Stoicism for a Better Life
Anderson Silver
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In the pursuit of a purposeful and anxiety-free life, this is a podcast series dedicated to practical applications of Stoic philosophy in our daily lives.
Available episodes
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May 29, 2022
Season 4; Episode 20 (80) - ON THE STOIC SERENITY PRAYER - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
A prayer is just a form of meditation. And even though the origins of the prayer as e know it today are not exactly from Stoic sources (just like the terms Amor Fati and Memento Mori). However, we still use them today to summarize a collection of ideas that are representative of our school. The Serenity / STOIC prayer is no different and as Prokoptons we should all be reminded of this once in a ALL THE TIME. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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May 22, 2022
Season 4; Episode 19 (79) - ON JOURNALING LIKE ANDERSON - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
The MOST powerful tool we have in our arsenal is our own rational mind. For millennia, intelligent and self-aware individuals have kept rigid journals/logs in a disciplined manner. One of our school's most popular books is quite literally the journal of a Roman Emperor (or what survives of it). Journalling is clearly a powerful tool and over the past decade, I have spent my time perfecting my journaling methodology. No...it is not rocket science. But it is nice to define what it is we want to accomplish. The goal: PEACE of MIND. The Means: Your JOURNAL. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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May 15, 2022
Season 4; Episode 18 (78) - ON ANGER / EMOTION MANAGEMENT - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
I'm not sure how everyone else does it, but I can't help being angry and emotional. I feel them daily, no matter how 'focused' or 'present' or 'mindful' I am. But I've kind of found a way to deal with it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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May 8, 2022
Season 4; Episode 17 (77) - ON THE ONLY QUESTION YOU SHOULD ASK - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
This episode is all about one of those "BEAK GLASS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY" meditations (Stoic or otherwise). I came up with this gem of a meditation a few years back while I happened to be binging on Epictetus et al...and while watching the second season of the awesome TV series Lucifer. I shamelessly usurped a catchphrase from who else but the most stoic of all angels ... Lucifer Morningstar. Come devil-worshipping with me. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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May 1, 2022
Season 4; Episode 16 (76) - ON UNITING & COSMOPOLITANISM - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We bond and unite under many banners. Corporations...school...family...gang...sports teams.... so I figure why not also unite under a banner that stands for doing the RIGHT thing ONLY because it is the right thing to do, PERIOD. Or at least try their best to do so. That's SFBL. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Apr 24, 2022
Season 4; Episode 15 (75) - ON ATTAINING VIRTUE IN 30 SECONDS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
If we live and exist in the present moment only, then we can only feel / think / assess one thing at a time. So the capacity to find virtue no matter what, anytime anywhere is a Stoic superpower that allows you to find peace and equanimity whenever YOU feel like it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Apr 17, 2022
Season 4; Episode 14 (74) - ON TOXIC MASCULINITY & POSITIVITY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Being stronger is good. It's good for you and good for the world, for you are part of the world. But is there such a thing as too much? Like anything else, of course, there is. And naturally, the next question will be 'so how much is too much?' The answer, as always, will depend on you, your reality, your purpose...essentially it will depend on (you guessed it) your necessities. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Apr 10, 2022
Season 4; Episode 13 (73) - ON THE POWER OF SILENCE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
........................................ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Apr 3, 2022
Season 4; Episode 12 (72) - ON MISTAKES, ERRORS & REGRET - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Who can honestly say that they LOVE making mistakes? A true Stoic can and I'll explain why while Epictetus explains how. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Mar 27, 2022
Season 4; Episode 11 (71) - ON FINDING & KEEPING DISCIPLINE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
One of my favourite things in my newfound life is being wrong. Most of us hate being wrong (come on...be honest...) but we should instead rejoice at the idea. If one can detach from emotions, we can easily see that being wrong immediately provides us with an opportunity to better ourselves or our fortune somehow. Trying to force ourselves to do what we inherently don't want to do, is just as wrong as trying to convince ourselves and the world that 2+2=3. It is simply wrong and contrary to reality and our nature. The conclusion, therefore, is self-evident:
By simply embracing our nature, we never have to "seek motivation" or "discipline" for anything. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Mar 20, 2022
