In this final exploration of Cicero's "On Ends," Michael and Caleb break down Book V, where Cicero reveals his own philosophical sweet spot – an Aristotelian-Platonic approach that challenges both Stoicism and Epicureanism.

Against a backdrop of ancient Athens, Cicero's characters debate the core question: What makes a truly good human life? They navigate the middle path between Stoic rigidity (where virtue alone brings happiness) and Aristotle's elitism (where external goods are required).

(01:53) Awesome Beginning

(07:10) What's Our Purpose?

(26:09) Supreme Happiness

(31:55) Cicero's Objection

(40:39) Summary

***

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Wrestling with Stoic Ethics: Cicero's On Ends V (Episode 183)

Discover the hidden gems of Stoic philosophy in this exploration of Epictetus' fragments - those powerful passages preserved by other philosophers but lost from his main works.

Caleb and Michael unpack these concentrated nuggets of wisdom, from the surprising idea that we should value people by their capacity to help friends rather than harm enemies, to the famous "persist and resist" maxim that captures the essence of Stoic emotional management.

Learn why terrible people are already punished by their own character, how to judge humans by their true virtue rather than superficial success, and why no one is truly free without mastering themselves.

(00:00) MT: Fragments 

(05:18) Fragment 7: Helping Friends vs. Harming Enemies 

(10:43) Fragment 10: The Clean Jar - Approaching Philosophy Properly 

(16:19) Fragment 10: The Famous "Persist and Resist" Maxim 

(19:31) Fragment 13: Why Bad People Are Their Own Punishment 

(25:39) Fragment 18: Judging Humans by Their True Excellence 

(28:41) Fragment 17: The Banquet of Life 

(31:29) Fragment 20: Becoming Resilient to Emotions 

(37:04) Fragment 26: A Soul Carrying a Corpse 

(39:39) Fragment 35: True Freedom Through Self-Mastery

***

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The Stoic Fragments: Hidden Wisdom from Epictetus (Episode 182)

In this episode, Michael Tremblay explores Epictetus' radical approach to anger and forgiveness. Discover why the Stoics believed we should pity rather than punish those who harm us, and how this ancient wisdom offers a practical path to emotional freedom in your daily life. Through Epictetus' teachings, learn the liberating power of seeing wrongdoers as victims of their own confusion.

***

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Forgive Your Enemies with Epictetus (Episode 181)

Michael and Caleb dive into classic philosophical thought experiments to uncover Stoic solutions to impossible choices. From the infamous Trolley Problem to the Happiness Machine, they examine how Stoicism's focus on virtue, context, and roles provides a unique framework for moral decision-making.

Unlike utilitarian or rule-based ethics, the Stoic approach emphasizes character over consequences, yet remains practical when facing life's hardest choices. This thought-provoking conversation challenges modern assumptions about ethical reasoning while revealing surprising Stoic positions on torture, self-sacrifice, and artificial pleasure.

(01:57) Trolley Problem

(14:35) Do Stoics Endorse Torture?

(20:31) Happiness Machine

(24:24) Utility Monster

(27:14) Euthyphro Dilemma

(35:53) Sinking Ship

(40:59) Prisoner's Dilemma

(46:11) Omelas Child

(53:59) Takeaways

***

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Trolleys, Torture, and Moral Dilemma’s (Episode 180)

Caleb and Michael break down Book IV of Cicero's "On Ends" - his powerful critique of Stoic ethics.

Discover why Cicero believed the Stoics fell short by prioritizing virtue alone while dismissing external goods. 

Is Stoicism just playing word games with what's "good" versus "preferred"? Would the perfect Stoic and the perfect Aristotelian behave the same way? This episode tackles the core tensions in ancient ethics that are relevant for modern life.

