Musonius Rufus - The Roman Socrates - (My Narration & Notes)

This is my own narration of Musonius Rufus' Lectures.
Gaius Musonius Rufus was a Roman Stoic philosopher of the 1st century AD. He taught philosophy in Rome during the reign of Nero and so was sent into exile in 65 AD, returning to Rome only under Galba. He was allowed to stay in Rome when Vespasian banished all other philosophers from the city in 71 AD although he was eventually banished anyway, returning only after Vespasian's death. A collection of extracts from his lectures still survives. He is also remembered for being the teacher of Epictetus.
It is unknown whether Musonius wrote anything for publication. His philosophical opinions were collected by two of his students. One collection of Discourses, by a certain Lucius, form the basis of the 21 lengthy extracts in this recording. A second collection was compiled by one Pollio; it has been lost, but some fragments survive which have been added on as an addendum
Translation: Cora E Lutz
Book on Amazon: geni.us/MusoniusRufus (affiliate link)
Read Online: www.stoictherapy.com/resource...
My recordings on Audible: geni.us/VoxStoicaOnAudible
Listen free on Hoopla with a US library card: www.hoopladigital.com/artist/...
Support:
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linktr.ee/VoxStoica
Timings
Start - 00:00
Chapter 1 - 00:11
Chapter 2 - 06:39
Chapter 3 - 10:01
Chapter 4 - 16:12
Chapter 5 - 24:14
Chapter 6 - 27:21
Chapter 7 - 33:25
Chapter 8 - 37:13
Chapter 9 - 47:56
Chapter 10 - 59:47
Chapter 11 - 1:04:21
Chapter 12 - 1:11:24
Chapter 13a - 1:15:19
Chapter 13b - 1:17:08
Chapter 14 - 1:18:53
Chapter 15 - 1:25:53
Chapter 16 - 1:31:38
Chapter 17 - 1:41:10
Chapter 18a - 1:47:25
Chapter 18b - 1:52:13
Chapter 19 - 1:58:41
Chapter 20 - 2:02:28
Chapter 21 - 2:07:49
Fragments - 2:10:45
#Stoicism #MusoniusRufus #Philosophy

[@VoxStoica]

Book on Amazon: geni.us/MusoniusRufus (affiliate link) Chapter 1 - 00:11​ Chapter 2 - 06:39​ Chapter 3 - 10:01​ Chapter 4 - 16:12​ Chapter 5 - 24:14​ Chapter 6 - 27:21​ Chapter 7 - 33:25​ Chapter 8 - 37:13​ Chapter 9 - 47:56​ Chapter 10 - 59:47​ Chapter 11 - 1:04:21​ Chapter 12 - 1:11:24​ Chapter 13a - 1:15:19​ Chapter 13b - 1:17:08​ Chapter 14 - 1:18:53​ Chapter 15 - 1:25:53​ Chapter 16 - 1:31:38​ Chapter 17 - 1:41:10​ Chapter 18a - 1:47:25​ Chapter 18b - 1:52:13​ Chapter 19 - 1:58:41​ Chapter 20 - 2:02:28​ Chapter 21 - 2:07:49​ Fragments - 2:10:45​

[@daithiocinnsealach3173]

Link isn't working for me

[@VoxStoica]

@@daithiocinnsealach3173 Thanks for letting me know, it should be working now

[@lakshmanvajjakeshavula5380]

We need more people like you sir

[@perfectplayingplaids]

What I really like about your channel is that you always seem to thoroughly understand everything that you read, and I get the sense that you have so much more you'd like to read to us but that, like anyone would be, you are limited to just sharing your favorites with us for now. You're certainly a cut above the vast majority of librivox readers and would even be among the best audible readers, in my opinion. I really respect that you maintain such a genuine passion for these things like myself, and also I admire that you are able to share it with us in such a meaningful and significant way.

[@Stormvermin-bx1lh]

Finally! The master finds some recognition.

[@diogeneslantern18]

What I love about the eminent Stoics, is that each of them truly provide their own views on the nature of all things - and, that they all remain in accord. Epictetus, the teacher. Seneca, the uncle, Rufus, the tutor (separate from the teacher), Aurelius, the self. Truly, Stoicism is the most pragmatic philosophy of them all - the fact that an overwhelming amount of people have comment "I have always had these thoughts and feelings before I even learnt about Stoicism" is a strong endorsement of its efficacy (and the more so that cognitive behavioural therapy is directly based upon Stoic precepts).

