Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism

In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, I sit down with Eric Weiner, celebrated author, philosophical traveler, and former NPR foreign correspondent, to explore how philosophy, travel, and character shape a meaningful life. Known for The Socrates Express and The Geography of Bliss, Eric brings a mix of humor, honesty, and depth to the conversation.

We dive into the wisdom behind The Socrates Express, the surprising modern relevance of ancient philosophers, and why Stoic ideas continue to resonate today. Eric also shares insights from Ben and Me, his exploration of Benjamin Franklin’s habits, virtues, and practical philosophy for living well.

Whether you’re into Stoicism, philosophy, or simply searching for grounded guidance in daily life, this conversation offers clear, practical takeaways. If you enjoy the episode, rate, review, and subscribe, and read our full review of The Socrates Express: https://viastoica.com/the-socrates-express/Support the show

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Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.
In today’s Stoic Quotes edition, we explore a powerful passage from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 11.16:

“Why is it so hard when things go against you? If it is imposed by nature, accept it gladly and stop fighting. And if not, work out what your own nature requires and aim at that… None of us is forbidden to pursue our own good.”

Marcus invites us to examine why unexpected events unsettle us so deeply. His answer is simple but demanding: if something follows from the natural order of things, resisting it only creates frustration. And if the difficulty doesn’t come from nature itself but from our own value judgments and desires, then our task is to return to what our own nature requires, the pursuit of virtue, clarity, and good character.

This passage points directly to the heart of Stoic freedom. What harms us is not the event but the judgment we attach to it. Marcus reminds himself that externals merely “hover before us,” without the power to determine our perception. Our beliefs and attitudes do that. And because they are ours, we can change them.

Stoicism becomes clearer when we apply this to our own lives. Many of the things that upset us do so because they collide with external desires, the career we want, the praise we seek, the outcomes we imagine. When those things fail, we call it “misfortune,” even though the true good was always in our character, not in the result.

Practical reflections for your day:
• When something unpleasant happens, pause and ask: “Is this from nature, or from my expectation?”
• Break the situation into its simple parts, what actually occurred versus the story you attached to it.
• Shift your focus from external outcomes to internal excellence: “What is the virtuous thing for me to do right now?”

These small shifts make the Stoic path real, not theoretical. They help you respond with steadiness instead of frustration, clarity instead of confusion, and purpose instead of reactivity.

For more, check out this related article with quotes on acceptance and perspective:
https://viastoica.com/how-to-practice-stoic-acceptance-of-what-is/

And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:
https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes

Make sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.

Support the show
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https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
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https://x.com/ViaStoica
info@viastoica.com

Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.
In this episode, we explore what it truly means to socialize like a Stoic in a world shaped by screens, quick fixes, and the rising tide of loneliness. Many believe confidence comes from external aids like alcohol or status, yet the Stoics approached human connection from a far deeper place. This conversation invites you to pause and reconsider where real confidence and meaningful relationships actually begin.

At the heart of this episode is the Stoic understanding that we are, by nature, social beings, meant to contribute to one another and to the greater whole. As Marcus Aurelius reminds us in Meditations 5.1:
“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: I have to go to work as a human being.”
For the Stoics, this wasn’t about productivity or social performance, but about duty, contribution, and showing up as a rational, pro-social being. When Marcus writes this, he isn’t being harsh, but reminding us that withdrawing from life and others is not in harmony with who we are meant to be.

Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:
– Examining impressions – noticing when fear of rejection or discomfort shapes your social choices.
– Voluntary discomfort – practicing sober, deliberate presence in social settings to build real confidence.
– View from above – stepping back to see how small momentary rejection truly is in the larger pattern of life.
– Daily reflection – journaling how you showed up for others and where you avoided connection.

Modern life offers endless stimulation but little depth. Algorithms, digital validation, and social shortcuts promise connection yet often strengthen isolation. Stoicism offers another way—one grounded in character, clarity, and courage. By the end of this episode, you’ll see that Stoicism isn’t a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of living with presence, responsibility, and quiet inner strength.

Referenced clips from the episode
Scott Galloway on Bill Maher:
https://youtu.be/BeTLZasgWS4?si=p0a4l-Bp7Us3_0Tv

Gary Vaynerchuk on confidence and judgment:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A-BFFp9TdD4

Listen to the full episode now and discover how social connection can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.

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🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
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📧 info@viastoica.com

🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com