Season 4; Episode 10 (70) - ON HOPE & FEAR - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Once upon a time, there was a guy named Hope, who met a gal named Fear and they lived happily ever after...or something like that. Check-in to see what Epictetus has to say about it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Mar 13, 2022
Season 4; Episode 9 (69) - ON VICES & DISTRACTIONS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
I have a confession to make. I have vices. I enjoy pleasure. And boy do those things cause me distractions. If you happen to have a similar disposition, boy oh boy are you gonna enjoy the episode...or my dad joke at the end...or both...or neither. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Mar 6, 2022
Season 4; Episode 8 (68) - ON COSMOPOLITANISM & JUSTICE FOR ALL - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We've all seen pictures of earth from space. We saw the same pictures...no borders. Those imaginary lines that we grew up with...and spent hours in "History" classrooms learning which border moved in what direction when...they don't actually exist. Some people made them up and we all kind of go along with it for simplicity's sake. But when those imaginary lines begin causing conflict and for generations upon generations of kids being taught to HATE, well then we should take a second to reconsider what they are and what humanity means. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Feb 27, 2022
Season 4; Episode 7 (67) - ON MATTERS OF LOVE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Love is hard and confusing right? Nah...it's JUST an emotion. A strong emotion...possibly one of the strongest emotions along with anger, hate and fear... but LOVE is still only an emotion. So, don't let emotions take you away from your ruling faculty. Epictetus may have some words of clarity and encouragement for you, and I'm rocking a man bun with the new microphone. Let's do some Stoicism. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Feb 19, 2022
Season 4; Episode 6 (66) - BEWARE YOUR ROOMMATE! - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
What I forgot to say is that I received the new mic last night. That's why I was re-recording last minute....Nothing but the best for you guys. 😘
By now we all know about the duality within. As we work to strengthen our real selves (that is, our rational minds/consciousness/spirit/soul/tomato/etc.) we ALSO strengthen our animal minds. So if we don't pay attention, we may lose the ruling faculty for an extended time...So listen to Nietzsche and be vigilant. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Feb 13, 2022
Season 4; Episode 5 (65) - FINDING DIRECTION WHEN LOST - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
When it comes to finding direction in life, whether it is your 1st time or your 1000th time, the way is clear: Find your necessities and follow them to your true north. Tend to your spirit, your soul, your consciousness, your rational mind. This is the way... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Feb 6, 2022
Season 4; Episode 4 (64) - GET MOTIVATED FOR ANYTHING - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Life is tough....days are tough...everything takes work, so how do you get motivated? Some guy from 2,000 years ago might have some tricks for you! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 30, 2022
Season 4; Episode 3 (63) - DARE TO LIVE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Stoicism is not focused on death, but instead, it is focused on maximizing our efforts in life. Dare to do something with your time, for it is the only thing you cannot make more of! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 23, 2022
Season 4; Episode 2 (62) - PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Today's inspiration comes from my personal copy of Seneca’s Moral Letters from a STOIC. Stoicism is a practical philosophy, meaning you “do Stoicism” bit by reading and repeating quotes, but by acting like the best gosh darn human being you can be in the present moment. #DearAnderson #StoicismforaBetterLife #SFBL #HowDoesaSTOIClive --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 13, 2022
Season 4; Episode 1 (61) - ANDERSON SILVER IS ADAPTING - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Times they are a changing...and this guy is adjusting. I will be making some changes in 2022 of how I interact with my fans (and INTERACT is the opportune word). My goal this year is to have a meaningful conversation with one of you every day. Whether it's merely conversing, or answering questions. #DearAnderson #StoicismforaBetterLife. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jul 31, 2021
Season 3; Episode 20 (60) - NEVER STOP...KEEP IMPROVING, FOR THAT IS TRUE VITRUE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
For this last episode of Season 3, I leave you with this simple task: KEEP GETTING BETTER! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jul 27, 2021
Season 3; Episode 19 (59) - CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT, SO EMBRACE IT - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Things change. Always have, always will. We perceive things change and usually don't care for the most part.........that is until the change inconveniences us. This episode explores what we can do with those feelings. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jul 23, 2021
Season 3; Episode 18 (58) - SUBSTITUTE YOUR RATIONAL MIND OVER YOUR ANIMAL MIND AND FIND TRANQUILITY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We have our duality within. You know which one is usually right. You know which one brings you more lasting peace. So just listen to it!
