Episode

#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
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1:29:37
Published: Thu May 14 2020
Description

Massimo Piggliuci is a Professor of Philosophy at City College and an author. Despite being 2500 years old, Stoicism has recently seen a surge in popularity. I wanted to find out why this ancient philosophy has found root in the modern world. Expect to learn what the underpinnings of stoicism are, how the foundational principles used by stoics made them resilient to setbacks, 5 exercises & thought experiments to help you improve your life, how to focus your attention where it is needed and much more... Sponsor: Get Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/MODERNWISDOM (enter promo code MODERNWISDOM for 85% off and 3 Months Free) Extra Stuff: Buy How To Be A Stoic -  https://amzn.to/3fGh7TL Buy Live Like A Stoic - https://amzn.to/2WqLrKb Follow Massimo on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mpigliucci Take a break from alcohol and upgrade your life - https://6monthssober.com/podcast Check out everything I recommend from books to products - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Join the discussion with me and other like minded listeners in the episode comments on the MW YouTube Channel or message me... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ModernWisdomPodcast Email: https://www.chriswillx.com/contact

Chapters
This podcast discusses practical lessons and exercises that can be used in daily life to understand and implement the principles of Stoicism in order to become more resilient, happier, and less prone to anxiety or negativity.
00:00 - 01:51 (01:51)
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Stoicism
Summary

This podcast discusses practical lessons and exercises that can be used in daily life to understand and implement the principles of Stoicism in order to become more resilient, happier, and less prone to anxiety or negativity.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The cultural and language differences between Western and Eastern philosophies can make it difficult for the philosophies of one to resonate with the other.
01:51 - 06:25 (04:34)
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Philosophy
Summary

The cultural and language differences between Western and Eastern philosophies can make it difficult for the philosophies of one to resonate with the other. Stoicism and other philosophies have gained popularity, especially during COVID, but may not necessarily speak to everyone.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
Unlike other philosophies, Stoicism offers practical exercises for day-to-day life making it a philosophy of life as well.
06:25 - 12:22 (05:56)
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Stoicism
Summary

Unlike other philosophies, Stoicism offers practical exercises for day-to-day life making it a philosophy of life as well. The practical tips make it more relatable during times similar to the Hellenistic period.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The only thing that is truly good for you is good judgment, which allows you to utilize everything else in life to the best of your ability.
12:22 - 17:17 (04:54)
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Personal Development
Summary

The only thing that is truly good for you is good judgment, which allows you to utilize everything else in life to the best of your ability.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The first cardinal virtue, practical wisdom, emphasizes the importance of constantly working on improving judgement to avoid negative consequences in various aspects of life.
17:17 - 19:49 (02:32)
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Self-Improvement
Summary

The first cardinal virtue, practical wisdom, emphasizes the importance of constantly working on improving judgement to avoid negative consequences in various aspects of life. Courage is another virtue that is not limited to physical bravery but also includes enhancing judgement through experiences and growth.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
Improving judgment and character go hand in hand, and temperance can help.
19:50 - 24:20 (04:29)
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Character Development
Summary

Improving judgment and character go hand in hand, and temperance can help. Politely and firmly addressing a situation can be good for your character.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The stoic philosophy and mindfulness exercises can help one move away from disruptive emotions such as anger, fear, and hatred, and cultivate positive emotions instead.
24:20 - 28:16 (03:56)
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Stoicism, Mindfulness
Summary

The stoic philosophy and mindfulness exercises can help one move away from disruptive emotions such as anger, fear, and hatred, and cultivate positive emotions instead. Suppressing emotions is not the answer, but rather recognizing and managing them in a healthy manner.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The speaker reflects on how some of his behaviors may appear sexist although he does not support such values.
28:16 - 31:25 (03:08)
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Sexism
Summary

The speaker reflects on how some of his behaviors may appear sexist although he does not support such values. Being aware of our actions and reflecting on our values can help us avoid behaviors that may come across as sexist.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The belief that women are unable to succeed in their careers is a form of sexism, and it is important to recognize that hard work and dedication are the keys to success rather than gender.
31:26 - 34:08 (02:41)
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Sexism
Summary

