What is Stoicism?

Embark on an intellectual odyssey as we delve into the depths of Stoicism, the profound philosophy that has captivated minds for centuries. In this video, we unravel the intricate principles of Stoicism and examine its relevance in history and today. Expand your understanding of Stoicism's enduring impact on the history of philosphy, religion and esotericism.
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Music by:
Filip Holm
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Brennan, Tad (2007). "The Stoic Life: Emotions, Duties and Fate". Oxford University Press.
Campbell, Robin (Translated by) (2004). "Letters from a Stoic: Epistulae Morales Ad Lucilium (Seneca)". Penguin Classics.
Dobbin, Robert (Translated by) (2008). "Discourses and Selected Writings: Epictetus". Penguin Classics.
Gould, Josiah B. (1970). "The Philosophy of Chrysippus". SUNY Press.
Hammond, Martin (Translated by) (2006). "Meditations: Marcus Aurelius". Penguin Classics.
Inwood, Brad (ed.) (2003). "The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics". Cambridge University Press.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:09 Origins and early development
9:00 Logic
13:35 Physics (God, Pantheism)
20:56 Ethics
36:42 Determinism & Free Will
41:34 Esotericism
44:40 Historical impact & influence today
46:27 Conclusions
#Stoicism #Philosophy #AncientWisdom

[@LetsTalkReligion]

Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b Music by: Filip Holm Most of my music can be found here: Filip Holm: open.spotify.com/artist/2O7FLjTvLWdWHDBgog9MPG?si=wLyeCLaoS4il7XLhhMgntQ Zini: open.spotify.com/artist/0jy5KbYexv9k3zx2KWxXYQ?si=LMbsxxvjT-uI6bWwUxkPIw

[@Nuruddunya]

Can you make a video on the oriental roots of pythagoreanism? Pythagoras seems to be the root of most greek thought, and he spend most of his life being initiated into mystery religions in the near east

[@aminrodriguez4707]

19.33 the interconectness the spoke of,.exists and has been proven in a way by modern physicd, as it has been proven that everything in cosmos, including.each human being is constantly interchangin electrons with everytjing that surround you, as you go along being GOD as you participate with reason in the building of reality, constantly.

[@jimmyjasi-]

Can you please make a video about Chittamatra school of Buddhism and Tibetan schools? I was deeply impressed how you explained the difference between Shaivism and Advaita

[@aminrodriguez4707]

40.01, another re interpretation pro compatibilism, is this, our individual reason or logos, a fragment of the Divinity that exists in every human, then the chain of csuse snd effect must accept the yanking of our individual Logos, it is a part of God, divine snd is the spakle of divine magic that each and every humsn bring to the universe, our will.

[@tangok5677]

Hi, I really like your content and I would like to know if there is a philosophy about understanding

[@longwoolcoat2266]

It always bothered me how Stoicism is now understood as a lack of or failure to communicate emotions. When reading ancient stoic literature you get the feeling that there guys were probably one of the most in touch with their emotions people out there.

[@jonirischx8925]

Yeah it's been made into a coping mechanism of intellectualization, which you use to suppress your uncomfortable thoughts, despair and depression. Usually in order to 'be strong' (masculinity) and to 'grind harder' (status, profit seeking). So its original meaning has been entirely commodified and distorted. Almost all the people I've met irl who have been into stoicism, have also been pretty right-wing, and like really really reaaaaallly in need of therapy. They also get their views on stoicism from some sigma-male KZbinrs... My theory is, that even though you could make quite fruitful comparisons between stoicism and Buddhism, or Islam, or other Hellenic philosophies, the fact that in popular culture there's a strong association between stoicism and the Roman Empire, makes it attractive to white supremacists...

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

The differences between "stoic" and "Stoic" like "cynic" and "Cynic."

[@imkolip0ki387]

You are speaking about people who do not understand stoicism. Also I'm pretty sure you don't understand it either based on that last sentence.

[@jackb8563]

​@@jonirischx8925🤡

[@Tom-sd9jb]

I completely agreed with you on your assessment of Stoicism™ until your last sentence.