[@Hawking1969]

Very well said. The Stoics read so common sensical, so familiar, and so aligned with my own self-created philosophy.

[@shiroimaho]

Thank you for this wonderful reading, I'm grateful to hear Rufus read so well

[@ericpaisley8501]

Chapter Six is the heart of stoicism. So nice to hear it read aloud. Thank you.

[@zell9058]

I’ve listened to this several times now, very interesting teachings and presented excellently.

[@maurocontreras]

"The philosopher is a kingly person". I don't know why but that touched deep within my notion of self. Thanks a lot Vox Stoica ! Your videos make it easier for me to strive to become the kiinglyest person I can be. Every day. :)

[@diogeneslantern18]

"To stand straight, not straightened" - Marcus Aurelius

[@gruntardo7519]

Thank you for the time and effort you applied to bring this knowledge to everyone. I have really enjoyed all of your Stoicism works. Thank you!

[@faithdoty2252]

This is so excellent.

[@ionutdinchitila1663]

Monimus Rufus is such a remarkable philosopher!

[@Tacit_Tern]

Great way to start a morning. Thank you.

[@marcaskew61]

Thanks for such clear narration of this valuable source.

[@kangakid5984]

I really enjoyed listening to this Audio cast, thank you so much for all your great work. What an amazing man Rufus was!

[@Hawking1969]

I find Musonius to be the most practical of the Stoics. He provides a real list of topics and directives.

[@cgarcia4487]

Thank you for the upload.

[@sahamal_savu]

Another great reading, thank you for this.

[@francisrodelvisitacion1677]

Thank you for this one, I love this kind of topic

[@kixuh6314]

your voice is so great bro never stop

[@zell9058]

Thank you!

[@joelrivera4874]

I love your content very insightful.

[@Nomad-vi2hn]

Brilliant work vox

[@fraidoonw]

thanks. it's read beautifully .

[@petrus9]

Awesome!

[@boburwell9921]

Incredible

[@chrischilleen5131]

Fun fact: I considered using Musonius' passage on keeping a beard as a "religious script" to get an excuse to keep a beard while I was in the military. I decided I would rather just put up with shaving than doing all the paperwork and arguing. I was already on the short end of my contract anyways.

[@borsalinokizaru9862]

Next time use islam

[@Human_Evolution-]

The Epitome of Stoic Ethics next? :) Glad you put Rufus out there.

[@Human_Evolution-]

@@simeonsimeonov4115 what?

[@MrMarktrumble]

Thanks for posting this.

[@johnsmithspirit]

Nice!!

[@Cb85191]

These are great thanks. There’s a book called the life triumphant by James Allen that has never been very well narrated it’s a great book that you might want to look at.

[@VoxStoica]

Thanks, will look into it

[@vincitomniaveritas3981]

Will you release this to Audible soon? Thank you.

[@suchithosecan7564]

🔥

[@dmacrolens]

Yes!

[@Riklott1111]

I wish I had found stoicism earlier in my life

[@GnaReffotsirk]

Ads are not an evil.

[@TheGreenTaco999]

1:54:52 there appears to an audio anomaly here

[@Stevenmulraney]

Is the audible version of this missing the fragments?

[@VoxStoica]

Yes it seems it is. Thanks for pointing this out. I'll contact the distributor and get it updated, may take a couple of weeks to filter through.

[@willek1335]

Hi sir. Question: I just listened to a sargon video. Someone asked for a aristotel text of recommendation. He responded with nicomachean ethics. Are you familiar with an audiobook of this? Do you have any recommendations of his works that you found valuable? Thank you. :)

[@notexactlyrocketscience]

lol, sargon the youtuber? gtfo with that sophist.

[@willek1335]

Hi @@notexactlyrocketscience Fair dinkum. You're entitled to that opinion. Thank you.

[@diogeneslantern18]

Nicomachean Ethics is a groundwork of Metaphysics. It's unsurprising that Sargon suggested it, and personally I find nothing wrong with it - to be quite frank however, Stoicism is the most pragmatic of any of the ancient schools of Western philosophy - it is only concerned with the real and the now, unlike the plethora of hypotheses that its contending schools of thought posited.

