Episodes

  • When Rest & Relaxation Become Vice (Mediation 3.14)

    When Rest & Relaxation Become Vice (Mediation 3.14)
    Apr 8 2025
    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
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    14 mins
  • Are You Ready to Act Justly? (Meditations 3.13)

    Are You Ready to Act Justly? (Meditations 3.13)
    Apr 1 2025
    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
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    14 mins
  • Is Inner Peace the Goal of Stoicism? (Meditation 3.12)

    Is Inner Peace the Goal of Stoicism? (Meditation 3.12)
    Mar 25 2025
    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 grief—what the Stoics called the pathē. When we understand Nature and act in accordance with it, those emotions lose their hold on us. But that inner peace isn’t the goal of Stoicism—it’s a byproduct of doing the work of moral development for its own sake. That work is the point. MEDITATIONS 3.12 “If you complete the present work, following the rule of right, earnestly, with all your might, with kindness, and admit no side issue, but preserve your own divinity pure and erect, as if you have this moment to restore it; if you make this secure, expecting nothing and avoiding nothing, but content with present action in accord with Nature and with heroic truth in what you mean and say, you will live the blessed life. Now there is no one who is able to prevent this.” THREE TAKEAWAYS — Virtue leads to inner peace: By eliminating destructive emotions through rational understanding, we create a calm mind and a steady heart. — The pursuit of Goodness should be its own reward: Stoicism teaches us to seek Virtue not as a means to peace, but as the end in itself. — Eudaimonia is a byproduct, not the goal: Inner peace naturally follows from living rightly, but it’s not what we should be aiming at directly. 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. Get on the list: https://stoicismpod.com/list 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://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • Understanding Impressions in Stoicism (Meditations 3.11)

    Understanding Impressions in Stoicism (Meditations 3.11)
    Mar 18 2025
    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 truthfully testing everything we encounter. This means breaking things down into their essential components, considering their role in the larger universe, and determining what virtue is best suited to respond to them. In a world that often prioritizes personal feelings over objective reality, Stoicism challenges us to cultivate reason and clarity. MEDITATIONS 3.11 “For nothing is so able to create greatness of mind as the power methodically and truthfully to test each thing that meets one in life, and always to look upon it so as to attend at the same time to the use which this particular thing contributes to a Universe of a certain definite kind, what value it has in reference to the Whole, and what to man, who is a citizen of the highest City, whereof all other cities are like households.” THREE TAKEAWAYS — Assenting to impressions requires caution: We should resist the urge to immediately accept our first reactions as truth. Instead, we must analyze the data, break it down, and ensure our conclusions align with reality. — Reason must lead our decisions: Emotions are valuable, but they should be informed by rational understanding. A truly great person is one who sees things as they are and allows reason to guide their responses. — Withholding assent is not neutrality: Refusing to form an opinion does not mean avoiding bias; it is itself an assent to inaction. Stoicism calls us to engage with reality and make rational, virtuous choices based on the best information available. 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 Get on the list: https://stoicismpod.com/list 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://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Feed Drop: We spend 98% of what we make—Where is it all going

    Feed Drop: We spend 98% of what we make—Where is it all going
    Mar 18 2025
    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 exactly what episode 192 of Money for Couples titled "We Spend 98% of What We Make, Where Is It All Going?" is all about. This episode dives into real stories and practical strategies that help couples stop money fights. If you like it, you find it helpful and you want to hear the full conversation, just search for Money for Couples wherever you're already listening to this podcast right now. Episode Description: Justin (40) and Deepika (32) are stuck in a frustrating financial loop: despite their high income, they feel like they’re living paycheck to paycheck. Deepika dreams of buying a house someday, but the couple can’t seem to identify where their money is going—or how to escape the cycle of credit card debt. Justin has a side hustle that he’s eager to grow, but he’s struggling to get the same level of commitment from his business partners. For years, they’ve been focused on survival, not dreaming about the future. Now, they’re realizing that their lack of a shared vision for their finances is keeping them from the life they want. Can Justin and Deepika kick their old habits, create a better strategy for managing their money, and finally start living their Rich Life? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • The Illusion of Free Will? (Meditations 3.10)

    The Illusion of Free Will? (Meditations 3.10)
    Mar 11 2025
    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 time, using Chrysippus’ analogy of cones and cylinders to explain how habitual actions determine our future choices. Along the way, I challenge common misunderstandings about fate, examine neuroscientific insights on decision-making, and explain why our focus should be on habituating ourselves toward virtue rather than trying to control the uncontrollable. Meditations 3.10: “Therefore throw all else aside, and hold fast only these few things; further calling to mind at the same time that each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past, or is in an uncertain future. Little the life each lives, little the corner of the earth he lives in, little even the longest fame hereafter, and even that dependent on a succession of poor mortals, who will very soon be dead, and have not learnt to know themselves, much less the man who was dead long years ago.” Three key takeaways from this episode: — The present moment is the only place where we have power. We cannot change the past, and the future is beyond our control. — Habitual choices shape our character. Stoicism teaches us to be intentional about the habits we form because they dictate how we act when we’re not thinking. — We cannot control everything, but we can control how we respond. Our role is not to change the world but to become virtuous people who act justly within the world we inhabit. Join The Society of Stoics to engage in deeper discussions and support the show: https://community.stoicismpod.com Purchase a copy of my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read the source text used: https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
  • How Environment Shapes Moral Progress (Meditation 3.9)

    How Environment Shapes Moral Progress (Meditation 3.9)
    Mar 4 2025
    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 moral improvement becomes clearer. If we’re surrounded by different influences—religious, ideological, or otherwise—we internalize those instead. This is why the Stoics believed that introducing philosophy too early could be a form of indoctrination rather than genuine moral development. As a new father, I reflect on the challenge of raising a child without forcing beliefs upon them. The goal isn’t to dictate what’s right but to create an environment where they can discover Virtue for themselves. The same applies to guiding friends and family—lead by example rather than preaching. For those struggling to commit to moral improvement in a non-Stoic environment, I offer three actionable steps: recognize the need for guidance, seek a mentor, and eventually mentor others when ready. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that our rational judgment must align with Nature. By shaping our habits and seeking wisdom, we give ourselves the best chance at living a life of Virtue. “Reverence your faculty of judgement. On this it entirely rests that your governing self no longer has a judgement disobedient to Nature and to the estate of a reasonable being. This judgement promises deliberateness, familiar friendship with our fellow human beings, and to follow in the train of the gods.” — Meditations 3.9 Join The Society of Stoics, my private community for those committed to Stoic practice. For $10/month, you’ll get ad-free episodes, live discussions, weekly journaling prompts, and more. Sign up at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Purchase a copy of my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Read the source text used: https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky Stoic Fellowship: https://stoicfellowship.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • What is Stoicism, really?

    What is Stoicism, really?
    Feb 25 2025
    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 suggests. We’ll explore: — Why Stoicism is not about indifference but about focusing on what truly shapes our character. — How both men and women are equally called to pursue Virtue. — Why Stoics deeply care about things outside their control, despite the common misunderstanding. — The true meaning of Stoic emotional management, which is about reasoning through emotions rather than repressing them. At its core, Stoicism is a philosophy of moral excellence, a commitment to aligning ourselves with Nature, and a guide to becoming a force for good in the world. Getting Stoicism right matters—not just for personal development, but for the influence it has on society as a whole. “The goal (of Stoicism) is to live in agreement with nature. For our individual natures are parts of the nature of the whole universe.” — Zeno of Citium 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
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    22 mins