[@user-ez4xg6xn9m]

I’m a greek Italian And I have never heard someone to explain so clearly and accurately Stoicism. Great work!!!!

[@ChrisTheLoneWanderer]

Probably my favourite Hellenistic philosophical school. The Stoics' cosmology as well as ethics are always interesting to dive into!

[@LetsTalkReligion]

Yep, and especially to grasp how they both fit together

[@kadachi2959]

Epicureanism is such a great school too tho

[@omaraboal-azm8705]

​@@kadachi2959 Yes but unfortunately alot of people misunderstand It

[@kadachi2959]

@@omaraboal-azm8705 same for Stoicism, all those marble statue profile pics people making fools pf themselves

[@lakrids-pibe]

I'm more into hedonism myself

[@sterlinggibson6143]

I always notice a great number of similarities between Stoic Ethics and the Buddhist Middle Way. The truth of suffering as being rooted in our clinging and aversion as well as the strong emphasis placed on the impermanence of all things.

[@Giantcrabz]

Definitely had to be some cultural cross-influence at some point. Their physics / metaphysics are quite different but the ethics do seem like at least convergent evolution towards the truth

[@Ragnar638]

There used to be a lot of trade relations btw ancient india and greece. Let me suggest you a book name The Shape of Ancient Thought by Thomas C McEvilley.

[@Despotic_Waffle]

Maybe there was some influence from the Greek centrla asian conquests and contact with India.

[@islaymmm]

I've read there was some exchange between India and Greece. In particular Nagarjuna is said to have been influenced by pyrrhonism, and Pyrrho himself by Buddhism. And since Sanskrit is an Indo-European language I'd expect they share at least some cultural background and origin.

[@Ragnar638]

@@Despotic_Waffle Why the influence should be always be from west to east?

[@Theologos_Misantropos]

I wonder how many men have found consolation with stoic philosophy, i myself have been through many bad experiences and crisis in my life thinking about the way to end it but the rational thinking of the stoics made me understand and accept many things, so I'm here waiting... I love this type of content, thanks a lot.

[@Cinemagoer_64]

I would imagine thousands and thousands throughout the millennia! Stoicism is so amazing.

[@Giantcrabz]

Or women

[@njkauto2394]

Gratitudes upon Gratitudes, but let us not fall into the trap of "worship thinking" and attributing the 'creation' of logic (with full copyrights) to the stoics. Common sense belongs to us all.

[@Cyberwar101]

​@@njkauto2394of course not. The stoics simply used logic to construct a way of life that has proven useful to countless people throughout the ages. Buddhism and Daoism both independently arrived at similar conclusions. Stoicism doesn't have a monopoly on the idea, however it does put succinctly and clearly with well reasoned arguments.

[@user-bf2xi3lj2f]

only men?

[@jasonGamesMaster]

Fascinating the ways that Stoicism touches on some of the similar themes as Buddhism and Daoism. Obviously they are also quite different, but its interesting how they come together on some ideas

[@Interspirituality]

Yes, and I would even go so far as to say one of the main themes of the Bhagavad Gita is indeed equanimity

[@bobhope5114]

jesus said : take no care of tomorrow..it will take care of itself. Quite a stoic idea.

[@Ideophagous]

Because human nature is more or less the same. Any deep reflection on human nature and how to optimize human happiness and contentment will likely reach similar conclusions.

[@Interspirituality]

@@Ideophagous Uh, yes, exactly!

[@yourssincerely442]

Because they were the same people, caucasians

[@Marcusdwayne639]

I have studied philosophy on a university level. I describe Stoicism as this. “What happens in the way of nature is meant to happen by fate. All I can do is not affect my inner world.” This is the best way I can explain it everyday certain things happen to us that we cannot change. All we can change is the way we react to something how we interpret certain things. And how we control our emotions for our betterment in life itself especially around the nature of pain and sorrow. This is not! Having a blank face or having an attitude towards life where man hides his emotions dies inside and tries to look strong. If you ever read about stoicism these people were human they harmed themselves battled with depression laughed and felt sorrow. All they did was control it, control your inner world don’t let it wreak havoc on you.

