Tanner Campbell's Blog, page 6
July 30, 2024
The Cardinal Identity Of All Stoics
In this episode, I delve into the concept of identity from a Stoic perspective, prompted by recent thoughts and experiences. I discuss how we often identify with various subordinate identities, such as our gender, profession, nationality, or personal preferences, and how these can sometimes overshadow our true identity.
I propose that, according to Stoic philosophy, we all share a single Cardinal Identity: Human Citizen of the Cosmos. This identity transcends all subordinate identities and unites us as part of a greater whole. I explore the potential pitfalls of over-identifying with our subordinate identities, which can lead to division and a narrow view of ourselves.
Through this discussion, I aim to shift the focus from these subordinate identities to our shared Cardinal Identity. By recognizing and embracing this Cardinal Identity, we can better fulfill our roles and contribute to the greater good of the cosmopolis.
Join me as I explore how understanding our true identity can help us live more virtuous and fulfilling lives, and how we can balance our various roles and characteristics without losing sight of our shared humanity.
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July 9, 2024
Is It UnStoic To Be Unhealthy?
In this episode, I open up about my own health challenges, sharing that while I am "blood healthy", I am also carrying around some excess weight. This personal context sets the stage for a broader discussion on health and Stoicism.
I emphasize that taking care of our bodies is generally morally appropriate, but our approach to health must be contextually related to our abilities and circumstances. Stoicism teaches that the moral judgment of our approach to health is not linked to outcomes but to the moral reasoning guiding our actions.
I discuss the importance of balancing our roles and ensuring they do not conflict with one another. Using the example of a university student named David, I illustrate how different roles must be fulfilled in harmony, without one undermining another. David’s approach to health is contextually appropriate, balancing his roles as a student, family member, partner, friend, and aspiring Stoic.
I also address the misconceptions promoted by some "Stoic" masculinity influencers, who wrongly associate Stoicism with physical prowess and aggressive masculinity. True Stoicism is about logically understanding reality and making just moral choices, not about meeting arbitrary physical standards.
The key takeaway is that while physical health is an indifferent, our choices regarding health are not. Making contextually appropriate efforts toward health is a reflection of our moral character. I urge listeners to be honest with themselves about their efforts and to avoid using Stoic concepts as excuses for inaction.
Join me as I explore the intersection of health and Stoicism, and how we can make virtuous choices to support our well-being.
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July 2, 2024
Overcoming Student Pressures In The Philippines
Welcome back, my dear Stoic progressor. In today’s episode, I dive into a topic that may seem unfamiliar to some but is deeply relevant to many – the pressures and anxieties faced by students in the Philippines. Drawing on personal insights and the experiences shared by a listener, I explore the unique challenges that Filipino students encounter, from economic hardships to intense familial expectations.
As someone who has gained a unique perspective on Filipino culture through my marriage and personal experiences, I aim to provide valuable advice not just for Filipino students but for all young people struggling with the anxiety of school, whether it be college, high school, or earlier grades. I discuss the strong sense of familial duty ingrained in Filipino culture and how it often leads to a repression of individuality, creating a complex dynamic between personal ambitions and family obligations.
Throughout the episode, I will share practical Stoic wisdom to help students navigate these pressures. We'll explore the importance of focusing on what we can control – our attitudes, thoughts, and emotions – and how to cultivate a healthy relationship with expectations. By examining scenarios relatable to Filipino students, I offer strategies to balance familial responsibilities with personal growth, emphasizing that the pursuit of Virtue is central to Stoic philosophy.
Whether you’re a student in the Philippines or anywhere else, this episode aims to provide you with tools to manage stress and anxiety, honor your commitments to family, and stay true to your personal goals. Join me as we journey through these challenges together, seeking to live morally and justly while striving for inner peace and contentment.
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June 25, 2024
The Self Does Not Exist
In this episode, I take a fresh look at Hierocles' Circles of Concern and how my understanding of them has evolved. Communicating Stoicism to beginners involves striking a balance between simplicity and the depth of the philosophy, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
I address a recent discussion on the /Stoic subreddit that highlighted the problem of using complex Stoic terminology without fully understanding it. This can create a false sense of authority and perpetuate incorrect interpretations of Stoicism. I emphasize that practice is more important than book learning and that true Stoicism involves living the philosophy, not just knowing the vocabulary.