[@snakejuce]

@@notexactlyrocketscience Agreed, lol. That dude's a 🤡. But the naive and gullible followers of his readily accept anything he says with all of his pseudo-intellectual input. It's always easy to fool the mindless drones, especially seeing as they are unable to exercise criticality on their own volition.

[@paronymiusparonymius4468]

And is this free? Really? Why, thank you sir!

[@lakshmanvajjakeshavula5380]

Plz add subtitles

[@VoxStoica]

Will do. The timings are just being calculated now.

[@yellowcircles8327]

59:46

[@vedprakashjangid7139]

Can I make a request for next audiobook in your voice????

[@VoxStoica]

Sure. The book and translations need to be in the public domain though. Provide a link too if possible.

[@vedprakashjangid7139]

@@VoxStoica please upload Seeking Wisdom from Darwin to Munger by Peter Bevelin

[@VoxStoica]

Book's from 2003 so almost definitely still copyrighted I'm afraid.

[@vedprakashjangid7139]

@@VoxStoica what about The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes????

[@vedprakashjangid7139]

@@VoxStoica Please upload The Intellectual Life:Its spirit, conditions, methods By A. G. Sertillanges Thank you

[@bulbakip6380]

Fun fact: The US military will let you wear a beard for religious purposes, otherwise, clean shaven unless for medical reasons. I considered using the part in Rufus' writings as a 'religious script' to use to get a no-shave chit but ultimately decided against it. Too much paper work for my liking😂😂 , plus I was almost up on my contract. Now i'm out and have my Stoic hair ☺

[@snakejuce]

Why did you write this comment from two different accounts and 2 times on this video??? You alright dude? It's either that or you legit just copy and pasted the other guys' comment and you added to it 🤦‍♂

[@bulbakip6380]

@@snakejuce Oh. LOL I just like this guy's channel and I was probably high and forgot I did it already 🤣🤣🤣 You seem like you could use some smoke too, here bud 💨🌿 😂

[@snakejuce]

@@bulbakip6380 Roll it up, let's goooooo

[@supervidere7]

I love a barbequed T-Bone with a dollop of hot English mustard😬😬

[@user-fu7se8sl1w]

Look upon hardships with disdain ? Isn't he encouraging us to embrace hardships tho ?

[@VoxStoica]

He means to look upon hardships with contempt, that you can endure them, that they are not a threat to you. If you've ever watched the Ride of the Rohirrim you'll see them scream their defiance at death as they charge. It's the same disdain. Not avoidance but rather contempt.

[@saltywater5097]

@@VoxStoica I hate the I have to do this but if I must do it, do it well and right.

[@williamcarter7977]