The belief that women are unable to succeed in their careers is a form of sexism, and it is important to recognize that hard work and dedication are the keys to success rather than gender.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
In this podcast, the idea of an "economy of control" is discussed, where it's important to focus on what you can control, like your approach to a job interview, rather than worrying about external factors.
34:09 - 38:08 (03:59)
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Job Interviews
Summary

In this podcast, the idea of an "economy of control" is discussed, where it's important to focus on what you can control, like your approach to a job interview, rather than worrying about external factors. By preparing for an interview with the best resume possible, dressing appropriately, and taking it seriously, you can have an influence on the outcome.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
This podcast delves into the stoic virtue, apatheia, which is the state of being unattached to short-term outcomes, and preparing oneself ahead of time in a mindful fashion for external events - both good and bad.
38:08 - 45:34 (07:25)
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Stoicism
Summary

This podcast delves into the stoic virtue, apatheia, which is the state of being unattached to short-term outcomes, and preparing oneself ahead of time in a mindful fashion for external events - both good and bad.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
Learn how to implement practical Stoic exercises like the "things under my control" list and evening meditation in your daily life.
45:34 - 50:38 (05:03)
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Stoicism
Summary

Learn how to implement practical Stoic exercises like the "things under my control" list and evening meditation in your daily life. These exercises help in identifying what is within your power and what is not, leading to a calmer, more rational thought process.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
Take a moment before bed to reflect on the major events or actions of the day in order to focus on doing more right things and fewer wrong things.
50:38 - 53:44 (03:06)
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Self-improvement
Summary

Take a moment before bed to reflect on the major events or actions of the day in order to focus on doing more right things and fewer wrong things.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
Michael Mallis stresses the importance of paying attention and learning from mistakes in order to be better prepared for similar situations in the future.
53:44 - 56:57 (03:12)
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Mistakes
Summary

Michael Mallis stresses the importance of paying attention and learning from mistakes in order to be better prepared for similar situations in the future.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The process of deprogramming system one, allowing system two to come in, reprogramming system two and habitizing it can improve decision making by upgrading system one to a quick-thinking reactive system and integrating the upgraded system two.
56:57 - 1:04:29 (07:31)
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Decision Making
Summary

The process of deprogramming system one, allowing system two to come in, reprogramming system two and habitizing it can improve decision making by upgrading system one to a quick-thinking reactive system and integrating the upgraded system two.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The priority during the pandemic is to move away from perishable to non-perishable foods.
1:04:29 - 1:09:24 (04:55)
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Pandemic
Summary

The priority during the pandemic is to move away from perishable to non-perishable foods. During setbacks, people often catastrophize, but it is important to stay calm and come up with alternative solutions.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The premeditation alarm is a technique aimed at helping people cope with anxiety and manage worst case scenarios.
1:09:24 - 1:19:29 (10:04)
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Anxiety management
Summary

The premeditation alarm is a technique aimed at helping people cope with anxiety and manage worst case scenarios. However, it is important to avoid slipping into emotional mode during the visual meditation or it can cause more harm than good.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
Writing in the third person, rather than first, can help create emotional distance and allow for a more objective perspective.
1:19:29 - 1:22:44 (03:15)
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Writing
Summary

Writing in the third person, rather than first, can help create emotional distance and allow for a more objective perspective. This technique has been used for over 2000 years and is still relevant today.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
Take a day of your life and write down the tasks you do; apply the Stoic perspective by living as if you don’t know where your last day will be.
1:22:44 - 1:26:29 (03:44)
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Stoicism
Summary

Take a day of your life and write down the tasks you do; apply the Stoic perspective by living as if you don’t know where your last day will be. According to Seneca, we should live without attachment to money or other material possessions.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom
The speaker has two books, one more practical with 12 exercises and another with 52 exercises to choose from and sample.
1:26:29 - 1:29:29 (03:00)
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Books
Summary

The speaker has two books, one more practical with 12 exercises and another with 52 exercises to choose from and sample. The audience is encouraged to message the speaker with any questions or feedback.

Episode
#170 - Massimo Piggliuci - 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life
Podcast
Modern Wisdom