I also correct a common misconception about the Circles of Concern. The self is not at the center of the concept but is part of a holistic understanding of Stoicism. I discuss how focusing on the mind as the starting point is crucial, but it does not mean prioritizing oneself over others. Instead, Stoicism teaches that all concerns are interconnected and equally important.
Using the analogy of a snake eating its own tail, I explain how the mind initiates and maintains the process of living according to Nature, but is no more central than the rest of Nature. This continuous effort is essential to achieving Virtue.
Join me as I clarify these concepts and explore the true meaning of Hierocles' Circles of Concern.
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June 17, 2024
Fate Is Not Yet Written
In this episode, I delve into the concept of fate within Stoic philosophy, a topic that often sparks varied opinions. The Stoics believed in a deterministic universe, where a physical causal chain dictates the flow of events. However, this idea can feel restrictive, suggesting that nothing we do could be otherwise.
I explore how we can view this deterministic outlook as both true and untrue, using Chrysippus' analogy of the cylinder and the cone to illustrate how we react to external forces based on our unique 'shapes.' I explain the Stoic distinction between corporeal and incorporeal things, proposing a similar division within the causal chain: a physical chain we cannot control and a metaphysical chain influenced by our rational choices.
Despite the Stoic belief that the mind and its processes are physical, I introduce the concept of 'lekta' or sayables, which are incorporeal yet impactful. I argue that choices, like lekta, are incorporeal outcomes of physical processes, influencing the physical world.
This episode suggests that while fate may seem predetermined, our choices play a crucial role in shaping the future. We are co-authors of our destiny, and recognizing this power is essential for the pursuit of Virtue.
Join me as I navigate this intricate discussion, challenging the idea of a finalized fate and emphasizing our role in co-authoring what happens next.
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June 11, 2024
Stoicism Isn't About Equality
In this episode, I explore the complex relationship between Stoicism and the concept of equality. While the title may be partly clickbait, it also highlights a significant discussion on how Stoicism views equality and justice.
I delve into how modern society has become disconnected from coherent moral reasoning, driven largely by raw emotions rather than philosophical principles. This episode is not an excuse to dismiss fairness or justice; rather, it's a call to understand these concepts through the lens of Stoic philosophy.
I discuss the definition of equality as a state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities, and examine how practical implementation can become complicated. Using a hypothetical scenario about medical school admissions, I illustrate how well-intentioned ideas can quickly become complex.
From a Stoic standpoint, I explain that you cannot please everyone and that individuals cannot control whether others are pleased. However, Stoicism also emphasizes the importance of caring about injustices and treating others justly and fairly.
I address the misconception that Stoicism promotes a dismissive attitude towards those who suffer injustices. True Stoicism requires us to pursue Virtue, which involves knowing our role in the Cosmopolis, treating others justly, and showing appropriate concern for those within our circles.
Listeners are challenged to consider how they respond to injustice, both when they witness it and when they experience it themselves. Stoicism does not advocate for virtue signaling or acting viciously in response to injustice. Instead, it calls for reasoned and virtuous choices, regardless of outcomes.
Finally, I clarify that while Stoicism is not concerned with the outcome of equality, it cares deeply about the virtuous choices we make in relation to it. The pursuit of Virtue should guide our actions and concerns, not the pursuit of specific outcomes.
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June 4, 2024
The Stoics Were Environmentalists (Of A Kind)
In this episode, I discuss the relationship between Stoicism and environmental responsibility. I emphasize that caring for the environment is not a political issue but a fundamental aspect of Stoic philosophy.
I explore the Stoic belief in living in harmony with Nature, highlighting that Stoicism requires us to make morally just choices that respect the natural world. I explain that freedom, according to the Stoics, is the discipline to make virtuous choices that align with Nature's order.
I challenge listeners to consider their personal impact on the environment, such as the necessity of driving heavily polluting vehicles and the environmental cost of importing exotic foods out of season. Drawing from Stoic teachings, I urge prioritizing rational and ethical behavior over personal convenience and luxury.
This episode encourages reflection on how to reconcile actions with Stoic values and make thoughtful, virtue-driven decisions regarding environmental issues.
