Stoicism–named for the stoa (or covered walkway) under whose cooling shade Athenian citizens gathered and philosophers lectured–is a philosophy whose influence has stretched across the ages. It was, so many centuries ago, a philosophy to which much of the classical world subscribed. Today, despite our distaste for all things “old” (how boring!), it remains a school of thought from which we can derive many benefits. Brittany Polat, who’s devoted much of her life to studying and popularizing these benefits, is an author, mother, board member of multiple Stoic organizations, and creator of Stoicare, a 501c3 whose noble aim is to “share Stoicism as a holistic system of wisdom”. She was gracious enough to join me for a few hours to discuss this school of thought of which she’s such an enthusiastic and well-versed champion. I can’t wait to share her wisdom with you!This episode will teach you…The history of Stoicism; the most important Stoic thinkers with whom you should be familiar; the life of Marcus Aurelius; the Eastern influences on Stoicism; the connection between Buddhism and Stoicism; the compatibility between our Judeo-Christian tradition and Stoicism; how to employ Stoicism as a PARENT raising young children; the difference between mere mindfulness, and stoic meditation; Stoic figures throughout history; whether or not George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were stoics; how to implement a daily journaling practice; the importance of Viktor Frankl; The search for meaning in life; Rationality and Society–the two fundamental features of our species;And much more! Timestamp: 0:00 Introduction2:00 A Journey back to ancient Greece4:54 Happiness as the “Ultimate Good”6:05 Epicureanism v. Stoicism12:05 The role of Socrates15:10 Meet the Stoics! The Cast of Characters22:20 Similarities Between Marcus Aurelius and George Washington29:30 Eastern influences on Stoicism34:00 Heraclitus 41:29 Do Stoics believe in God? 46:23 What does Stoicism provide that Christianity lacks? 51:31 Why Materialism has prevailed58:10 Viktor Frankl1:04:48 How to Parent like a Stoic1:08:00 Are some people born Stoics? 1:09:46 Developing a (daily) Journaling practice1:13:40 The Difference between Mindfulness and Stoic Meditation1:16:11 What inspired you to write this book? 1:20:45 How do you find peace with those around you? 1:24:24 The Serenity Prayer1:29:48 Is Stoicism ANTI-Social? 1:36:29 From Linguistics to Stoicism1:40:28 Modern Stoics1:47:00 Closing ThoughtsBrittany’s stuff: Books she referenced: “The Handbook of the Stoic Tradition” https://www.amazon.com/Routledge-Handbook-Tradition-Handbooks-Philosophy/dp/1138574104/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2REEZVE6DM02&keywords=the+handbook+of+the+stoic+tradition&qid=1670525292&sprefix=the+handbook+of+the+stoic+tradition%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1. “A Case For God” https://www.amazon.com/Case-God-Karen-Armstrong/dp/0307389804/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1048DEJJZJMYI&keywords=karen+armstrong+a+case+for+god&qid=1670525327&sprefix=karen+armstrong+a+cas%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1“Some Do Care”https://www.amazon.com/Some-Do-Care-Anne-Colby/dp/0029063566/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E0FATB5YF5AT&keywords=some+do+care&qid=1670525379&sprefix=some+do+care%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-2Links to her books: “Journal like a Stoic” https://www.amazon.com/Journal-Like-Stoic-Acceptance-Intentionality/dp/0593435893/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3YIUV8V38CEM&keywords=brittany+polat&qid=1670525424&sprefix=brittany+polat%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1“Tranquility Parenting”https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-Parenting-Staying-Mindful-Engaged/dp/1538112426/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3YIUV8V38CEM&keywords=brittany+polat&qid=1670525453&sprefix=brittany+polat%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-2Brittany’s website: https://www.livinginagreement.com/aboutTwitter:https://twitter.com/brittanypolatMy Stuff: Finneran’s WakeListen to this and all episodes on your favorite podcast streaming service: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/74eUg83Q8zOgaRA5EBuzyl?si=871b6aa8082146af. Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finnerans-wake/id1560923796. –Please, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or send me a message (to which, I assure you, I’ll promptly respond!) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080972774597Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielethanfinneran/Twitter: @DanielEFinneranEmail me at [email protected] Whether you’re a Stoic or an Epicurean; an Aristotelian or a Platonist, leave a comment below! Let’s make the comments section a veritable school of Athens. 

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