Practical Stoicism

Stoicism is the pursuit of Virtue (Aretê), which was defined by the Ancient Greeks as "the knowledge of how to live excellently," Stoicism is a holistic life philosophy meant to guide us towards the attainment of this knowledge through the development of our character. While many other Stoicism podcasts focus on explaining Ancient Stoicism in an academic or historical context, Practical Stoicism strives to port the ancient wisdom of this 2300-plus-year-old Greek Philosophy into contemporary times to provide practical advice for living today, not two millennia ago. Join American philosopher of Stoicism Tanner Campbell, every Monday and Friday, for new episodes.

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Episodes

Hop for the Hospice Fundraiser

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

Context is Everything (Meditations 3.15)

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

When Rest & Relaxation Become Vice (Mediation 3.14)

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