In this episode I reflect on the idea of responsibility through the lens of Spider-Man’s famous question, “What if it is my job?” I talk about how we can discern whether something really falls to us or not, how our roles and duties guide those decisions, and why happiness isn’t the point of life for a Stoic — virtue is. Along the way, I share thoughts on gut reactions, role-based reasoning, and how we can both accept where we are and still strive for better. Key takeaways from this episode include: — Stoics should be cautious of following gut or heart impulses, since these are often driven by immediate emotions rather than reason. — Our roles in life (parent, spouse, citizen, friend, etc.) help determine whether something “is our job” or not, and when no role obligates us, we can weigh whether new responsibilities can be taken on justly. — Happiness is not about external circumstances but about who we are; contentment and striving can coexist when both are approached with justice and gratitude. For an ad-free version of this podcast please visit https://stoicismpod.com/members For links to other valuable Stoic things, please visit https://links.stoicismpod.com If you'd like to provide feedback on this episode, or have question, you may do so as a member. Email sent by non-members will not be answered (though they may be read). This isn't punitive, I just cannot keep up. Limiting access to members reduces my workload. You're always invited to leave a comment on Spotify, member or not. Thanks for listening and have a great day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I explore how Stoic principles apply to the controversial and often emotionally charged topic of immigration. Using the Circles of Concern as a framework, I examine why Stoics must care for all members of the Cosmopolis, even when cultural differences challenge us. I also break down why preserving culture “at all costs” is un-Stoic, and how moral reasoning—not fear, nationalism, or rigid legality—should guide immigration policy and enforcement. Real-world examples, from COVID-era mask debates to refugee scenarios, help illustrate how Stoic justice differs from legal justice and why discernment is essential. Key takeaways from this episode include: Stoicism calls us to care for everyone in the Cosmopolis, even when differences exist, but requires reasoned discernment about how to act in distant circles of concern Preserving culture “at all costs” is not Stoic; the only pursuit worth that cost is perfect moral knowledge Stoic justice is based on moral reasoning and context, not on strict adherence to law or partisan ideology For an ad-free version of this podcast please visit https://stoicismpod.com/members For links to other valuable Stoic things, please visit https://links.stoicismpod.com If you'd like to provide feedback on this episode, or have question, you may do so as a member. Email sent by non-members will not be answered (though they may be read). This isn't punitive, I just cannot keep up. Limiting access to members reduces my workload. You're always invited to leave a comment on Spotify, member or not. Thanks for listening and have a great day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My interview with Jay Heinrichs, author of "Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion." Buy the book here: https://stoicismpod.com/jay All my links here: https://links.stoicismpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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This week I reflect on Meditations 4.6 and consider whether Marcus is really writing about death—or if he's reminding himself of the silliness of resisting what naturally unfolds. I explore the Stoic view of fate through the lens of the causal chain and point out where I think Stoicism allows some space for personal agency and emotional response. We also address the human tendency to lament things we cannot change, and I explain why indulging in that lamentation holds us back from our progress toward virtue. In the second half of the episode, I respond to a thoughtful listener question about how to let go of responsibilities when you've taken on too much. We dig into the difference between permanent and elective roles, what Stoicism asks of us when it comes to stepping away from duties, and how to abandon certain roles without abandoning our moral character in the process. “These are natural and necessary results from creatures of this kind, and one who wants this to be otherwise wants the fig-tree not to yield its acrid juice. And in general remember this, that within a very little while both he and you will be dead, and a little after not even your name nor his will be left.” — Meditations 4.6 Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I reflect on Meditations 4.5 and Marcus Aurelius’ effort to habituate acceptance of death as a natural and necessary part of life. Drawing from Marcus' experiences leading Rome through war and plague, I explore how his preoccupation with death wasn’t morbid, but practical—an attempt to remain aligned with Nature and his duty within the Cosmopolis. Death, like birth, is part of the universal order, and Stoicism teaches us that fearing it contradicts the very reason and nature we’re trying to live in accordance with. I also answer a listener question about the tension between patience and passivity. When someone wrongs us repeatedly, how do we maintain Stoic endurance without becoming doormats? I break down how context and role-based duties shape what it means to act justly, and I offer practical strategies for staying true to Stoic principles while setting boundaries that honor both ourselves and others. Midlife folks, click here: https://stoicismpod.com/midlife Meditations 4.5 Death is such as generation is, a mystery of nature… not a thing of which any man should be ashamed, for it is not contrary to the nature of a reasonable animal, and not contrary to the reason of our constitution. THREE TAKEAWAYS — Death is neither good nor bad—it’s a natural process necessary to life itself. — Stoic practice requires continual habituation, especially around fear and mortality. — Setting boundaries is not un-Stoic when done with reason and care for all parties involved. Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I respond to a challenging and emotionally heavy listener question: how can Stoicism claim that only Virtue is Good and only Vice is Evil, even in the face of horrific acts like rape? This isn’t a theoretical exercise in cruelty—it's a serious inquiry into Stoic ethical nuance. The heart of the issue is understanding what Stoicism means when it calls something "indifferent," and why it insists that moral value resides not in actions themselves, but in the moral character of the person choosing them. I explain the two definitions of indifferents in Stoicism: one refers to things that don’t affect our own character (if we’re not the actor), and the other refers to things whose moral value is undefined until context is applied. Through that lens, I show how horrific acts like rape are always unjust—and thus always vicious—not because of the physical actions involved, but because of the context in which they occur. This episode isn’t easy listening, but it’s essential for any serious student of Stoicism who wants to understand how Stoic ethics holds together even in the hardest moral cases. NO MEDITATION CITED THIS EPISODE THREE TAKEAWAYS — Stoicism distinguishes between actions and contexts; moral value is always determined by context. — Rape is not an indifferent in the moral sense; it is always an act of injustice, and thus always vicious. — Virtue and Vice remain the only true Good and Evil because context—not action—defines moral quality. Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I share a personal story about nearly losing my temper on a train—a moment that reminded me, yet again, how far I am from sagehood and how important continuous attention (prosochē) is in Stoic practice. A long day in London, a rowdy group of teens, and a few minor annoyances were enough to push me near my breaking point. But in reflecting on the moment, I was reminded that even when we slip, our years of practice can still protect us from our worst impulses. I share this story not just to vent, but to illustrate three key ideas: how quickly we can be carried away by impressions when we stop paying attention; how Stoic practice can lower the intensity of our worst moments over time; and how no one is immune to slipping—not even those who teach the philosophy to others. This episode is a reminder that the Stoic path requires vigilance, humility, and honest self-reflection. NO MEDITATION CITED THIS EPISODE THREE TAKEAWAYS — The moment you stop paying attention, indifferents can run away with you. — Stoic training builds internal safeguards that make even your worst moments better than they once were. — Falling short is inevitable—but it’s also instructive and necessary for progress. Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Practical Stoicism, I unpack Meditations 4.4, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the shared nature of human reason and its connection to a universal law. While Marcus builds a case for a kind of Stoic cosmopolitanism—where all rational beings are part of one commonwealth—I explore how this can inform our understanding of decentralized morality and Natural Law. I also contrast Stoic justice with religious or centralized legal frameworks, and explain why Stoicism’s moral reasoning demands more personal responsibility and attentiveness to context. Later in the episode, I answer a listener question about standing for justice in a polarized world. I argue that recognizing our limitations is a crucial part of ethical living. We can’t do everything, and pretending otherwise often causes more harm than good. Justice, from a Stoic perspective, begins with self-awareness and grows outward, rooted in reason and tempered by our roles and capacities. Meditations 4.4 If mind is common to us all, then also the reason, whereby we are reasoning beings, is common… and thence, from this common City, is derived our mind itself, our reason and our sense of law, or from what else? THREE TAKEAWAYS — Stoic justice is grounded in Natural Law, not dogma or divine command. — We must reason within our roles and limits, not pretend to be omnipotent. — Our shared reason connects us to a universal moral framework—but that framework still depends on individual effort and context. Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PendingIn today’s episode of Practical Stoicism, I explore Meditations 4.3, a passage that, while often celebrated, carries the potential for self-abuse if misunderstood. Marcus Aurelius reflects on the desire to escape daily life by retreating into nature—something he admits he feels compelled to do himself. But rather than criticize that impulse, I suggest we reframe it: needing a retreat isn’t weakness, it’s part of the process of becoming better. While a sage might retreat into their mind, we Prokoptôns might genuinely need to retreat physically from time to time—and that’s not failure, it’s reality. Growth doesn’t happen on command. It takes time, rest, and humility. Meditations 4.3Men look for retreats for themselves, the country, the sea-shore, the hills; and you yourself, too, are peculiarly accustomed to feel the same want. Yet all this is very unlike a philosopher, when you may at any hour you please retreat into yourself... The Universe is change, life is opinion. THREE TAKEAWAYS — The urge to escape isn’t a weakness, it’s a sign of being human—and sometimes necessary for moral progress. — Perfection isn’t the goal; striving for better while accepting your limitations is. — If seashore retreats help you grow, they’re not indulgences—they’re tools for becoming a better person. Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Grab the app: https://qotd.tannercampbell.net/ Follow me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tannercampbell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Practical Stoicism dives into the thought-provoking yet concise Meditations 4.2 by Marcus Aurelius. I explore what it means to act with purpose and how the Stoic tradition invites us to examine our actions not by their strict planning but by their alignment with Virtue. I argue that taking time to rest or reconnect with nature is not inherently aimless if it serves the goal of living well. I also reflect on a listener’s question about why I choose not to use skin-tone-specific emojis, connecting this personal choice to Stoic principles of identity and focus. The conversation touches on the dangers of over-identification with external labels and the value of keeping one’s attention on what truly matters: our role as rational participants in the Cosmopolis. MEDITATIONMeditations 4.2 — “Nothing that is undertaken is to be undertaken without a purpose, nor otherwise than according to a principle which makes the art of living perfect.” THREE TAKEAWAYS — Purposeful living doesn’t mean relentless scheduling, but thoughtful engagement with your actions. — Rest and leisure, when chosen with intention, align with the Stoic pursuit of Virtue. — Avoiding identity labels can help maintain focus on the most important identity: being a rational part of the Cosmos. LINKS — Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members — Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book — Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far — Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social — Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube — Stoicism QOTD App: https://qotd.tannercampbell.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I begin Book 4 of Meditations with reflection 4.1, a powerful meditation that compares the rational mind to a fire that consumes everything it encounters, growing stronger because of obstacles rather than being snuffed out by them. Marcus is teaching us that when we align our rational faculty with Nature, we develop the ability to transform adversity into fuel for flourishing. I explore the Stoic concepts of the hegemonikon, the daemon, and how humans uniquely possess a concentrated portion of the divine Logos—making us capable of rationality in a way no other beings are. I explain how Pneuma and Tonos work to contain Reason in the Cosmos and connect this to the philosophical notion that our true “self” is the divine spark within us. In the listener Q&A, I respond to a question about how to manage aging parents with grace and justice, emphasizing the Stoic responsibility to act fairly without compromising other vital roles. Meditations 4.1 “The sovereign power within, in its natural state, so confronts what comes to pass as always to adapt itself readily to what is feasible and is presented to it. This is because it puts its affection upon no material of its own choice; rather it sets itself upon its objects with a reservation, and then makes the opposition which encounters it into material for itself. It is like a fire, when it masters what falls into it, whereby a little taper would have been put out, but a bright fire very quickly appropriates and devours what is heaped upon it, and leaps up higher out of those very obstacles.” THREE TAKEAWAYS — The Stoic “sovereign power within” refers to our rational faculty, which is naturally adaptive when aligned with Nature. — Humans uniquely embody a concentrated share of the divine Logos, and this forms the essence of our self—our daemon. — Caring for others, like aging parents, must be guided by Reason and Justice, not guilt or emotional manipulation. LINKS Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Stoicism QOTD App: https://qotd.tannercampbell.