Author: donald

Marcus Aurelius and the Military Metaphor in Stoicism

In one of the most famous passages of The Meditations, the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius writes that everything physical is as transient as a stream rushing past us, everything belonging to the mind is as insubstantial as vapour and deceptive as smoke or mist, and that… …life is warfare, and a sojourn in foreign land. —… Continue reading Marcus Aurelius and the Military Metaphor in Stoicism

The Stoicism of George Washington

George Washington, known for his exemplary self-discipline and mental composure, is a figure in whom many see the influence of Stoicism. Unlike some of the other Founding Fathers, he lacked a classical education. Nevertheless, according to Eliot Morison’s The Young Man Washington (1932), Washington was indeed inspired by Stoic philosophy. Morison attributed Washington’s self-discipline to a philosophy of… Continue reading The Stoicism of George Washington

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Marcus Aurelius in Therapy

The idea of a Roman emperor undergoing a course of psychotherapy probably sounds like historical fiction, right? Well, it’s not. The Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius, was famously a lifelong follower of the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism. Stoic philosophers employed an early form of cognitive psychotherapy, and Marcus had a therapist. How do we know this?… Continue reading Marcus Aurelius in Therapy

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How Could Socrates Save America?

Socratic Questioning, Stoicism and a Return to Virtue Ethics Why did an angry mob storm the U.S. Capitol Building on 6th January? Perhaps simply because it seemed to them like the right thing to do. In their own imagination, they were acting quite righteously, and felt completely justified in doing things that looked to the… Continue reading How Could Socrates Save America?

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Video: Stoicism and Resilience in the Military

This video from the recent Military Stoicism conference will premiere live on YouTube on 12th January, after which you’ll be able to watch it via the link below. Join us for the premiere for live chat.

Medium: Death, Love, Stoicism

Forget all else, Lucilius, and concentrate your thoughts on this one thing: not to fear the name of death. Through long reflection make death one of your close acquaintances, so that, if the situation arises, you are able even to go out and meet it. — Seneca, On Earthquakes One day you will die. In… Continue reading Medium: Death, Love, Stoicism

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