There is no need for many proofs for one problem. Pleasure is not good but is it bad? Toil is good. Laziness is bad. 6:44 That man is born with an inclination towards virtue. 10:07 That Women too should study philosophy. Women have the same qualities as men. The women who is educated in the virtues will be better than the women(or men)who are not educated in the virtues. Neither should shirk their duties. 16:15 Should daughters receive the same education as sons? The set of virtues of men and women are not different. Tasks should be assigned tasks that are appropriate(>)to each. 24:17 Which is more effective theory or practice? To Musoniou, practice! Experience is superior. 27:25 On training. It is more disgraceful for a king to be unjust than for a layman. Death and hardships are not evils a kingly person is a person who must first rule over himself virtuously..48:02 Exile is not an evil. It can be good. 59:52 Will the philosopher persecute someone for personal injury? No. 1:04:27 What means of livelihood is appropriate for a philosopher. being a farmer. Earning a living from the soil benefits the person and others. The life of a shepherd. The "evils" of the city? The city offers obstacles and challenges to virtues. 1:11:28 On sexual indulgence. Only for marriage?Only for reproduction? Men with men? Having sex with slaves. 1:15:27 The primary(not only)end of marriage is a community of life with a view to the reproduction of children. 1:17:14 What is the chief end of marriage. Being in harmony with virtue. 1:18:58 Is marriage a handicap for the pursuit of philosophy? A challenge and obstacle but not a handicap. Look at the marriage of Socrates! I have chosen not to be married and not to have children therefore I am not a philosopher-virtuous? 1:25:55 Should every child that is born be raised? Abortions were forbidden. Couples "were" discouraged from being childless. The more children the better? It was a sin against Zeus. The pleas of poverty are unjustified. 1:31:14 Must one obey their parents under "all" circumstances? It depends on the circumstances. 1:42:14 What is the best viaticum (provision ) for old age? To live according to your virtue-human nature. 1:27:27 On food.Temperance in eating and drinking. The virtue of Prudence. Meat is a less civilized food and is more suitable for wild animals. Increasing the taste ruins the health. What is pleasant to what is healthy. I will confess I like food to be tasty. 1:58:46 On clothing and shelter. Clothing is for protection, not for display. Housing, a bare necessity. Nothing superfluous. I am Guilty. 2:02:35 Furnishings. I am guilty. Acquisition, use, preservation. Sickness over luxury. Deprivation over excess. 2:07:08 On cutting the hair. 2:10:52 Fragments. It is unfortunate that Musonious exists only in fragments which is also the case with other wise philosophers. . 2:11:01 It is not possible for a person to live today unless he thinks of it as his last day. 2:11:06 What indictments can we make against tyrants for we have the same impulses as theirs but not the same opportunity to indulge them! 21:18:08 If one were to measure what is agreeable by the standard of what is pleasurable then nothing would be more pleasurable than self-control. Painful lack of self-control.2:11:36 Musonious said there was no more shameful inconsistency than to recall the weakness of the body under the stress of pain, but to forget it in the enjoyment of pleasure. 2:11:51 One begins to lose his hesitation to do the unseemly when he loses his hesitation to speak of them. 21:05:03 And if you choose to hold fast to what is right do not be irked by difficult circumstances, but reflect on how many things have already happened to you to in life in ways that you did not wish and yet they turned out for the best. 21:12;18 Choose to die well while it is possible, lest shortly it may become necessary for you to die but will no longer be possible to die well. 21:12:32 The same one who by living is of use to many has not the right to choose to die unless by dying he may be of use to more. 2:12:44 You will earn the respect of all men if you begin by earning the respect of yourself. 21:12:54 Those men who do not live long and who have become accustomed to saying to their subjects in defense of whatever they do, not "It is my duty but it is my will". 21:13:08 Do not expect to enjoin right-doing upon men who are conscious of your own wrongdoing. 2:13:17 Towards subjects one ought to strive to be regarded with awe rather than with fear. Reverence attends the one, bitterness the other. 2:13:32 The treasures of Croesus and Cinyras we shall condemn as the last degree of poverty. One man and one man alone shall we consider rich the man who acquired the ability to want for nothing always and everywhere. 2:132:50 Since the Fates have spun out the lot of death for all alike he is blessed who does not die late, but dies well. 2:14:01 And further of the noble sayings of Musonious which come to my mind, this is one Sulla that those who want to be in health should spend their lives taking care of themselves. The power of reason should be compared to health-giving foods 2:14:56 The notorious Rutilus. coming up to Musonius in Rome said " Zeus The Savior whom you emulate and imitate does not borrow money Musonious answered with a smile "Neither does he lend." 2:15:21 From the remarks of Epictetus on friendship. Of the things that exist, God has put some in our control and others not in our control. In our control, he has put the noblest and most excellent part by reason of which He is Himself happy, the power of using our impressions. For when it is correctly used it means serenity, cheerfulness, and constancy; it also means justice and law, self-control, and virtue as a whole. But all other things are not in our control. What is not in our control we ought to yield to the universe. 2:16:20 From Epictetus on friendship. Who of us does not marvel at the action of Lycurus the Lacedamonian? Punishment versus Rehabilitation. 2:17:01 From Epictuteus on friendship. But most of all the work of nature is this: to make desire and impulse to act fit closely with the perception of which is seemly and useful. 2:17:17 Epictetus on friendship To share the common notion that we shall be despised by others if in every way we do not strive to harm the first enemies we meet is the mark of mean-minded and ignorant men. He is marked by his inability to help them. On Friendship Of such a character, the nature of the cosmos was and is and will be, and it is not possible for things that come into existence to come differently than they now do. 2:18:41 Thersea(Publius Clodius Thrasea Paetus) was in the habit of saying "I should rather be put to death today rather than be banished tomorrow." Rufus replied "If you choose that as a heavier misfortune what a foolish choice to make!" 2:19:11 Why do we continue to be lazy and careless and sluggish and seek excuses for not working hard and sitting up late to perfect our mastery of logical argument. Reason-logic is our father. It is as bad as setting fire to the Capitol. 2:20:21 And in the same way make a trial of me Rufus. 2:20:55 It is not easy to produce an effect upon soft characters as it is to pick up soft cheese with a hook but young men of sound nature even if you turn them away hold to philosophy all the more. 2:31:34 On the assassination of Galba( Servius Sulpicius Galba) someone said to Rufus "Can you now hold that the universe is ruled by divine Providence?" To which he replied "Did I ever for a moment build my argument, that the world is ruled by Divine Providence upon Galba?"2:21:56 Rufus used to say, "If you have time to waste time praising me, I am conscious of what I say is worth nothing." 2:22:22 We have it on good authority that Musionus the philosopher in his discourses was accustomed to deprecate and repress applause on the part of his auditors. 2:24:53 "Musonious ", Herodes said "ordered a thousand sesterces to be given to a beggar who was pretending to be a philosopher and when several people told him that the rascal was a bad and vicious fellow deserving of nothing good, Musonious they say answered with a smile 'Well then he deserves money.' 2:24:54 When I was still a boy at school I heard this Greek saying, which was uttered by Musonious the philosopher, and because the sentiment is true and striking as well as concisely and neatly rounded out I was happy to commit it to memory, "If one commits some good through toil, the oil passes but the good remains. If one does something dishonorable the toil passes but the dishonor remains." 2:26:06 To relax the mind Musionious said "is to lose it."2:26:15 Someone who is urging me to take heart quoted a saying of Musonious wishing to rouse a man who was depressed and weary of life touched him and asked " What are you waiting for why stand you idly gazing? Until God, in person shall come by you and in person utter human speech? Cut off the dead part of your soul and you will recognize the presence of God."