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Jul 19, 2021
Season 3; Episode 17 (57) - YOU SHOULD FORGIVE YOUR ANTAGONIST, BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Want to show a force of strength so that the whole world knows beyond a shadow of a doubt just how strong you are?
Then try and forgive someone who wronged you. True forgiveness takes a lot of strength and only those who have TRULY forgiven will know how hard it is. Go ahead...try it....I double-dog dare you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jul 15, 2021
Season 3; Episode 16 (56) - HAVE GOALS, BUT REMEMBER YOU ARE HUMAN AND HAVE LIMITATIONS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We are not superheroes. But we expect ourselves to be superhuman. Learn to accept your limitations and you will find peace and equanimity. What could be more conducive to a virtuous constitution than a mind at peace and in equanimity? If you know it, tell me cause I want to know as well. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jul 11, 2021
Season 3; Episode 15 (55) - SLEEP LIKE A BABY THE STOIC WAY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Missing sleep? Can't fall or stay asleep? Here are some Stoic pointers to help you remedy the situation. Sleep better, get your rest so that you can be the best version of yourself that you can be the next day. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jul 7, 2021
Season 3; Episode 14 (54) - TIME...YOU DON'T HAVE A LOT OF IT. SO SPEND IT WISELY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
The only things for certain in life are death and taxes. Wait...if American billionaires are any indication, taxes are NOT a certainty in life. But I am yet to meet someone who has escaped death. We all have a shelf life and an expiry date, which means we have limited time as it will quite literally run out. So why do we live as if we will not run out of time? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jul 3, 2021
Season 3; Episode 13 (53) - DON'T BE AFRAID OF SILENCE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Ever sit in complete silence without any distractions and just listen to your thoughts? Yeah....this is why I wrote this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jun 29, 2021
Season 3; Episode 12 (52) - DO YOU REALLY NEED A CUP TO DRINK WATER? - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
In the western world (especially) we are PLAGUED with wanting to have more stuff and better things...better than before...better than others. But one question we forget to ask ourselves is: Do I really actually need that? Or did I just give up my hard-earned time and money in exchange for a collection of atoms that will end up in a landfill? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jun 25, 2021
Season 3; Episode 11 (51) - BE GOOD AND BECOME BETTER, LITTLE BY LITTLE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Just like you build muscles one fibre at a time...or a Lego Millenium Falcon one Lego piece at a time, so do you build your virtue one moment at a time. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jun 21, 2021
Season 3; Episode 10 (50) - HAVE A GOAL, BUT GO THE WAY THINGS ARE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
It is important to have goals. Whether it is a daily goal, weekly, annual, lifetime, bucket list, squad goals, etc. goals offer a general roadmap of how best to plan our time and resources. However, we must never forget that our puny efforts are of no consequence when compared to the overwhelming quantity of variables in the domain of the universe's sphere of control. So have goals. We should all have them. Just remember that the end result of your goal will almost certainly not match the idea or design you have in your mind at the onset of the goal. Aim for the target...be content to miss it as long as you tried your best. And who knows...the missed target might actually be the better one! Just keep trying and doing your best. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jun 17, 2021
Season 3; Episode 9 (49) - SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE TO FIND TRANQUILITY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Some life lessons from our ancient older cousins (The Cynics). Simplify your life, make more time and find the happiness and tranquillity you seek. The episode also discusses whether Cynicism can actually be considered a philosophy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jun 13, 2021
Season 3; Episode 8 (48) - GO AHEAD! JUDGE OTHERS ALL YOU WANT - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Judge good. Not judge good. Judge bad! Not judge bad! The fact of the matter is that reality is, it doesn't matter (at least as far as the pursuit of a virtuous life is concerned). In this episode, I make a counterargument to an earlier episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jun 9, 2021
Season 3; Episode 7 (47) - IF THE READING RAINBOW TAUGHT US ANYTHING - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We live once and therefore live one lifetime. You can try and extend your life through healthy lifestyle choices. But when we say "healthy lifestyle choices" we tend to only think in the physical realm (exercise, eat well, drink plenty of water, etc). We forget about the spiritual (mental) part of it. Not only can we get live multiple lifetimes by reading others' stories and perspectives, but reading itself has some significant positive impact on our lives (i.e. it is a healthy lifestyle choice). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jun 5, 2021
