How to think, journal, and live like a STOIC | Brittany Polat

<p>Stoicism–named for the <em>stoa</em> (or covered walkway) under whose cooling shade Athenian citizens gathered and philosophers lectured–is a philosophy whose influence has stretched across the ages. It was, so many centuries ago, a philosophy to which much of the classical world subscribed. Today, despite our distaste for all things “old” (how boring!), it remains a school of thought from which we can derive many benefits. </p><p><br></p><p>Brittany Polat, who’s devoted much of her life to studying and popularizing these benefits, is an author, mother, board member of multiple Stoic organizations, and creator of <em>Stoicare</em>, a 501c3 whose noble aim is to “share Stoicism as a holistic system of wisdom”. She was gracious enough to join me for a few hours to discuss this school of thought of which she’s such an enthusiastic and well-versed champion. </p><p><br></p><p>I can’t wait to share her wisdom with you!</p><p><br></p><p>This episode will teach you…</p><p><br></p><p>The history of Stoicism; the most important Stoic thinkers with whom you should be familiar; the life of Marcus Aurelius; the Eastern influences on Stoicism; the connection between Buddhism and Stoicism; the compatibility between our Judeo-Christian tradition and Stoicism; how to employ Stoicism as a PARENT raising young children; the difference between mere mindfulness, and stoic meditation; Stoic figures throughout history; whether or not George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were stoics; how to implement a daily journaling practice; the importance of Viktor Frankl; The search for meaning in life; Rationality and Society–the two fundamental features of our species;</p><p><br></p><p>And much more! </p><p><br></p><p>Timestamp: </p><p>0:00 Introduction</p><p>2:00 A Journey back to ancient Greece</p><p>4:54 Happiness as the “Ultimate Good”</p><p>6:05 Epicureanism v. Stoicism</p><p>12:05 The role of Socrates</p><p>15:10 Meet the Stoics! The Cast of Characters</p><p>22:20 Similarities Between Marcus Aurelius and George Washington</p>