[@dustencross357]

Philosophy is just the beginning of the path to the top of the mountain. When you find God you are close to the top.

[@ShareefusMaximus]

@20:25 What he couldn't have known, but which other ancients have deduced, is that the brains, as well as the bodies, of women are different than men's brains. They don't esteem the same "virtues" that men do, and guide philosophy (and therefore society) to a different set of "virtues." The patriarchy exists for a reason. It's because "Father Knows Best." But later fathers can't, if we democratize virtue. They learn the false virtues that are politically correct.

[@thevisitor1012]

It would be interesting to see a study done on why these differences exist. But, I'd say the root of it is that society isn't as strict with women as they are men. We know "discipline" is key to adhere to reason and stoic values, but when women are praised and supported for acting "unnobly" what good are these teachings to them? Of course there will always be exceptions, and I'm sure there are plenty of female Stoics that have walked the earth, but still.

[@polaroidandroidjeff6383]

First stoic philosopher I've ever heard speak out for female equality

[@Ghrainne]

you cannot be serious?

[@saxogrammaticus3917]

Memento mori

[@WestCooly]

1:56:30 me eating a cliff bar 🤢

[@snakejuce]

What's the issue with a cliff bar?

[@ZeroThree31]

43:32 a true imitator of zeus? Zeus was a piece of shit though

[@victoriaaugusta2483]

Musonius Rufus feminist icon

[@jamiegosden2946]

Philosophers writing on the virtue of justice when they own 1,2,3 plus slaves. Philosophise that!

[@bigboi980]

Jesus Christ, Musonius is like a freaking blue haired feminist from antiquity. I literally love the stoics, but this guys is an absolute fool! Women being fit for serious combat lol!😂😂😂 Thanks for read tho vox, good to see the biology denier crazies have a long history!

[@bigboi980]

@@Figaro541 I'll look into it man.

[@montyjackson8156]

Sounds like you are for the White Male Patriarchy.

[@diogeneslantern18]

Lol. You are an absolute cretin to equate what Musonius is saying to "blue haired feminists" of the modern day. History is replete with phenomenal female warriors.