Season 3; Episode 6 (46) - YOUR JOURNAL IS YOUR MOST POWERFUL TOOL - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Your journal is your most powerful tool, so make sure you use one! Your journal is your most powerful tool, so make sure you use one! Your journal is your most powerful tool, so make sure you use one! Your journal is your most powerful tool, so make sure you use one! Your journal is your most powerful tool, so make sure you use one! You get the point. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jun 1, 2021
Season 3; Episode 5 (45) - SHOW ME A STOIC AND I'LL SHOW YOU PEACE OF MIND - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Our school delineates steps and tools to attain peace of mind. OK. Can we just follow the steps then to attain peace of mind within the day? Is Stoicism a script to be followed and applied once with results for perpetuity? We all know by now, the answer is (unfortunately) no. Look we know what to do, but we are human beings. We cannot be perfect or sages. So just keep pushing in the right direction (towards virtue) no matter how much push back you get. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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May 28, 2021
Season 3; Episode 4 (44) - KEY TO HAPPINESS IS SIMPLE: DECIDE WHAT VIRTUE IS AND JUST DO IT - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
It's all in the title. The formula our school teaches us for happiness is very straightforward: Figure out what it is that will bring you virtue, and go out there and do it again and again. Simple concept, sure. But so so very hard in its application. So let's break things down a little in this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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May 24, 2021
Season 3; Episode 3 (43) - DON'T BE THE ANNOYING VEGAN AT THE PARTY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
You have ideas, thoughts and opinions. And when you decide on an opinion, you don't come to it lightly. You evaluate, consider and mull over your options (hopefully) before you come to a conclusion on what your opinions are. But even with all that reflection can you be certain that your opinions are the ultimately correct ones? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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May 20, 2021
Season 3; Episode 2 (42) - HAVE SOME WINE AND LET LOOSE FOR VIRTUE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We tend to think of virtue and sagehood as stick in the mud, boring type monotone people. However, nothing in the rulebook says you must not have fun in order to cultivate a more virtuous self. In fact, it is quite the opposite. A little entertainment is not only okay, but necessary. So R&R in reasonable and consistent doses can be actually beneficial to you in your pursuit of a better self. Yes, you heard it right.....this episode makes a case for letting loose (like drinking wine) being a necessary tool for virtue. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Apr 20, 2021
Season 3; Episode 1 (41) - VIRTUE IS NOT FOUND IN THE ACT, BUT IN THE REASONS BEHIND THE ACT - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Seneca say, Prokopton do. Just another reminder that our efforts and intentions are all that matter. Virtue is not found in the result of said actions, as the results depend on much more than our mere efforts. But our intentions are entirely within our control. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Oct 24, 2020
Season 2; Episode 20 (40) - REJECT PROTO-EMOTIONS & REMAIN RATIONAL - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We exist in these bio-suits we call bodies, and these vessels come with prebuilt survival mechanisms. Some are physical (e.g. you flinch when something is thrown at you without thinking about it) and others are psychological (e.g. emotions). Emotions are precoded in our genes and have helped our ancestors survive. But in our modern-day and age they are outdated. We can't get rid of the emotions as they are tied to the body and we can't exist without the body(...yet). So when you have an emotional reaction to something, try and get back to your self quickly and be rational. Reject the knee jer reaction (Proto emotion) and respond with your rational mind (the real you). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Oct 20, 2020
Season 2; Episode 19 (39) - HAVE THE COURAGE TO ADMIT YOU MAY BE WRONG - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Being wrong is the BEST! I know, I know, as a society we hate to admit we are wrong. This is no surprise given that we are pitted against one another and goated to outdo the competition (i.e. our fellow human beings). But in reality, we are always wrong. And being wrong is the best because it gives us an opportunity to improve ourselves. How can we be better without identifying something that is wrong or that requires improvement! So I love being wrong because it is the first step to becoming better and offers an immediate source for improvement. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Oct 16, 2020
Season 2; Episode 18 (38) - BUILD NEW RELATIONSHIPS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We are social animals with a capacity for reason. If virtue is working towards the betterment of humanity, then building relationships with our fellow cosmopolitans becomes a necessity. If we want to lead by example, if we want to share our knowledge with the most number of people and if we are looking to enjoy this journey we’re on called life, we should work actively to try and make new friends along the way, make new acquaintances, or open up new avenues for communication. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Oct 12, 2020
Season 2; Episode 17 (37) - SPEND YOUR TIME ON IMPORTANT MATTERS ONLY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
No matter what you're pursuing in life, the ultimate cost is time. Given that time is the ultimate resource we have and that it is the only resource we cannot replenish, we should take the time to think rationally about how we spend our time. Make a conscious effort to spend your time wisely in the most value-added way possible. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Oct 8, 2020
Season 2; Episode 16 (36) - PRIORITIZE YOUR EFFORTS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Being busy is a siren call we all fall prey to. But being busy does not mean we are being productive. And being productive without a goal, purpose or plan is does not necessarily mean we are being virtuous or that we are living a good life worthy of living. Take a moment to objectively and consciously identify what's truly important to you in your life right Here and Now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Oct 4, 2020
Season 2; Episode 15 (35) - BBQ SESASON MEDITATIONS FROM EPICTETUS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Whether introverted or extraverted, we are all guilty of dodging social gatherings sometimes. Whether we look for excuses to leave early, cancel at the last minute, or avoid them altogether, we all too often pass up on an opportunity to cultivate our relationships. Epictetus reminds us this is a reaction of our primitive minds...not us. Especially today, it is still possible to interact with people while wearing a mask and social distancing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Sep 30, 2020
Season 2; Episode 14 (34) - SOCIAL MEDIA DECISIONS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We are all aware of the perils of social media, but we can also acknowledge it can be a great and powerful tool. So avoiding social media would not be a good choice, we have much to benefit from it. Instead we should try and make conscious decisions on how and when we use social media. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Sep 26, 2020
Season 2; Episode 13 (33) - ACTIVELY SEEK OPPORTUNITIES FOR KINDNESS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We all want to be kind. And we all like to think we are a kind person. Yet most of us do not prioritize looking for acts of kindness throughout our days. Time is short so if you want to be a kind person, look for an active way in which to be kind for other people. It's easy to be kind when it's called upon, but you can definitely find additional proactive ways to be kind. And you should do this simply because you can. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Sep 22, 2020
Season 2; Episode 12 (32) - DON'T FOCUS ON RESULTS, FOCUS ON CHOICES - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We tend to judge our accomplishments on results. Even when it comes to our moral decision making, we tend to look at the final result in evaluating how good/bad we were. However, let us never forget that results are not entirely dependent on us. Intentions for actions are entirely within our control, but as results get away from us in time and space, the less control we have over the final result. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Sep 18, 2020
Season 2; Episode 11 (31) - BETTER YOURSELF TODAY, WHILE YOU STILL CAN - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
If your goal is to improve yourself and make yourself better, do it with a sense of urgency, for you do not have much time left in this temporal existence. Every day we die...one day closer to the final death. So don't waste time. Make your virtue and bettering yourself a priority and actively work on it as often as you can. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Sep 14, 2020
Season 2; Episode 10 (30) - TAKE A BREAK SOMETIMES - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Our bodies and our minds are like tools or muscles. We use them to perceive the world external to our thoughts, and we use them to interact with the same external world. As with any tool or muscle, overuse without rest and repair, we can damage them...some times even beyond repair. So take care of your mind, which we tend to neglect. And take care of your body. It is not selfish to rest sometimes. It is virtuous because it helps you be a better person. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Sep 10, 2020
Season 2; Episode 9 (29) - INVENTORY THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
It is undeniable that who we hang out with impacts our personality. One way or another, tow people who spend time with each other will rub off certain traits on now another. Some people will absorb more than other, but everyone gets affected by the company they keep. So make a conscious effort in who you spend time with and how you spend it. Give yourself the best chance to be virtuous. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Sep 6, 2020
Season 2; Episode 8 (28) - REJECT KNEE-JERK REACTIONS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We exist in these imperfect vessels we call a body. These bodies come with their own emotions and defence mechanisms. As such, it is impossible to be emotionless. We will always have knee-jerk emotional responses, this we cannot change. We can, however, control how quickly we get back to ourselves. So try and curb your body's response as quickly as you can and get back to being a reasonable rational person. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Sep 2, 2020
Season 2; Episode 7 (27) - YOU HAVE FREE WILL, SO USE IT TO BE HAPPY - Stoicism For a Better Life
It is up for debate whether our free-will is an illusion or a real thing. But one thing is for sure: From our perspective, we feel like we definitely have free-will. Life essentially can be boiled down to making choices and decisions in the present moment. So use your free-will actively. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Aug 29, 2020
Season 2; Episode 6 (26) - GIVE UP A VICE FOR A FEW DAYS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Addictions...we all have them. Some are more obvious, others more clandestine. Here is an opportunity to identify one, accept it distracts us from being mindful in the present moment, and actively work to remove it with a reasonable short term goal. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Aug 25, 2020