[@joerobins6069]

Lovely definition Marcus.

[@vedsorathiya8378]

Well described!

[@deigamohamed707]

Thank you

[@viljamtheninja]

Interestingly, a lot of Aurelius' Meditations, it struck me, really seemed like he was trying to cope with fear of death, but managing it some days better than others.

[@deathbybears]

High level insight: recognized.

[@Giantcrabz]

Well there were a lot of murdered Emperors back in the day lol

[@joshjames582]

They were basically daily self-affirmations for himself, so yeah. He was going through what we all go through, but he seemed to want to do better.

[@alcantara387]

I grew up Christian Baptist . Born in 1994 . And I love how this philosophy reaches back to centuries ago . People really are curious about the GOOD of life . Too much attention is put on evil , every where we look . God bless everyone. Cool video .

[@Cyberwar101]

Grew up catholic. A few things about Christianity have consistently bothered me; the problem of evil. Why would a good God allow evil to exist in this world? Doesn't hell seem... evil. Like, no moral person would genuinely want anyone to be eternally tortured. The focus on sin and redeeming from sin. From a systemic perspective, it lacks a clear commitment to doing good, rather avoiding evil. When I got around to studying all this, I realized much of modern Christianity is confusing because it is actually a glued together collection of beliefs that mostly exist to further its own existance. Stoicism has much of the same ideas and ideals, yet none of the hypocrisy. In a sense, it is more pure than modern Christianity.

[@calebsample5269]

Thanks for putting in so much effort to make such a wonderful video, man. The world has its problems nowadays, but to be able to look this up and instantly watch for free, is really quite incredible.

[@juusopollari8858]

Went to library today. Grabbed meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Started reading it and after finishing first cut I had an thought that I'd like to get better overall idea about Stoicism. I open a youtube and you have just published this. Funny coincidences, right. Thank you very much and great stuff!

[@LetsTalkReligion]

That is a funny coincidence!

[@ulaznar]

It wasn't a coincidence. Logos planned it

[@emmanouilachladiotis5272]

When you put you interest in something you see it everywhere. If you speak with someone about a Mercedes car for example later when outside your eyes will notice all the Mercedes cars and think of the chat you had about it with that person. Focus and attention went to that. And it's with everything like this. But you must be conscious to notice and to understand why instead of unconscious.

[@christallaktorides6904]

Fate

[@brooklynnchick]

Your videos are so useful. I am a science teacher, recovering from major surgery, and you are helping me to better understand the religious and philosophical diversity in the world. Stan Lee had it ALMOST right, “With great [education] comes great responsibility.” Thanks for helping make me more responsible.

[@jaygee2759]

Hope recovery going well. Blessed be the teacher for he should speak truths.

[@DarkFire515]

While I'm very far from being any sort of expert, I would consider myself to be a Stoic practitioner. This is a superb video, thanks very much for taking the time to record & present this.

[@purpledevilr7463]

The way you sometimes pause to think is so suddenly silent I think that my internet connection has gone or something. It’s a brilliant way to cause me to refocus and pay attention. As I listen to this videos instead of just watching.

[@MidredBeard]

This was an excellent introduction to the topic. Thank you for the suggested readings in the description, it is really helpful to have recommended starting points when studying a new subject

[@cheri238]

Thank you again, Filip. One always learns more by listening to you. I especially loved this one on the stoics. Chrysippus brings forth a deeper understanding with the stoic philosophy. . Another wonderful lecture, dear one.❤

[@kimfreeborn]

Just a well balanced introduction to Stoicism.

[@fakhruddinnalawala5451]

I think the best way to describe Stoic compatibilism is as follows: Even if all things are determined, we do not know nor can we control the determining (all) factors, thus, we function, to ourselves and to others, as if we have free will.

[@Cyberwar101]

That is a fantastic explanation, very well put

[@InspireBeyondLimits01]

Great content! 😀As a Stoic practitioner, I find strength and peace in knowing that I have the power to control my thoughts and reactions. This philosophy has been life-changing!

