Think First Before You Act: Meeting Challenges Like a Stoic

Think First Before You Act: Meeting Challenges Like a Stoic

Do you think first before you act, or do you react in emotion? How might you think more objectively about something that’s happening to you? Stoicism emphasizes calm dignity and inner strength—that you don’t let anything upset or excite you so you can bring reason to bear in every situation. Epictetus teaches how to meet challenges with quiet rationality—to think first before you act. Read more to learn how to adopt this Stoic practice of rational action.

Science and Mythology: Jordan Peterson Makes a Critical Distinction

Science and Mythology: Jordan Peterson Makes a Critical Distinction

What’s the difference between science and mythology when it comes to how we understand the world and ourselves? What are their distinct goals? Jordan Peterson contends that science plays a role in helping us understand objective reality but that we need myths to inform our subjective judgments. Myths provide meaning that science cannot. Read more to understand Peterson’s argument.

How to Face Challenges in Life: Stoic Advice From Epictetus

How to Face Challenges in Life: Stoic Advice From Epictetus

Is there any point in getting upset when hardships come your way? When you complain, what are you subconsciously admitting to? Stoicism teaches that you should think rationally about every situation you encounter and always choose the best response possible. That includes challenging situations. Stoic philosopher Epictetus says that, as a reasoned person, you have a toolbox for such times. Read more for Epictetus’ advice on how to face challenges in life.

External Things Don’t Matter: Epictetus Explains a Key Stoic Idea

External Things Don’t Matter: Epictetus Explains a Key Stoic Idea

When someone insults you, how should you respond? Should you be proud of your family? Epictetus and other Stoic philosophers had an opinion about things outside of yourself. They believed that those things aren’t important. So, external things shouldn’t cause you pain, pride, or any number of reactions you might be tempted to have. Keep reading to understand Epictetus’ view of external things and see how it might give you peace of mind.

Epictetus: Control What You Can—Especially Yourself

Epictetus: Control What You Can—Especially Yourself

What’s in your control? What isn’t? How can understanding this help you make decisions and find peace in life? Stoicism teaches how to live a happy and fulfilling life through thoughtful, rational action. According to the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, control is a major aspect of this. Specifically, you must control what you can and stop worrying about the rest. Continue reading to understand what this means and how it’s done.

Are We Made From Stardust? Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains

Are We Made From Stardust? Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains

Are we made from stardust? What do people mean when they say that? In his book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses the process of the Big Bang and what followed. Our bodies contain water, made up of hydrogen atoms that were created by the Big Bang. The Big Bang, however, didn’t create the other elements. That’s where stars come in. Keep reading to learn about the link between human beings and stars, according to Tyson.

A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (Overview)

A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (Overview)

What’s a good life? How can you live one? According to William B. Irvine, those are the basic questions at the heart of Stoic philosophy, an ancient Greek and Roman school of thought whose answers, he says, are just as relevant today as they were almost 2,000 years ago. In his book A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, he shares those answers. Keep reading for an overview of the book, including a brief history of Stoicism, a description of its philosophical tenets, and a step-by-step guide to Stoic techniques designed to help you live

Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Big Bang Theory: Making It Simple

Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Big Bang Theory: Making It Simple

What does the Big Bang theory suggest? How could understanding it better help us unlock one of science’s greatest mysteries? In his book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the Big Bang theory in terms that anyone can understand. He discusses what the theory tells us and what it might help us understand in the future. Read more for the thoughts of Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Big Bang theory.

What Is Stoic Philosophy—and What Isn’t It? Realities & Myths

What Is Stoic Philosophy—and What Isn’t It? Realities & Myths

What is Stoic philosophy? What’s the difference between Greek and Roman Stoicism? What are some common misconceptions about Stoicism today? In A Guide to the Good Life, philosophy professor William B. Irvine offers a brief history of Stoicism and an overview of its basic tenets. He compares Greek and Roman views of Stoicism, and he explains why the philosophy isn’t always well understood today. Continue reading for Irvine’s explanation of Stoic philosophy that sheds light on the good life and its pursuit.

How to Practice Stoicism: 6 Techniques for a Good Life

How to Practice Stoicism: 6 Techniques for a Good Life

Would you like to be happier, calmer, and more fulfilled? What if you lived life as a Stoic? A good life could be yours. In A Guide to the Good Life, philosophy professor William B. Irvine walks you through a set of Stoic techniques that promise happiness through counterintuitive methods such as imagining losing everything you love or deliberately exposing yourself to discomfort. Read more to learn how to practice Stoicism by following six basic techniques Irvine derives from ancient philosophy. We’ve also included an exercise to help you design your own Stoic practice.