Season 2; Episode 5 (25) - HELP OTHERS BY CHEERING FOR THEM - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We often forget that there are 7.6 billion other people on this planet. We get so lost in our own self-involvement. This episode is all about recognizing other people and their own journeys and supporting them. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Aug 21, 2020
Season 2; Episode 4 (24) - YOU CAN'T LEARN WHAT YOU THINK YOU ALREADY KNOW - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
The more my island of knowledge grows, so does my shore of ignorance. Knowledge is power and philosophy is the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. However, we make the grave mistake of overestimating our knowledge. The same way Socrates was the wisest man in all of Athens because he knew what he did not know, we must admit not only what we do not know, but also that what we know can be improved upon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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May 21, 2020
Season 2; Episode 3 (23) - QUESTION FROM A LISTENER: "NOTHING IS GOOD OR BAD" vs "OUR OWN MORAL GOOD" - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
I received a great question (voicemail) from a listener that I had to take some time to answer. We keep saying "Nothing can be good or bad" yet we also preach moral goodness. How can we reconcile the two? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Apr 21, 2020
Season 2; Episode 2 (22) - SPECIAL COVID-19 RELEASE #2 - FIVE HELPFUL PRACTICES - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
A special COVID-19 release:
I've released two episodes to help with the current Pandemic situation and give some very pertinent Stoic practices to help you through these uncertain, anxious and though times. Here are five additional useful Stoic practices for you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Apr 14, 2020
Season 2; Episode 1 (21) - WISH FOR THINGS TO BE EXACTLY THE WAY THEY ARE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
A special COVID-19 release:
I'm releasing two episodes to help with the current Pandemic situation and give some very pertinent Stoic practices to help you through these uncertain, anxious and though times. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Feb 18, 2020
Season 1; Episode 20 (20) - THE LOGICAL KEY TO A GOOD LIFE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Here's the final exercise for Season 1 of Stoicism for a Better Life, and boy is it a doozie! Let's walk through a logical mental exercise to narrow down what it is we can actually and tangibly do to live the best possible life we can. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Feb 14, 2020
Season 1; Episode 19 (19) - SELF DEPRIVATION IS NOT A VIRTUE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Being tough, having self-control (say enough to be able to take cold showers) and depriving yourself of luxuries is NOT virtuous. Virtue is found in our effort, not in our self-punishment. However, often a virtuous mindset will lead to a simpler life. The motivation, however, remains the gauge for whether your act is virtuous or not. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Feb 10, 2020
Season 1; Episode 18 (18) - SPEND TIME WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE...WHILE YOU CAN - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We know for a fact that our time here is limited. Moreover, our loved ones' time here is limited. So spend time with them while you can. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Feb 6, 2020
Season 1; Episode 17 (17) - ONE PRESENT MOMENT AFTER ANOTHER - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
The past is in the past, the future is uncertain. The only time when we can interact with the world is in our present moment, right here, right now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Feb 2, 2020
Season 1; Episode 16 (16) - DO YOU NEED YOUR STUFF - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We live in a culture of consumerism. Buy, buy, buy...own, collect and have. But do we really need all that we own? Do you really need your stuff? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 29, 2020
Season 1; Episode 15 (15) - YOU HAVE ONE JOB - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
No matter where we are in life or what's happening around us, we only have one job: Be a good human being. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 25, 2020
Season 1; Episode 14 (14) - DON'T BE A NEGATIVE NELLY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Although we can't really control our proto-emotions (your knee jerk reactions to stimuli), we really do have a choice to gain back control of our emotions and means. Even when something "bad" happens, we can always find something "good" to find in that situation to focus on. We can and should make a conscious and concerted effort to think more positively when possible. This is how we can shift our emotional spectrum to a healthier one. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 21, 2020
Season 1; Episode 13 (13) - DON'T BE BUSY FOR THE WRONG REASONS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We tend to busy ourselves thinking we will get more out of life. But one who enjoys life gets more from it then one who employs it (Lao Tzu). However, our time is very limited, so we don't want to be lethargic. We want to accomplish good things that are truly meaningful to us. So let us identify what these reasons are and make sure we are busy working towards them, as opposed to working towards the wrong reasons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 17, 2020