[@lillystrathaan]

I love the way you edit your videos, it makes it more engaging. you are also very good at breaking things down in a way everyone can understand. thank you 💕

[@rizj]

Looking forward to this. Thanks Filip❤👍🏼

[@musamusashi]

Just as i started Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, you finally got to touch this important and often misunderstood or watered down philosophy. Great work as always, Filip.

[@amazinglife585]

Is stoicism taken from the original sources completely perfect or does it have any flaws in general?

[@musamusashi]

@@amazinglife585 i personally never found any philosophy to be completely perfect: i study and i learn, and then i keep what make sense to me and let go what doesn't

[@tem_vremenem_v_kanade]

Very interesting to hear about the religious aspects of Stoicism.. have listened to many videos about stoicism but never knew about the pious part of it!

[@redd_1120]

Been recently getting into stoicism; this video is just what I needed to grasp a deeper understand of the philosophy. Subscribed!

[@pedrogabrielribeiro8857]

Your content is a precious gem in this rocky landscape that is youtube, thank you so much.

[@dollardomino]

I couldn't agree more.

[@luxeayt6694]

I checked to see if you had a video on stoicism litteraly yesterday. I was excited to see you uploading one just now!

[@N8ThaGr8r]

I really appreciate all of the effort you make to show context and provide a nuisanced when explaining a topic. Thank you.

[@nyoki9904]

I love your videos and you're such an intelligent and inspirational guy. I hope you keep making wonderful content.

[@seanpanick6555]

I absolutely love classical stoicism content! Thank you!

[@danielwright4964]

Thank you for saying what you said in the beginning. God bless you. 😊

[@jacobsomebody9266]

Could you do a video on Pyrrhonism? It is an interesting school of Skepticism that may have taken inspiration from Buddhism.

[@Stoneworks]

I have a feeling this video's gonna do really well in time.

[@LetsTalkReligion]

Insha'allah!

[@Stoneworks]

@@LetsTalkReligion Let's fucking hope my man

[@joseangelmedinacornejo6362]

Probably the video I need in this moment of my life! Thanks

[@aizensousuke1954]

Amazing video brother. Great work as always. Very much appreciated! Much love from Trinidad & Tobago

[@InTheSystem33]

Great video I love stoicism, definitely has earned its place among the great traditions/ philosophies of the world. I was unsure of all the splits that reviled stoicism in it’s early days cheers for brushing up on that on that for me great wisdom. Timeless Wisdom 💯🙌

[@LEAHCIM71457]

​Great video on Stoicism. Thank You. Could you do a video on Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics ?

[@Tom-sd9jb]

This would be great!

[@eetfuk4664]

Fantastic work. You are a youtube goldmine of knowledge.

[@Vak_g]

Excellent documentary for one of the most interesting movements of history! Once again, thank you very much for your work. You really make the world a better place.

[@LetsTalkReligion]

🥰

[@StoicKing101]

Thank you for your kind words! Which part of the movement did you find most fascinating, and how do you think it still impacts our world today? Your feedback is invaluable in helping us create more content that makes a difference.

[@ThePathOfZen]

This is a great discussion that illuminates proto-Buddhism, and the Hellenistic philosophy that went East along the Silk Road (Land and Sea) that eventually became Ch'an (Zen). Thank you for this presentation. Much of what is stated here is also in Academic works such as 'Greek Buddha: Pyrrho's Encounter with Early Buddhism in Central Asia' by Beckwith.

[@Volzotran]

It started with the Vedas, Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism, in India which are way older, then spread east and west. The Greeks were inspired by the Indians and their much more ancient culture.

[@TheOtomo]

@@Volzotran Please do not rewrite history.

[@theworld01268]

​@@Volzotranno

[@gpaccola]

Great content, text, presentation. I'm happy I've found this channel.

[@abrahamcollier]

Beautiful as always, brother. Thanks for bringing this gift to the world.

[@JuliaJulia007]

I'm so fortunate to have access to this channel. I was raised a catholic but as far back as I can remember, I've been a stoic.

