1065. Democritus vs Heraclitus

1065. Democritus vs Heraclitus

Author: Massimo Pigliucci June 14, 2022 Duration: 2:51

We ought therefore to bring ourselves into such a state of mind that all the vices of the vulgar may not appear hateful to us, but merely ridiculous, and we should imitate Democritus rather than Heraclitus. The latter of these, whenever he appeared in public, used to weep, the former to laugh.


In a world that often feels chaotic and demanding, the ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers a surprisingly practical framework for living with clarity and purpose. Stoic Meditations is a series of thoughtful, standalone episodes where professor and philosopher Massimo Pigliucci draws directly from the source material of thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. Each session focuses on a specific passage or idea, unpacking its meaning and, more importantly, its direct application to the challenges of modern life. You’ll hear Pigliucci’s calm and considered voice guiding you through these reflections, not as abstract history lessons, but as immediate tools for managing anxiety, making ethical decisions, and cultivating resilience. This isn't about academic lectures; it's about turning timeless wisdom into personal practice. The episodes are deliberately concise, designed to be absorbed during a quiet moment of your day, providing a grounded perspective that lingers long after the audio ends. For anyone curious about philosophy that is meant to be lived, not just studied, this podcast serves as both an accessible introduction and a deep, recurring resource. The production, with its original music, supports a contemplative atmosphere, making each meditation a genuine pause for reflection. Tune in to find a steady, reasoned companion for navigating complexity, one ancient insight at a time.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Stoic Meditations
Podcast Episodes
1074. The fundamental rule of life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:26
Some things are up to us, while others are not. Up to us are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not up to us are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a wor…
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Despise poverty; no man lives as poor as he was born: despise pain; either it will cease or you will cease: despise death; it either ends you or takes you elsewhere: despise fortune; I have given her no weapon that can r…
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Duration: 2:49
I have placed every good thing within your own breasts: it is your good fortune not to need any good fortune. Yet many things befall you which are sad, dreadful, hard to be borne. Well, as I have not been able to remove…
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Duration: 3:04
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1070. We should seek out life's challenges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:52
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1069. It doesn't matter what you bear, but how you bear it [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:39
Good people ought to act so as not to fear troubles and difficulties, nor to lament their hard fate, to take in good part whatever befalls them, and force it to become a blessing to them. It does not matter what you bear…
1068. No evil can befall a good person [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:17
The pressure of adversity does not affect the mind of a brave person; for the mind of someone brave maintains its balance and throws its own complexion over all that takes place, because it is more powerful than any exte…
1067. The Stoic argument from design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:14
Seneca presents an argument from design to conclude that the universe is rationally and providentially arranged, just like Cleanthes, Chrysippus, and Cicero had done before him, and like Epictetus will do afterwards. Of…
1066. Stoic R&R [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:53
It does good also to take walks out of doors, that our spirits may be raised and refreshed by the open air and fresh breeze. Sometimes we gain strength by driving in a carriage, by travel, by change of air, or by social…
1064. Stoic non-attachment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:33
Zeno, the chief of our school, when he heard the news of a shipwreck, in which all his property had been lost, remarked, “Fortune bids me follow philosophy in lighter marching order.”