Tanner Campbell's Blog, page 10

The Everywhere Soul

In today's episode, I delve into Book 11 of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations," focusing on a meditation (Meditations 11.1) that sheds light on the concept of service to ourselves and others. This passage from Marcus Aurelius profoundly illustrates the properties of the rational soul: it has the capacity to see and analyze itself, and to shape its own existence according to its will. What's unique about the rational soul is that it enjoys the fruits of its own actions, unlike plants and animals, whose fruits are enjoyed by others.

I explore the idea that the rational soul reaches its own end, regardless of the lifespan of its host. This concept is intriguing because, unlike a play or dance that requires completion to be whole, the rational soul is complete and fulfilled at every moment of its existence. This completeness is intrinsic and does not depend on the duration of life.

Diving deeper, I discussed how humans possess a level of consciousness that can interrupt the universe's rationality, creating a reality where the naturally existing rational faculty in humans must be actively leveraged for us to live in accordance with our nature. This brings us to the concept of the madman, the Prokoptôn (the one who is progressing or aspiring Stoic), and the sage. The madman is oblivious to reason and rationality, the Prokoptôn is aware and striving to align with their rational nature, and the sage is the embodiment of perfect rationality.

I emphasized that the realization of our rational soul is a choice. We can either let our untamed consciousness overpower our true nature, or we can choose to be Prokoptôn, using our rational faculties to embody the natural reason of our soul. The rational soul, once fully realized, sees its existence as a state that cannot be improved upon and does not require additional time to validate or qualify its existence.

Furthermore, I touched upon the interconnectedness of the rational soul with the universe. The idea that the rational soul, part of the universal reason, is connected to everything in existence implies a natural kinship with all beings and things. This perspective challenges the often misunderstood notion of Stoicism as solely a philosophy of individualism and resilience. Instead, it underscores our interconnectedness with the universe and all its inhabitants, urging us to value the universal rational soul and, by extension, everything in existence.

In closing, I invited listeners to reflect on how this discussion might alter their understanding of Stoicism and to share their thoughts. This episode aimed to bring to light the deeper, more spiritual aspects of Stoicism, moving beyond the popular interpretations to explore its profound universal implications.

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Beyond The Individual with Will Johncock

I had an insightful discussion with Will Johncock about his book, "Beyond the Individual." Will explored the themes of Stoicism, particularly how it emphasizes community and connection rather than just individualism. As a philosopher and academic, he delved into Stoicism's perspectives on individualism and collectivism, highlighting the importance of understanding where we as individuals end and where the rest of the world begins.

He discussed his academic journey, noting how he became interested in Stoicism during his graduate studies in philosophy and sociology. Will explained the concept of Oikeiôsis, emphasizing the Stoic belief in the interconnectedness of all beings and the shared mind. This concept challenges the modern interpretations of Stoicism that focus heavily on individual resilience and self-improvement. Instead, Will's approach highlights the Stoic view of our social nature and responsibilities to others.

The podcast also touched on practical applications of Stoic principles in modern life, like parenting and education. Will argued for incorporating Stoic values in early education to foster a sense of community and connectedness from a young age. He addressed the challenges posed by contemporary individualistic interpretations of Stoicism, advocating for a more nuanced and traditional understanding of the philosophy.

For those interested in exploring these themes further, Will Johncock's book "Beyond the Individual" offers a detailed and accessible exploration of Stoicism's focus on community and connection. The book is available for purchase online, and it provides a fresh perspective on Stoic philosophy, challenging some of the more individualistic interpretations prevalent today.

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How To Choose Our Concerns

This episode of "Practical Stoicism" delves into the concept of Oikeiôsis, focusing on how to identify the aspects of life one should actively concern themselves with. I emphasize the distinction between caring about something and actively concerning oneself with it. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, the episode unfolds in four steps:

#1 - Realize that you're human: Acknowledging that my most proximal concerns must be for ourselves and other humans. The Stoic perspective asserts that our ethical concerns must follow this order: self > family > friends > community > humanity > non-human animals > biosphere

#2 - Identify your strengths, weaknesses: Recognizing our strengths and weaknesses to make informed choices about where to direct our concerns. This involves assessing whether we are financially, physically, or mentally equipped to engage in specific actions.

#3 - Identify the roles you cannot unchoose: Recognizing roles and responsibilities that are inherent, non-negotiable, or arise from our choices. Balancing these roles with new concerns to ensure harmony and avoid abandoning essential responsibilities.

#4 - Choose what you want: Empowered to freely choose concerns based on personal desires, keeping in mind the logical and rational defense developed through previous steps. This step ensures that our choices align with our strengths, limitations, and existing roles.

The episode concludes with the freedom to choose without shame, armed with a rational understanding of personal limitations and priorities. The host encourages listeners to share their chosen concerns on Spotify, fostering a community of inspiration and diverse perspectives.

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On Being Oikeiôtic with Prof. William Stephens

In today's episode of Practical Stoicism, I'm thrilled to bring back Professor William Stephens for a deep dive into Oikeiôsis, the theme of this month. We delve into its ancient Stoic roots and its relevance in contemporary life, exploring how it helps us understand what is truly ours to be concerned with. Oikeiôsis, a term that signifies the recognition of what is akin or appropriate to us, extends our concern beyond ourselves to our family, community, humanity, and the entire biosphere. Professor Stephens clarifies that while Oikeiôsis is a uniquely Stoic term, its principles are universally applicable, emphasizing our interconnection with all living things and the wider world.

Our conversation also tackles misconceptions of Stoicism, highlighting that it's not merely a life hack or a path to personal success but a profound guide for ethical living and community engagement. We discuss how Stoicism, especially through the concept of Oikeiôsis, informs our sense of justice and moral duty, urging us to consider our roles and responsibilities within the vast network of relationships that define our lives.

As we conclude, we touch upon the critical issue of environmental responsibility, linking the Stoic view of Oikeiôsis to contemporary concerns like global warming. This episode is a reminder that Stoicism, with its emphasis on virtue and common good, offers timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life and contributing positively to the world around us. Join us as we explore these ancient yet ever-relevant ideas and how they can inspire us to lead more thoughtful, interconnected lives.

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William's Santa Claus article : https://read.actualstoicism.com/p/is-santa-a-stoic

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Oikeiôsis: On Being Oikeiôtic with Prof. William Stephens

In today's episode of Practical Stoicism, I'm thrilled to bring back Professor William Stevens for a deep dive into Oikeiôsis, the theme of this month. We delve into its ancient Stoic roots and its relevance in contemporary life, exploring how it helps us understand what is truly ours to be concerned with. Oikeiôsis, a term that signifies the recognition of what is akin or appropriate to us, extends our concern beyond ourselves to our family, community, humanity, and the entire biosphere. Professor Stevens clarifies that while Oikeiôsis is a uniquely Stoic term, its principles are universally applicable, emphasizing our interconnection with all living things and the wider world.

Our conversation also tackles misconceptions of Stoicism, highlighting that it's not merely a life hack or a path to personal success but a profound guide for ethical living and community engagement. We discuss how Stoicism, especially through the concept of Oikeiôsis, informs our sense of justice and moral duty, urging us to consider our roles and responsibilities within the vast network of relationships that define our lives.

As we conclude, we touch upon the critical issue of environmental responsibility, linking the Stoic view of Oikeiôsis to contemporary concerns like global warming. This episode is a reminder that Stoicism, with its emphasis on virtue and common good, offers timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life and contributing positively to the world around us. Join us as we explore these ancient yet ever-relevant ideas and how they can inspire us to lead more thoughtful, interconnected lives.

--

Become a Patron : https://stoicismpod.com/members

William's book : https://a.co/d/9U5511N

William's Santa Claus article : https://read.actualstoicism.com/p/is-santa-a-stoic

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Oikeiôsis: The Stoic Opposite of Selfishness

In today's episode, I'm discussing Oikeiôsis, an essential part of Stoic philosophy and a cornerstone for developing a virtuous character. I'll revisit Hierocles' Circles of Concern, illustrating our interconnectedness with family, community, humanity, and the biosphere, and introduce the Pyramid of Concern, a new perspective emphasizing the foundational role of broader concerns in our well-being.

As we explore Oikeiôsis, I'll explain how caring for others as ourselves isn't just noble; it's a practical approach to living a fulfilled life. You've been with me through nearly 300 episodes, and now, as we begin 2024, we'll spend a whole month dissecting and applying Oikeiotic thinking and acting. We'll hear from ancient Stoics, apply their wisdom to modern challenges, and I'll even pose a question for you Spotify listeners to engage with directly in the mobile app.

Let's start this year by understanding and embracing the full scope of our concerns, shaping them to enrich not just ourselves, but the entire world we are a part of.

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Ego: The Stoic Perspective (Part 2)

In this episode, I continue the discussion on ego, incorporating insights from my listeners and sharing my own reflections. After welcoming new patron Richard Herring, I note the podcast's expansion onto YouTube and the distinct approach I'm taking there.

I dive into various listener perspectives on ego, ranging from its necessity in self-identity and decision-making to its potential dangers when overinflated. These comments highlight the complexity of ego, suggesting it's neither wholly good nor bad but rather a tool that needs careful management.

From a Stoic perspective, I agree that ego is essential, especially in the context of recognizing our autonomy and ability to make choices. However, the challenge lies in balancing this self-awareness without letting ego distort our perception of reality or our capabilities.

Drawing on psychoanalytic theory, I discuss the ego as the part of our personality that interacts with the external world, highlighting its role in our perception and decision-making processes. This understanding underscores the Stoic view that ego, while necessary, should not be allowed to dominate or misguide us.

