The Sunday Stoic

We are all trying to become a sage, but who is a  sage? According to Seneca:  The Sage is rare, showing up perhaps once every 500 years (42.1). They, like everyone else will experience impressions and emotions when things outside their power occur, but they can then apply reason to the situation and act appropriately (57).The sage relies on herself for happiness, a happiness that comes from within not from externals (72)He carries his goods within him (9)Is content with virtue alone but is happy to have possessions and friends. (66)He enjoys friendship for the sake of serving his friends not as a means to gain anything (3)a sage is different. He is kind to friends, restrained toward enemies, his political and personal business is carried out with scrupulous devotion, willing to suffer long where endurance is needed and not lacking in prudence when action is taken. Besides he is always the same, consistent in all actions sound in judgment and trained by habit that he not only can act rightly but can’t help but act rightly. We have  formed a concept that a man of such perfect virtue exists.  (120)Accepts the loss of friends and family with same spirit that he awaits his own loss, the underlying principle of virtue is conformity (74)The sage is wise, but not all knowing, he will therefore spend time with other wise people who they may share knowledge with(109)Accepts the loss of friends and family with same spirit that he awaits his own loss, the underlying principle of virtue is conformity (74)The sage acts rightly in all situations without second guessing himself (95)The sage regards the reasons for his actions not the results of the actions  (14)Is not thrust out of life by death but is ready and goes willingly  He will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can (70)Is ready from attacks on all fronts, he is fortified against attack of poverty, sorrow, disgrace or pain (Is content with virtue alone but is happy to have possessions and friends. (66)Is not over enamored with the gifts of fortune (72) He will lay them aside while the rest of us snatch up these gifts like dogs catching a piece of meat

Living well comes down to moment to moment decisions.  A lifetime of good decisions and good actions  leads to a well lived life.  Living well is a skill, but how do we develop the skills required to become a sage? 

This week we remember Dr. Kevin Vost. A Stoic, Catholic, Author and promoter of the use of memory. He is gone but will not soon be forgotten.  This weeks episode is a re-release of my first interview with Dr. Vost where we discuss his book "The Porch and The Cross".  https://www.amazon.com/Porch-Cross-Ancient-Wisdom-Christian/dp/1621381706

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are widely available in our supermarkets. When would a  Stoic consider growing GMO's?  This is a audio version of an essay that I wrote for the College of Stoic Philosophers. To read the article  please go to https://ejournal.collegeofstoicphilosophers.org/eJournal42.pdf

In this epside I review of the Marcus Aurelius Program and discuss possible future podcasts. for more information on the Marcus Aurelius Program and the College of Stoic Philosphers visit https://collegeofstoicphilosophers.org/map/