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May 28, 2024
Stoicism Is Not Compatible With Your Religion
In this episode, I explore the fundamental differences between Stoicism and Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), explaining why these systems are inherently incompatible. Religions personify God and base their moral frameworks on divine approval, while Stoicism views God as a natural, impersonal force synonymous with Nature itself.
I discuss how one can adopt certain Stoic practices without fully embracing Stoicism, similar to appreciating elements of another religion without converting to it. However, identifying as both a Stoic and a follower of an Abrahamic religion is as contradictory as claiming to be a Christian Muslim due to the conflicting foundational beliefs. For instance, Christianity's belief in Jesus as the son of God starkly contrasts with Islam's view of Jesus as a prophet.
Identifying as a Stoic involves satisfying specific criteria unique to Stoicism, just as identifying with a religion requires adherence to its distinct beliefs and practices. Religions posit a supernatural, purposeful God whose word is conveyed through scriptures, while Stoicism sees God as the cosmos, emphasizing living in harmony with Nature's rational order.
I address the intellectual rigor behind both religions and Stoicism, acknowledging the profound efforts of their founders to answer life's big questions. Mixing different philosophies or religions often results in new, distinct systems rather than a harmonious blend. Even attempts like Neostoicism, which sought to merge Stoicism with Christianity, have largely failed.
Despite these differences, both systems ask fundamental questions about living a virtuous life. However, the answers and methods proposed by each are often mutually exclusive. While individual Stoic teachings can resonate with religious adherents, the underlying cosmology and logic of Stoicism remain incompatible with theistic frameworks.
I caution religious listeners about the potential challenges of exploring Stoicism deeply, as it may lead to difficult questions about their faith and identity. Embracing such philosophical inquiries, however, is part of the journey toward understanding and personal growth.
In this episode, I explore these complex intersections between Stoicism and religion and provide insights into how different systems approach the quest for a virtuous life.
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May 21, 2024
Celebrating The Positive Without Ignoring The Mournful
Good morning, Prokoptôn. In today's episode, I'm responding to a question from a Spotify listener named Blarka. The question is about how to think of or celebrate a birthday that coincides with the death of a brother or sister.
This is a thoughtful question with a sad context, but it's an important topic. While Stoicism views death as an indifferent in terms of developing Virtue, it acknowledges the emotional impact it has on us. It's essential to remember that Stoics are allowed to have emotions.
First, I discuss the Stoic perspective on death. For Stoics, death doesn't signify the end of everything. Instead, it's part of a continuous cycle of endings and beginnings. The "spark of divine reason" within us doesn't cease to exist when our bodies expire.
Next, I address the specific issue of feeling conflicted when trying to celebrate on a day also marked by loss. It's natural to feel this way, but it's crucial to examine what our actions on these days say about our character. Celebrating and mourning simultaneously doesn't inherently make either action inappropriate. The appropriateness of our behavior depends on the logic and reasoning behind it.
In conclusion, I suggest finding a balanced approach to marking the day of a great loss. This might involve spending time remembering the lost loved one and then allowing yourself to celebrate with friends and family. The key is to ensure that your actions align with reasoned and virtuous thinking.
Thank you for listening, and I hope this discussion provides some intellectual value and practical guidance.
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May 14, 2024
Without The Sage Is Stoicism Broken?
In today's episode of Practical Stoicism, I delve into a challenging question often posed by newcomers to Stoicism: "If the Stoic Sage is purely aspirational, what motivation do we have to work on our character?" Addressing this, I explore why striving for unattainable ideals, such as perfect health or the perfect dinner, remains essential, despite their inherent impossibility.
I draw parallels between the pursuit of excellence in various fields—be it medicine, fitness, or culinary arts—and the philosophical journey toward becoming a better Stoic. This episode unpacks the importance of perpetual improvement and how it enriches our lives and professions, despite the certainty that perfection is unachievable.
I also challenge the notion that the unattainable nature of sagehood undermines the value of Stoicism. By embracing the continuous pursuit of virtue, we acknowledge that while perfection is a myth, the journey toward it is filled with meaningful growth and self-improvement. Join me as I argue that the quest for a virtuous life, much like life itself, is about valuing the journey, not just the destination.
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