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I have a Trump-esque hair day, but, more importantly, we will close out Book 3 of Meditations by working through Meditation 3.16, which challenges us to recognize that there’s nothing supernatural about goodness. Our bodies, impulses, and rational faculties are the same as those of the worst villains and even the simplest beasts. What sets the good person apart is their commitment to making Virtuous choices — embracing Fate, preserving their rational mind, and acting Justly. I offer a little tough love in this episode, reminding us all that our moral failings are our responsibility alone. Then, after the break, I answer a listener question: Should a Stoic rebel against a corrupt government if it can help a revolution? We explore how Stoics can participate in revolutions Justly, choosing roles that align with their nature and skills, always guided by reason rather than emotion. MEDITATION QUOTED:"Only this remains unique to the good person: that they love and embrace all that fate weaves for them. And also that they do not soil or disturb the divine presence seated in their breast, but instead work to preserve it. They do this by not speaking lies, and by acting justly rather than unjustly. And if anyone disbelieves that we live in these ways, we are not vexed by them nor do we turn against them, nor do we turn from our path toward the end of life — to which we must work to arrive pure, peaceful, comfortable with Fate, and ready to depart." — Meditations 3.16 THREE TAKEAWAYS: — We are not made good by nature, but by conscious choice. — Moral failings are not caused by external circumstances, but by voluntary decisions. — Stoic involvement in revolution must be rational, Just, and aligned with one’s natural roles. LINKS: Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Stoicism QOTD App: https://qotd.tannercampbell.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 appropriate must be determined by context and our various roles. Finally, I simplify the concept of the Stoic God as the rational, ordering quality of the Universe that makes life possible and worth aligning with. “We do not choose the outcomes of our choices, thus outcomes of choices reflect nothing of our Virtue – because we did not AND CANNOT choose them.” Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 that judgment requires more than a quick glance — it requires deeper vision. Through everyday examples like stealing food in desperate circumstances, or working late to avoid home responsibilities, I show how the same action can shift moral weight depending on the context. I also reflect personally, sharing my own journey as a new father and how my choices about health and fitness must now serve not just me, but my son and my role as a parent. Stoic practice calls for this kind of honest evaluation of our choices, moment by moment. Finally, I encourage you to examine your own judgments of yourself and others — are they fair, are they just, or are they lazy? Each day offers a new chance to try harder, to see more clearly, and to act more justly. MEDITATION “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.” — Meditations 3.15 THREE TAKEAWAYS — Context shapes moral judgment far more than surface appearances. — Actions like theft or work can be preferred, dispreferred, or neutral depending on the situation. — Daily, honest self-reflection helps us stay aligned with the Stoic pursuit of Virtue. LINKS Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Stoicism QOTD App: https://qotd.tannercampbell.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 about how there’s a responsible way to interpret the advice against distraction. It’s not about abandoning things that bring us joy or rest; it’s about being mindful of whether those things serve our ultimate goal of becoming better human beings. I use the example of video games to illustrate this balance. Rest is essential, and enjoyment isn’t the enemy, but when indulgence turns into avoidance, we drift away from our pursuit of Virtue. I also explore the differences in translation between Long and Fark, and why I prefer Fark’s version here. Fark highlights that it’s not the activity itself that’s the issue—it’s the pursuit of recognition, fame, or self-indulgent goals that pull us off course. The bottom line is this: hobbies and relaxation are fine, even necessary, but they must never contend with our pursuit of Virtue. When they do, they stop being harmless and become our greatest vices. Meditation referenced: “Do not wander from your path any longer, for you are not likely to read your note-books or your deeds of ancient Rome and Greece or your extracts from their writings, which you laid up against old age. Hasten then to the goal, lay idle hopes aside, and come to your own help, if you care at all for yourself, while still you may.” — Meditations 3.14 Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 justly not because they always deserve it, but because we’re bound to one another by a shared nature. Their ignorance could have been ours. Their path could have been ours. Recognizing this calls us to act with understanding and compassion, grounded always in reason. MEDITATIONS 3.13 "As doctors have their instruments and scalpels always at hand to meet sudden demands for treatment, so do you have your doctrines ready in order to recognize the divine and human... you will not do any act well which concerns man without referring it to the divine; and the same is true of your conduct to God." THREE TAKEAWAYS — Keep your principles close: Stoic doctrines should be ready to apply, not left to theory. — We are all connected: Wrongdoing stems from ignorance, and that demands compassion. — Acting rationally is our duty: It’s how we honor our place within the whole of Nature. Join The Society of Stoics at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read Meditations source text: https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Stoicism QOTD App: https://qotd.tannercampbell.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices