Who Is Diotimus? An Introduction To The Man Who Made An Extraordinary Mistake
INTRODUCTION Of the Ancient Stoics, we know the least about Diotimus. He lived sometime around the early-first-century BC, and he might have known the brilliant polymath Posidonius. That’s about it—that’s about all we learn from the sources that are typically rich with details and stories on the lives of the...
Who Is Publius Rutilius Rufus? An Introduction To The Man Who Could Not Be Corrupted
Introduction Publius Rutilius Rufus was one of the preeminent Stoic of the late Republic. He studied philosophy under Panaetius, another great Stoic who once wrote, “The life of men who pass their time in the midst of affairs, and who wish to be helpful to themselves and to others, is...
Bestselling Author Bonnie Tsui On Why We Swim, Becoming More Present, And The Practice Of Confronting Mortality
In his letters, Seneca writes that he started every year by taking a cold swim. He described himself as the “cold-water enthusiast." And "just as naturally as I would set out to do some reading or writing, or to compose a speech," he said he loved to take "a plunge...
Tracing The Force Of Habit Through The History Of Philosophy: An Interview With Dr Clare Carlisle Tresch
It's one of the most haunting passages in Seneca's writings. He says if you were to stop most people as they were going about their day, and "you ask one of them...‘Where are you going? What do you have in mind?’ he will reply, ‘I really don’t know.'" So many...
Blind Paralympian Verity Smith On The Core Stoic Teaching, Finding Inner Tranquility, And Transcending Physical Limitations
This is our second interview with the great Verity Smith—a blind international dressage rider, singer, songwriter, author, and longtime student and practitioner of Stoicism. Verity was told at the age of eight that she would soon lose her vision. Attributing her youthful innocence, Verity's response was one of optimism if...
The Stoic Guide To Coaching
What do Nick Saban, Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick, Andy McKay and Shaka Smart all have in common? They’re all incredible coaches, sure. But a love of ancient philosophy? Surprisingly, yes. In a recent article on the power of Stoicism in professional sports, ESPN highlighted coaches and athletes from every sport...
How To Be A Bad Emperor: An Interview With Author And Professor Josiah Osgood
There were not many good emperors in Rome. There have not been many good kings since. In fact, there haven’t been many good leaders ever—there is something about power that seems to bring out the worst in people. All one has to do is read Suetonius’ Lives of the Caesars...
History of Challenge Coins
If you’ve served in the Military, Law Enforcement, or in any government agency, you’ve probably seen challenge coins passed around. Historically, a challenge coin holds the emblem or insignia of a specific group and is carried by that group’s members. Roman Legionnaires, military personnel and private sector companies have all...
The Power of Habits: What The Ancients Knew About Making Good Ones & Breaking Bad Ones
Arete—the most powerful word to the Stoics. It means excellence, and it was the ultimate expression of human greatness—moral, physical, spiritual. It’s what the Stoics were chasing. It’s what we’re all chasing. Reaching it requires a certain philosophical approach. Because brilliance and inspiration and skill are not enough. Summing up...
How To Remain Calm When The Rest Of The World Is Freaking Out: 9 Tips From The Stoics
It’s no question that the world is an alarming place right now. Iran is saber rattling in the Middle East. China is ascendant. North Korea is a rogue state with nuclear capabilities. The oceans are rising. Rhetoric grows more hateful and more divisive. And of course, the COVID-19 pandemic is...