(03:22) Cicero's Perspective

(07:51) Weak Arguments

(08:44) Powerful Argument #1 – Stoicism Wasn't New

(16:16) Powerful Argument #2 – We Have A Body

(22:22) Powerful Argument #3 – The Dilemma

(33:27) Defending Stoicism from #3

(48:30) Taking On Argument #2 

***

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Why Stoicism is False | Cicero's On Ends IV (Episode 179)

Living like a Stoic is about getting the little things right.  In this episode, Michael Tremblay discusses 7 Stoic habits you can start today to build a more thoughtful, resilient, and Stoic you.

(01:25) Thinking Well

(14:24) Living Philosophically

(17:58) Preparing for Adversity

(30:15) Summary

***

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7 Stoic Habits You Can Start Today (Episode 178)

In this episode of Stoic Conversations, Caleb and Michael break down Book III of Cicero's On Ends - the definitive ancient defense of Stoic ethics.

Discover why the Stoics believed virtue alone is sufficient for happiness, and how they justified their unique system of values. Follow along as they unpack Stoic moral development, from our earliest instincts to the cultivation of wisdom.

On Ends Book I: The Epicureans [https://stoameditation.com/blog/the-epicureans-on-ends-book-i-episode-172/]

On Ends Book II: Against The Epicureans [https://stoameditation.com/blog/against-the-epicureans-on-ends-book-i-episode-175/]

(05:53) Overview Of The Book 

(09:34) Moral Development 

(26:46) Stoicism Defended 

(28:08) Morality is the Only Good 

(38:01) Indifferents 

(54:57) Awesome Lines

***

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Download the Stoa app (it’s a free download): https://stoameditation.com/pod

If you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.

Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/

Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/

The Classic Defense Of Stoic Ethics (Episode 177)

Seneca's brutal play "Medea" reveals what happens when rage takes control. A betrayed wife, an indecisive husband, and a tragic ending that challenges Stoic ideals.  

In this episode, Caleb and Michael analyze Seneca's bloody retelling of the Medea myth - where passion overcomes reason with devastating consequences.

Dana Gioia on Seneca and The Madness of Hercules (Episode 74) [https://stoameditation.com/blog/gioia/]

(04:28) Historical Background 

(06:43) The Story of Medea's Revenge 

(17:08) Character: Fortune Takes Wealth, Not Spirit

(21:27) Not Just a Moment's Madness 

(26:36) How Anger Warps Reality 

(33:44) Satisfying Madness

(36:02) The Intoxication of Rage 

(38:41) What's Up With Jason?

(46:03) Seneca's Court Experience 

(50:43) Brutal Ending: "There Are No Gods" 

(58:57) Outro

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/

Seneca’s Medea | Revenge, Violence, and Stoicism (Episode 176)

Caleb and Michael take on Book II of Cicero’s On Ends.  In this books Cicero goes off against the Epicureans.  What do you think?

On Ends Book I [https://stoameditation.com/blog/the-epicureans-on-ends-book-i-episode-172/]

Aristippus: The Philosopher Who Mastered Pleasure [https://stoameditation.com/blog/aristippus-the-philosopher-who-mastered-pleasure-episode-167/]

(02:43) Different Kinds Of Pleasure

(16:34) Turning AgainstThe Stoics

(18:02) Ranking Pleasures

(24:40) Epicurean Rebranding?

(30:55) Epicureans Ignore Virtue

(34:28) Utilitarianism

(38:18) Topsy Turvy Value Systems

(46:50) Do Epicureans Lie?

(48:17) Is Happiness Up To You

(56:08) Michael's Takeaway

***

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/

Against The Epicureans | On Ends Book II (Episode 175)

In this episode, Michael talks with Erick Cloward, the host of the Stoic Coffee Break Podcast.   Erick talks about his journey into Stoicism, his recent use of Amor Fati, and how to have difficult conversations, especially with those you politically disagree with.

(08:49) How Stoicism Makes A Difference 

(16:33) Amor Fati 

(31:03) Amor Fati And Politics 

(39:33) Hard Conversations 

(56:06) Bringing People Together 

(01:02:19) Learn More

***

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Politics And Amor Fati With Erick Cloward (Episode 174)

Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay discuss how to build resilience, develop virtue, and make sense of the world through Stoic philosophy.

One episode a week.

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Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied