Stoicism: The Unconquerable Mind

Stoicism Trailer

Welcome to Stoicism: The Unconquerable Mind, the podcast that brings ancient Stoic wisdom to modern-day problems. Each week, we dive into the teachings of the great Stoics to give you practical tools for building resilience, finding calm, and living a better life. No jargon, no fluff—just timeless strategies for a stronger mind. Follow us now to get started.

Episode 31 – The Stoic Operating System: An Introduction to the Three Disciplines

This episode introduces Stoicism not as an abstract philosophy but as a practical "operating system for life" designed to guide individuals toward well-being. It addresses the fundamental risk of "misliving," which is defined as spending one's life pursuing goals that are ultimately not worthwhile. The hosts propose that without a coherent philosophy, people are susceptible to this danger in a world filled with distractions and external pressures. This framework, derived from ancient thinkers, offers a robust method for finding purpose and clarity.
The core of this operating system is composed of three interconnected disciplines that provide a comprehensive guide to navigating life's challenges. The first is the discipline of perception, which involves mastering our internal judgments about external events. Following this is the discipline of action, governing our ethics, social duties, and how we interact with others. The third is the discipline of will, which equips us to handle the things that are beyond our direct control with wisdom and resilience.
By integrating these three disciplines, the episode explains that one can achieve the Stoic goals of tranquility and genuine happiness. The teachings of key figures such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius form the basis for this practical approach, demonstrating its application through their own varied life experiences.

Episode 32 – Perception: Seeing Things As They Are

This deep dive focuses on the first Stoic discipline: mastering perception to achieve inner peace. The central tenet explored is that external events themselves do not cause our suffering, but rather our internal judgments and opinions about them do. This insight is presented as the key to unlocking emotional freedom, as it places the power to manage distress firmly within our own minds. The episode aims to unpack the practical techniques the Stoics developed to achieve this mental mastery.
A primary technique discussed is cognitive distancing, which involves creating a mental "pause" between an initial impression and our response to it. This allows for a rational examination of the thought, treating it as a hypothesis rather than an objective fact. By doing so, one can learn to withhold assent from irrational or harmful judgments, such as those that fuel destructive anger. The episode uses the story of Cato the Younger calmly responding to an insult as a prime example of maintaining this inner control.
Ultimately, the goal is to build an "inner citadel," a fortress of mental resilience that is invulnerable to external chaos. The process is described as a form of mental training, akin to a doctor treating an illness, which requires consistent effort but leads to profound inner peace.

Episode 33 – Perception: The Power of the Mental Pause

This episode explores the transformative power of "the pause," a concept famously articulated by psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl. Frankl stated that between stimulus and response, there is a space, and in that space lies our power to choose our response. This core idea is presented as the key to growth and freedom, allowing us to move from reactive behavior to reasoned, purposeful action.
The discussion connects Frankl's insight directly to ancient Stoic wisdom, particularly the teachings of Epictetus on the dichotomy of control. By understanding what is within our control (our judgments, choices, and attitude) versus what is not (external events), we can effectively utilize this mental space. The episode uses historical and biblical examples, such as Abraham and King Rehoboam, to illustrate how pausing to consider a broader perspective can avert disaster and lead to wiser decisions. This practice of creating distance from our initial impressions is fundamental to Stoic philosophy.
The practical application of this principle lies in consciously cultivating that moment of reflection before reacting. By doing so, we reclaim our inner freedom and are no longer puppets of our circumstances or immediate emotions. This discipline empowers us to choose responses that align with our values and long-term well-being, even in the face of extreme adversity.

Episode 34 – Perception: On Cynicism and Contempt

This episode offers a Stoic antidote to cynicism and contempt by exploring the discipline of perception and its application to our view of others. It posits that a significant source of our frustration with people comes from a failure to see them with empathy and understanding. The central Stoic argument presented is that people primarily act wrongly out of ignorance, not malice; they are mistaken about what is truly good or bad. This perspective shifts the emotional response from anger to a form of compassion or even pity.
The discussion delves into how Stoics like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius trained their minds to reframe the actions of others. Instead of seeing a thief as purely evil, they would see them as someone confused about the value of external possessions. This requires separating the person from their faulty judgment, which allows for a more reasoned and less emotionally volatile reaction. The practice of premeditating on potential frustrations helps prepare the mind to meet such challenges with tranquility rather than shock and anger.
Ultimately, this Stoic practice is about cultivating a more compassionate and constructive worldview. It involves developing an "art of acquiescence" by accepting that we cannot control others' actions but can always control our own response. This approach not only preserves our own inner peace but also opens the door to more effective and humane interactions with those around us.

Episode 35 – Perception: Journaling as a Philosophical Practice

This deep dive examines the ancient practice of Stoic journaling as a powerful tool for building mental resilience and clarity. It highlights that this is not simply a diary for recording events, but a profound philosophical exercise for self-examination and improvement. The prime example is Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, which began as a series of private notes and self-exhortations written during demanding military campaigns. This practice serves as a method to internalize Stoic principles and actively shape one's inner world.
The episode details several key functions of Stoic journaling. It is a space to practice the discipline of perception by writing down and analyzing one's judgments about events, thereby creating cognitive distance. Journaling is also used for the "premeditation of evils," a technique of contemplating potential future hardships to reduce their emotional impact should they occur. Furthermore, it facilitates gaining a "view from above," a cosmic perspective that helps diminish the perceived importance of everyday anxieties and frustrations.
The process of writing provides a tangible way to engage in a dialogue with oneself, acting as one's own "refutationist" by challenging negative impressions. It reinforces the fundamental Stoic distinction between what is within our control and what is not, helping to focus energy on our own choices and character. Ultimately, Stoic journaling is presented as a practical, daily discipline for forging an "inner fortress" against the chaos of life.

Episode 36 – Perception: The Dangers of Comparison

This episode tackles the pervasive modern problem of social comparison, citing Theodore Roosevelt's wisdom that "comparison is the thief of joy". It argues that this habit of constantly measuring ourselves against others' achievements, possessions, or perceived happiness is a guaranteed path to misery. The core solution offered is rooted in ancient Stoic philosophy, which provides a timeless framework for shifting focus away from others and back onto one's own path.
The fundamental Stoic tool for combating comparison is the "dichotomy of control," which distinguishes between what is up to us and what is not. The episode explains that our judgments, choices, and character are within our control, while external things like wealth, reputation, and others' successes are not. By focusing our energy exclusively on our own internal world and actions, the compulsion to compare ourselves based on external metrics naturally diminishes. This requires understanding that for the Stoics, virtue is the only true good, and external things are merely "indifferents".
The discussion uses examples like Seneca and Socrates to show how this mindset frees individuals from the anxiety of chasing wealth and fame. The concept of prokopē, or progress, is introduced as the proper metric for self-evaluation, where one measures themselves against their past self, not against others. The episode concludes that by mastering our judgments and focusing on our own virtuous progress, we can reclaim our joy from the trap of comparison.

Episode 37 – Action: The Proper Way to Live

This episode delves into the Stoic discipline of action, explaining how to translate inner wisdom into purposeful, virtuous behavior in the world. It clarifies the Stoic concept of eudaimonia, which is not fleeting pleasure but a state of profound flourishing and well-being achieved through a life of virtue. The discussion centers on the idea that true happiness is a byproduct of living correctly and fulfilling one's duties. This approach requires understanding our nature as rational and social beings designed for community and cooperation.
The episode breaks down the four cardinal virtues that guide Stoic action: wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation. These are not seen as separate qualities but as different applications of a single, unified virtue rooted in reason. Our specific duties are determined by our various roles in life—as a parent, citizen, or colleague—and fulfilling these roles virtuously is a primary expression of the discipline of action. The importance of relationships and building a supportive network of like-minded individuals is also highlighted as essential for moral and intellectual growth.
Furthermore, the episode addresses the Stoic view on emotions, explaining that the goal is not to be emotionless but to be free from destructive passions that cloud judgment. It emphasizes that virtuous action is not at odds with self-interest; in fact, contributing to the well-being of others is integral to one's own flourishing. Ultimately, this discipline provides a comprehensive guide for navigating social interactions and making choices that are both ethical and effective.

Episode 38 – Action: What is "The Common Good?"

This deep dive focuses on the Stoic concept of "the common good," a phrase frequently found in the writings of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The episode explains that this was not just a casual mention but a fundamental test for almost every thought and action. For the Stoics, our own well-being is deeply interconnected with the well-being of the entire community, as we are inherently social creatures by nature. This perspective shifts the focus from purely personal improvement to a broader sense of collective responsibility.
The philosophical grounding for this idea lies in the Stoic belief in a rational cosmic order, or logos. We are all fragments of this universal reason, creating a "community of reason" that connects all human beings. Therefore, acting unjustly or purely selfishly is not just a social transgression but an "impious" act against the rational design of nature itself. Even prioritizing personal pleasure or fearing pain over virtue is seen as a form of impiety, as it involves blaming the natural order for our own feelings.
The episode emphasizes the practical implications of this philosophy, from Marcus Aurelius's advice to police one's own thoughts to ensure they serve the community, to Epictetus's guidance on showing reasoned empathy without becoming overwhelmed. Fulfilling our specific roles—as a parent, citizen, or leader—is presented as a direct way to contribute to this common good. Ultimately, the Stoic path to flourishing (eudaimonia) is inseparable from serving the human community.

Episode 39 – Action: On Finding Your Purpose (and Doing Your Job)

This episode explores how ancient Stoic wisdom offers a powerful guide to finding purpose beyond the fleeting external markers of success like fame, wealth, and status. It centers on the Stoic discipline of will, which teaches us to manage our desires and aversions by focusing on what is truly within our control. The discussion highlights the "dichotomy of control" as the foundational tool for this process, helping us distinguish between our internal choices and external outcomes. This reorientation is key to building an internal sense of validation and purpose that is not dependent on fortune.
The episode examines the Stoic perspective on fame and legacy through the lens of Marcus Aurelius, who constantly reminded himself of their empty and transient nature. He reflected on how even great figures like Alexander the Great were ultimately reduced to dust, emphasizing that true worth lies in one's character, not in external recognition. This leads to the concept of "stealth stoicism," the idea of practicing philosophy unostentatiously, focusing on virtuous action for its own sake rather than for applause.
The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of self-sufficiency (autarkeia), where our well-being is anchored in our own virtuous choices, making us resilient to external events. By directing our ambition inward toward character development, we can find a profound and unshakable sense of purpose. The episode concludes by challenging listeners to consider what external measures of success they can begin to release in favor of this internal, more meaningful pursuit.