. Understanding Natural Processes – By studying ...
Dec 24, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Today we begin Book 3 of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Meditation 3.1 reminds us that our time is limited—not just by death, but by the potential loss of our rational faculty as we age. Marcus writes that even if life continues, our ability to reason, comprehend, and adapt to events may diminish. He urges us to press forward with our pursuit of Virtue while we still have the capacity to live thoughtfully and intentionally. Memento Mori—the practice of remembering our mortality—grounds Stoic pr...
Dec 17, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, I discuss Meditation 17 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the transient and uncertain nature of life. Marcus reminds us that our lives are brief and unpredictable, with the physical and spiritual aspects of existence constantly in flux. In the face of this, Marcus asserts that only Philosophy can serve as our guide through life, providing us with the means to keep our spirit unharmed, act with purpose, and accept the inevitable changes and dissolution...
Dec 10, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode, I examine Meditation 16 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the ways in which a person’s soul—or daemon, in Stoic terminology—can harm itself. Marcus lists five key actions that damage the soul, emphasizing that such harm occurs when we act contrary to Nature and our rational purpose. The first way we harm ourselves is by separating from Nature, acting as though we are independent of the Universe’s interconnected system. The second is by turning against...
Dec 02, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this episode, I reflect on Meditation 15 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius emphasizes that “all is opinion.” This principle, shared by the Cynic philosopher Monimus, suggests that our perception defines our reality. While this concept is intuitive, its true power lies in recognizing the control we have over how we frame our experiences. By adjusting our perceptions, we can transform how we respond to life’s challenges, even in situations of profound loss or injustice. I explor...
Nov 26, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode, I examine Meditation 14 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the nature of time and the present moment. Marcus emphasizes that we cannot lose the past, as it no longer exists, nor the future, as it has yet to arrive. The only thing we can truly lose is the present moment, which is fleeting and finite. He reminds us that regardless of the length of one’s life, everyone loses the same thing in death: the ability to exist in the present. This meditation enc...
Nov 18, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode, I review Meditation 13 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the futility of constantly seeking to understand or judge others instead of focusing on our own alignment with Nature. Marcus references Pindar to illustrate how some people waste their lives in endless speculation, failing to see that true fulfillment comes from connecting with the divine reason, or “Daimon,” within each of us. This Daimon represents our inner sense of virtue and alignment with...
Nov 13, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this episode, I discuss Meditation 12 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the transient nature of life, death, and the things we often fear or desire. Marcus emphasizes that everything in the Universe is impermanent, including our bodies, desires, and even the monuments we create. These fleeting aspects of life, he suggests, should be seen as trivial or “cheap” when compared to the pursuit of virtue. Marcus also contemplates death, framing it not as something to be f...
Nov 05, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In this episode, I discuss Meditation 11 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reminds us to live each moment as if death could come at any time, encouraging a focus on living virtuously. Marcus addresses the nature of death and the existence of gods, framing them in a way that reduces fear. He explains that if gods exist, they are just, so there is no need to fear death. If gods do not exist, then life has no divine meaning, and death is a natural peace. Marcus implies that life is ...
Oct 28, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode, I cover Meditation 10 from Book 2 of Meditations, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the comparison between faults driven by anger and those driven by desire. He references Theophrastus, who argued that errors rooted in pleasure and appetite are graver than those caused by anger. I explore this idea, explaining how Stoics view actions driven by desire as more deliberate and habituated than those caused by reactive emotions like anger. When we act out of anger, it is often a respo...
Oct 21, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode, I reflect on Meditation 9 from Book 2 of Meditations. Marcus Aurelius reminds us to always remember the nature of the Cosmos and our place within it. He emphasizes that the Cosmos is a rational and self-sustaining system, and as part of it, we share in that logic and beneficence. Marcus urges us to act in accordance with Nature, meaning that we should strive to be rational and beneficent, just as the Cosmos is. I explore how the Cosmos, though not consciously acting like a human...
Oct 15, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode, I discuss Meditation 8 from Book 2 of Meditations. Marcus Aurelius reflects on how people rarely suffer from not understanding the thoughts of others but are bound to suffer if they don’t observe their own thoughts. I explain how spending too much time worrying about what others think leaves us no energy to examine our own thoughts and work toward virtue. This meditation is not about ignoring others, but rather about prioritizing our mental energy wisely. We can care for others,...
Oct 07, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 9