Season 1; Episode 12 (12) - SPEND YOUR TIME PURPOSEFULLY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
You've heard me say it time and time again: Virtue is not about perfection, but about trying your best. In order to try your best, however, you must make good decisions and judgments as often as possible. To that end, we must make an effort to use our time purposefully, in order to be the best we can be, as often as we can be. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 13, 2020
Season 1; Episode 11 (11) - PHILOSOPHY IS A WAY OF LIFE, NOT A DISTRACTION FROM IT - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Why are you listening to this podcast? I've heard them myself, and it can't possibly be for my voice. No, you're here listening to this in order to better yourself through the use and application of philosophy. Philosophy, then, is not a trifle, game or form of entertainment. Embrace it as a guide for life that should be used and applied more regularly, for more regular results. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 9, 2020
Season 1; Episode 10 (10) - STOP WANTING & SHED YOUR ANXIETY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
All anxieties stem from the fundamental error of wanting something we cannot want. Wishing and hoping for a different reality, where things or events are more favorable to us is nonsensical. Another reality doesn't exist. Things can't be any different. So it we can learn to accept the way things are and not wish for things out of our control, then we can easily ditch our anxieties. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 5, 2020
Season 1; Episode 9 (9) - RECLAIM YOUR TIME FROM HABITS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
We are not guilty of not having enough time. We are guilty of spending time in the wrong places. Although habits can be a good thing, can we reclaim some time form our habits to divert towards more virtuous ventures? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Jan 1, 2020
Season 1; Episode 8 (8) - TEND TO YOUR OWN AFFAIRS - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Virtue is to be found in all our actions and every little effort counts. Does judging others make you more virtuous? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Dec 28, 2019
Season 1; Episode 7 (7) - DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
You would be surprised how often we let looks affect our judgment about people, things, events, etc. To be a good, fair and just human being, we must learn to shed our biases based on looks and try and see the world more objectively. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Dec 24, 2019
Season 1; Episode 6 (6) - CAST AWAY YOUR JUDGMENT - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
As Shakespeare famously said, " there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking it makes it so." Things and events external to our judgments and thoughts are just that: Externals. They don't actually go in your brain and make you think one way nor the other. So events by themselves are not good or bad, only our judgments about them are. In that case, why not cast away your judgments and be at peace? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Dec 20, 2019
Season 1; Episode 5 (5) - THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO REALITY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Have you ever stopped to consider that anger is merely a refusal to accept what is actually happening? As far as us human beings can perceive, there is only one timeline with one reality happening going in one direction. If there is one reality, that we can't change no matter what, then complaining about it is our own fault, for complaining about it is merely not accepting reality the way it is. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Dec 16, 2019
Season 1; Episode 4 (4) - FIND VIRTUE IN ENTERTAINMENT - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Virtue is being rational, honest and honourable. Spending our very precious time in a virtuous way means working for the betterment of humanity. But acts of virtue do not need to be grandiose or impactful in a major way. Virtue can be found and practiced everywhere. We can even find it in the entertainment we choose. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Dec 12, 2019
Season 1; Episode 3 (3) - DO GROCERIES VIRTUOUSLY - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Virtue is being rational, honest and honourable. Spending our very precious time in a virtuous way means working for the betterment of humanity. But acts of virtue do not need to be grandiose or impactful in a major way. Virtue can be found and practiced everywhere, including in what you eat. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Dec 8, 2019
Season 1; Episode 2 (2) - PUT AWAY YOUR CELL PHONE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Virtue is being rational, honest and honourable. Spending our very precious time in a virtuous way means working for the betterment of humanity. But acts of virtue do not need to be grandiose or impactful in a major way. Virtue can be found and practiced everywhere. We can find virtue in the meaningful conversations we have during meals. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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Dec 4, 2019
Season 1; Episode 1 (1) - INTRODUCTION TO STOICISM FOR A BETTER LIFE - Stoicism For a Better Life Podcast
Welcome to Stoicism for a Better Life. In this episode, I will discuss the purpose of the podcast series, what to expect from future episodes, how to use future episodes and how to interact with the community if you so choose. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/andersonsilver/message
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