[@GospodinStanoje]

I like that you've put your "Whistle Duduk" music in the background. It fits magically! The edit, the story, everything about this video is well constructed. Thank you! P.S. I wonder, do you believe that humans have Free Will?

[@MaxIsMyName]

Phenomenal! Absolutely fantastic and super informing. Thank you for this knowledge.

[@agona4373]

Welcome your Excellency my dearest! I have learned tones of history from you! Thank you for the service really!

[@stoic_knowledge]

Probablly one of the best videos out there. Cleary explained and easy to understand. First video this long about stoicism I can watch without fidgeting

[@dollardomino]

100% agreed.

[@jasemalhammadi4228]

can you make a video about Monasticism

[@shadowrayhaan4051]

My mom and i love watching your videos. Keep your wonderful work up ❤

[@harald3042]

A subject about Mithraism and the new discoveries evolving around it would be most interesting! Thank you for your videos and inspiration. Jag fann daoism och tai chi genom dina videor!

[@brunodanner7777]

One of my favorite episodes- would love another Stoic ep.

[@mtmtmtmt]

Love it, short but complete view of Stoicism. TY.

[@worldman8997]

Solid content Filip, thank you 🙏

[@dianefitzwilliam]

Thank you for this, it is useful to me and I am sure to others as well. And, as always, very clearly and comprehensibly presented.

[@thoyo]

This is a beautiful condensed summary of stoicism. Wish i had this a decade ago

[@dollardomino]

100% agreed.

[@Wyattinous]

You released this at the perfect time. I’ve been reading Marcus’s “Meditations” journal and his use of words like “The Whole” and “Nature” among other mechanisms with the Gods somewhat confused me. Such a fantastic video, I couldn’t imagine anyone more capable at introducing us to such a fundamental topic in life. ❤🏛️

[@ahmedmohamedabd-ellah3208]

Congratulations! You will love Epictetus' Discourses "Robin Hard's translation" or George Long's one! Besides Ryan Holiday's "the daily stoic " masterpiece. Enjoy!!

[@LetsTalkReligion]

It's a great book, after all! I'm sure you will enjoy it

[@Wyattinous]

@LetsTalkReligion I got his writings (along with the book Memoirs of Hadrian and Platos works) at a very difficult time for me. Knowing these are translations of his most personal thoughts and deliberations regarding his own trials, only meaning them to be private, is such a rare gift to the world. How his writings had been preserved throughout Greece and Rome's turbulent history is truly remarkable. The world has changed so much, yet we're all still built the same inside.

[@thefritz123]

As always: Excellent! Thank you!

[@toomanycastles4923]

Thank you for making this. Really enjoyed it and very informative

[@jladley]

I've been regularly reading the Stoics for a few months now, which has led to some prolific journaling. I began this journey without digging into the history or reading/listening to various interpretations, thus forming my own interpretations. I'm glad I took this approach because now I can compare my interpretations with so many others. It's been such a gratifying process. The possibilities for learning and growth are endless. Thank you for this video.

[@SeekersofUnity]

Beautifully done. A Masterclass.

[@KalebPeters99]

Agreed, Zevi!

[@wisealchemythst]

Thank you! Your videos helped me a lot with my project😃

[@MilleniumActress]

I like the way there's music playing when you talk. It's easy to follow your speech with the music. Interesting topic, also.

[@EnginerdBrian]

first time viewer. Informative and educational. thanks

[@brunobessero5106]

I missed your videos about different types religions/cosmovisions. Recently I read about Nestorianism, I would really appreciate a video of yours in the toppic because the others usually describe their characteristics but no the nations and the people which sustained the believe. I hope my message makes sense I speak Spanish haha. Kisses from Argentina.

[@PsycheCharge]

thank you for the excellent summary! it would be interesting to hear more on how specifically stoics would defend their approach of indifference to pain, death and health issues...

[@carmenlidia13]

You & Your Channel are Immensely Appreciated 🫡

[@odinfromcentr2]

This makes _way_ more sense than any of the philosophy classes I took as an undergrad. Takk! ☕

[@euanmorrison11]

Can I just say thank you so much for producing this content. Is it possible to update your ‘podcast’ on spotify as the same time as the youtube channel?

[@unluckyvader]

this video has revealed to me so much about myself i have honestly cant believe what i got from this video. cheers mate. thank you very much.!

[@navalgurl3015]

Excellent talk! Thank you for a very clear, concise & well-rounded discussion about the basics of Stoicism. Just what I needed to begin my own exploration of this philosophy. I’ll be looking into the books you’ve listed! BTW You REALLY caught my attention towards the end with your comparison to CBT, something l’ve had some experience with, but did not study when I did my master’s in counseling 40 odd years ago.

[@maelstromg8767]

I've always been curious about people that have worked in psychological careers and fields over recent decades. I feel that mental health understanding has gotten more robust and commonplace, especially recently (might have been one of the only good things to come from covid, that and ordering groceries from Walmart and not having to go inside). Anywho, I'm only in my mid 30s and a chemist so it's definitely not a huge focus in my field but it seems like it's getting better. What is your take after being in the field so long? Is there really some kind of a psychological awakening or is that just wishful thinking?

[@vapidrabbit198]

that was really informative! thanks

[@mikefire-beard173]

Thank you for this video. What you shared was insightful.

[@cafaque]

I'm not educated in any way about these ancient philosophies, and this video just clarified all my questions about stoicism. Your work might have just change my life! Thank you sir.

[@carolinewalker3106]

This is great , and so clear and informative , thank you .

[@365InnerPeace]

“Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it.”…by Marcus Aurelius. I love Stoicism, and your video also.

[@rationalchimp8200]

Excellent overview thank!!

[@emZee1994]

*I always love your videos, especially on Classical Greece. Could you do a video on the Indo-European religion and how they influenced Greek, Roman, Norse, etc Paganism? I know they also influenced India too but youve already covered that in your Veda videos. I'd especially like to know what their rituals and religious holidays were like, this is something I think you unfortunately don't talk about in enough detail*

[@aphilosophersphantom7208]

Man, your videos are amazing! I see that Rush Hour reference by the way😀

[@glum_hippo]

Wonderfully thorough introduction

[@Jesus2023sav]

Well put and easy to understand

[@yazanraouf9604]

CBT helped me get out of OCD for good, no wonder I'm heavily interested in Stoic philosophy lmao

[@tmAcorn]

Very Informative, thanks!

[@mrsteel250]

Having not watched this beyond the first minute yet, the thing that shocked me most was just how much the gods were mentioned in Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. I'm definitely interested to see where this video goes!

[@TheAwesome2626]

Great breakdown. Very thorough and thoughtful insights. 👍🏽

[@qclod]

As more of an Epicurean, I'm very excited to learn more about this alternative school of thought.

[@AwakenZen]

What makes you a Epicurean

[@Llopez2194]

Thanks, and well done as always. Be blessed friend.

[@farahbouziani5598]

Thank you, I enjoyed sooo much the video

[@martykowal]

thank you for posting this. Its helping me

[@whatiff4616]

It's a great way to stay in shape is what it is

[@alexdawson7851]

Excellent work.

[@zovalentine7305]

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius On my bookshelf & reading regularly since 2017. Heavily earmarked w/notes❤

[@VenusLover17]

❤❤ Thanks for this great video 💎

[@albwilso9]

A very good summary of these Great philosophies? Congratulations

[@abdurrehmanmahoo966]

you have elaborate in very good way.

[@colingallagher1648]

Thanks for all your stuff

[@timoxyz1466]

just as I ordered my first plato book, it arrives tmrw thanks for the heads up

[@kameelffarag]

Many thanks. Well done.

[@sohrabsharifi-jd4pt]

As times passes, more and more I feel converged to Stoicism

[@theencourager2686]

Thank you for sharing. What is the bridge between stoicism and manifesting? Manifesting is a form of controlling or maneuvering for a desired outcome. Thank you again.

[@carsonc1272]

This is good work... Thank you