I then explore the balance between having enough ego to believe in our abilities and avoiding the delusion of overestimating our capabilities. Utilitarian considerations, while not strictly Stoic, play a role in our decision-making, especially in situations where our actions can have significant consequences.

Finally, I offer three pieces of advice for keeping the ego in check:

1 - Regularly adopting the cosmic viewpoint to gain perspective on our insignificance in the universe.

2 - Habitually engaging with others to shift focus away from oneself.

3 - Volunteering regularly to maintain a healthy balance between self-concern and service to others.

The episode concludes with a reminder to participate in the Spotify question for the upcoming episode, where we'll delve deeper into the concept of ego with a subject matter expert.

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Ego: The Stoic Perspective (Part 1)

Today begins a three-part series exploring ego. I question whether ego is the 'big bad boogey monster' of Vice, setting the stage for a week-long thematic exploration. 

Initially, I discuss a meditation from Marcus Aurelius, which, although not explicitly about ego (since the concept didn't exist in his time), relates to the idea of self-importance.

I note the difference between the everyday use of 'ego' and its clinical or scientific definitions. The colloquial understanding often equates ego with being overly self-important or pompous.

Marcus Aurelius' meditation (5.24) provides a Stoic perspective, urging us to consider our insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe. This viewpoint is a direct challenge to the ego-centric view, emphasizing how minuscule our existence is compared to the vastness of matter, time, and historical events.

My interpretation of Marcus' message is not to push us towards Nihilism but rather to offer a cosmic perspective that helps temper ego-driven thoughts. This Stoic approach aims to provide a reality check to our self-importance, reminding us that we're not the center of the universe. This acknowledgment doesn't mean our lives are meaningless, but it suggests that we should keep our ego in check to maintain a balanced perspective.

My goal with this series is to thoroughly explore the concept of ego, providing practical advice and insights that listeners can apply in their daily lives. By the end of the week, the aim is to have a comprehensive understanding of ego and how it relates to the pursuit of virtue in Stoicism. 

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Turning The Practical Stoicism Ship Around

In this experimental episode, I take a moment to reflect on the evolution of this podcast, "Practical Stoicism," and my journey as its host. Initially focused on providing Stoicism-informed practical advice for better living, the podcast, especially after collaborating with Kai, gradually shifted towards more philosophical and academic discussions. This transition, while intellectually enriching, moved away from the podcast's original mission of offering straightforward, applicable wisdom for everyday life.

I share a realization prompted by a conversation with my wife, questioning the practicality of recent episodes. Her insights led me to reevaluate the podcast's direction, especially the focus on deep theoretical debates and interpretations of Stoic texts, which, while interesting, may not align with the needs of our listeners seeking direct, actionable guidance.

This episode marks a turning point, a commitment to return to the essence of "Practical Stoicism." It's about moving away from philosophical theorizing towards providing clear, actionable advice on how Stoic principles can enhance everyday life. The goal is not to delve into Stoic philosophy for academic purposes but to extract valuable lessons that listeners can apply to become better, more courageous, just, temperate, and wise individuals, regardless of their philosophical allegiance.

I emphasize the podcast's role as a bridge between Stoic concepts and practical self-improvement, moving away from proselytizing Stoicism to using it as a tool for personal growth and betterment. This episode is an invitation for listener feedback, especially through the interactive feature on Spotify, to guide the podcast back to its roots and chart a more detailed course for future episodes.

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Understanding the Daimon: Stoicism's Spiritual Compass

In this episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the intriguing concept of the Daimon in Stoic philosophy, an aspect I find less central to my practice but immensely significant. The discussion navigates the nuanced parallels between Stoicism and religious or deeply spiritual practices, underscoring the varied approaches to Stoic practice - from everyday practical applications to more devout, monk-like dedication.

The core of the episode revolves around understanding the Daimon as our guiding spirit or conscience, likened to a fragment of the divine or Nature, steering us toward good. This exploration involves dissecting Marcus Aurelius's views on living harmoniously with the gods and the Daimon. I unravel the common misinterpretations of Marcus's teachings, emphasizing that following the Daimon isn't merely about "listening to your heart" in a new-age sense, but involves a deeper, rational introspection.

Furthermore, the episode addresses the challenge of understanding Stoicism with only a fraction of its ancient texts available. This limited access calls for caution against dogmatic views and highlights the importance of maintaining an open, agnostic approach to Stoic teachings.

Returning to the Daimon, I stress that it's not about passive acceptance of life's lot, but actively engaging with our inner drive as directed by the Daimon. This involves discerning and pursuing what is genuinely meaningful, despite external opinions or internal doubts. The episode illustrates this through personal reflections on pursuing passions and life choices, guided by the Daimon.

In essence, this episode brings to light the practical aspects of engaging with the Daimon in Stoicism, encouraging listeners to embrace their inner guide towards living a fulfilling and virtuous life.

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Online copy of Meditations (A.S.L Farquharson) : https://link.stoicismpod.com/farquharson

Online copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

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