The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

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Correcting Misconceptions About Stoicism (Interview with Gregory B. Sadler)

Mar 26, 2025

Guest

Gregory Sadler

In a fascinating conversation, Gregory B. Sadler, President of Reason.io, dispels common myths surrounding Stoicism. He humorously tackles misattributions of Stoic quotes and emphasizes that true Stoicism involves community, not solitude. The discussion also highlights the philosophy’s evolving perception, especially regarding masculinity and emotional expression, advocating for inclusivity. From critiquing competitive parenting to redefining perfectionism in learning, Sadler shares insights that make Stoic principles more relatable and accessible for everyone.

01:37:19

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Philosophical Eclecticism

Many philosophical schools offer valuable insights, so focusing solely on one can be limiting.
Integrating useful concepts from various sources creates a more balanced approach.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Quote Correction

The podcast host and Benny Voncken were both corrected by Sadler for sharing mistranslated Marcus Aurelius quotes.
This experience highlighted the importance of verifying sources before sharing.

insights

INSIGHT

Beyond Quotes

Reducing Stoicism to isolated quotes neglects the interconnectedness and depth of its teachings.
Deeper engagement with Stoic texts provides a richer understanding than relying on sound bites.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring Stoicism and Its Integration

02:24 • 16min

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Misconceptions and Clarity in Stoicism

18:20 • 25min

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Reconsidering the Myth of the Lone Wolf in Stoicism

43:37 • 3min

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Connections Across Generations

46:17 • 8min

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Redefining Stoicism: Emotions and Inclusivity

54:25 • 21min

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The Importance of Enjoyment Over Competition in Parenting

01:15:27 • 3min

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Redefining Stoicism and Learning Paths

01:18:17 • 11min

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Debunking Stoic Myths

01:28:48 • 10min

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#240

• Mentioned in 100 episodes

Discourses

Epictetus

The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of informal lectures written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical, directing students to focus on their opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires to distinguish what is within their control from what is not. The teachings aim to make people free and happy by living virtuously and 'according to nature. ' The Discourses cover a wide range of topics, including friendship, illness, fear, and poverty, and how to acquire and maintain tranquility. They are set in Epictetus' classroom in Nicopolis and reflect his earnest and often humorous style of teaching.

#2123

• Mentioned in 21 episodes

On Anger

Seneca

Aubrey Stewart

In 'On Anger,' Seneca the Younger provides a thoughtful and instructive analysis of anger, laying bare its roots and exposing its many faces. The essay guides the reader through a series of reflections on understanding the cause of anger and learning how to control it. Seneca argues that anger is a powerful and destructive emotion that can harm the person experiencing it more than others, and he offers practical advice on how to manage and overcome it. The work remains relevant today, offering wisdom and eloquence on a complex emotion that has been a part of human experience since ancient times.

#5496

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

Lives of eminent philosophers

Diogenes Laertius

This extensive work, written in the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD, provides historical accounts and biographical sketches of prominent Greek philosophers. It divides Greek philosophy into two main schools: the Ionian, from Anaximander to Theophrastus, and the Italian, from Pythagoras to Epicurus. The text includes insights into the thoughts, contributions, and contexts of these philosophers, making it a crucial source for the history of Greek philosophy. Despite its value, the work is often criticized for its lack of critical evaluation of sources and focus on trivial details.

#11780

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A new stoicism

Lawrence C. Becker

#14561

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On Duties

Cicero

Cicero's On Duties is a philosophical treatise exploring moral obligations and ethical conduct, covering topics such as justice, honesty, and the proper role of citizens in society.

• Mentioned in 1,032 episodes

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

#57504

On Benefits

Seneca

Seneca's "On Benefits" explores the nature of beneficence and the importance of giving and receiving kindness. He examines the various forms of benefits, both material and immaterial, and discusses the proper motivations for giving and receiving them. Seneca emphasizes the reciprocal nature of beneficence and its role in fostering social harmony. The work offers practical guidance on how to cultivate generosity and gratitude. Its enduring value lies in its timeless insights into human relationships and its practical advice for living a virtuous life.

#26535

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Stoic Paradoxes

Cicero

Cicero's "Paradoxes of the Stoics" presents a series of seemingly contradictory statements from Stoic philosophy, aiming to challenge common misconceptions and highlight the nuances of their ethical system. The work explores themes such as the nature of good and evil, the importance of virtue, and the role of reason in achieving a fulfilling life. Cicero's engagement with Stoic ideas provides valuable insights into their core principles and their practical implications. The work's enduring value lies in its ability to stimulate critical thinking about ethical issues and its contribution to the understanding of ancient philosophical debates.

#61204

On the Ends (De Finibus)

Cicero

Cicero's "On the Ends" (De Finibus) is a comprehensive exploration of ethical theories from various schools of ancient philosophy, including Stoicism. The work presents dialogues between different philosophical viewpoints, allowing readers to compare and contrast their arguments. Cicero's own perspective emerges through his engagement with these different schools of thought. The book explores the nature of the good life and the role of virtue in achieving it. Its enduring value lies in its clear presentation of complex philosophical ideas and its contribution to the understanding of ancient ethical debates.

In this episode, I talk to Gregory B. Sadler. Through his public speaking, content production (including videos for a YouTube channel with over 150,000 subscribers), consulting, and philosophical counseling, Greg makes classical and contemporary philosophy accessible to non-philosophers.

I really enjoyed this conversation, in which we mainly discussed the many misconceptions there are about what Stoicism really is. Greg did a great job of clearing these misunderstandings up, so I think this will be a really useful episode for those who want to learn more about Stoicism to listen to. I hope you enjoy.

📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENT

Check out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:

Unbroken Tranquility And Unending Freedom

https://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-unbroken

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