The Stoic Philosopher

Title Author(s) Issue Year Summary
Life as a Stoic Board Game Tim Strackbein 67 2025 In this essay, MAP student Tim Strackbein explains how board game thinking from a Stoic perspective can lead to a good life.
From Labors to Lessons: Teaching Stoicism Through the Myth of Heracles Sandra Woien 66 2025 Sandra Woien explains how Epictetus used the myth of Heracles to illustrate and reinforce central Stoic concepts.
The Roles and Duties of a Citizen as Assigned by Fate Russell Holt 65 2025 Faculty member Russell Holt explains how Stoicism provides essential guidance on the creation and maintenance of personal ethics and societal harmony.
On Heraclitus – Welcome to the Logos Ralph Kurz 64 2025 In this article, faculty member Ralph Kurz explains the concept of Logos from the perspective of Heraclitus.
Brighten Up the Tarnish Ronald Peterson 63 2025 Student Ron Peterson discusses how Stoicism can help first responders maintain social affinity.
Bridging Science and Spirituality in the Search for Answers Julia Kovtoun 62 2025 In this essay, faculty member Julia Kovtoun presents a logical explanation of consciousness from the perspective of Stoic pantheism and panpsychism.
Stoicism & Grief Adrian Finlay 61 2025 Student Adrian Finlay demonstrates how Stoicism can be helpful in understanding and coping with grief.
Self-Leadership and the Irrationality Dilemma Ian Roth 60 2024 In this article, faculty member Ian Roth explains the interconnection and differences between Stoicism and the psychological theory of Internal Family Systems.
Skateboarding and Stoicism Pete Ellison 59 2024 Student Pete Ellison demonstrates how Stoic principles can play a positive part in engagement with pastimes such as skateboarding.
In the Nick of Time Liam Stephens 58 2024 In this article, MAP student Liam Stephens discusses the philosophical importance of time from the perspective of Kairos.
Stoicism and the Marathon Matthew Saari 57 2024 In this essay, MAP student Matthew Saari explains how preparing for a marathon helped him integrate Stoic concepts and practices.
Remembering Heraclitus: Themes Don Putnam 56 2024 In this article, faculty member Don Putnam discusses Heraclitus's fragments in the context of various philosophical questions.
Stoic Ethics and the Ancient Practice of Hunting Clifford Kliewer 55 2024 In this article, student Clifford Kliewer discusses meat consumption and hunting in the context of Stoic Ethics.
The Stoic Path to Entrepreneurship Matt Seibert 54 2024 Student Matt Seibert explains how Stoicism can be helpful in entrepreneurship from business and personal perspectives.
Stoic Ethics and War Mark Bowen 53 2023 In this essay, student Mark Bowen explores how Stoic ethics can have a positive influence on those impacted by involvement in warfare.
Embracing Discomfort as a Stoic Way of Life Håvar Solheim 52 2023 In this article, student Havaar Solheim discusses how voluntary discomfort is an essential element of Stoic practice.
Layman Determinism And Freedom Of One’s Prohairesis  Mark Stary 51 2023 In this article, faculty member Mark Stary explains the importance of prohairesis in the context of Stoic compatibilism.
Stoic Principles for AI Ethics Carolina Martins 50 2023 Carolina Martins explains how Stoic principles can have a positive impact in the development of responsible Artificial Intelligence systems.
Does the use of artificial Intelligence(AI)/ChatGPT influence our moral decision-making? Jeroen Broere 49 2023 In this article, MAP student Jeroen Broere explains how Stoicism can help a person manage the impact of AI and ChatGPT on moral decision-making.
Empathy and Sympathy and Their Roles in Psychotherapy Bill Bell 48 2023 Student Bill Bell explains how many concepts in modern psychotherapy resonate deeply with traditional Stoic concepts.
The Ethics of Pursuing Material Wealth Francesco Gimelli 47 2023 In this article, student Francesco Gimelli discusses the impact of the pursuit of material wealth on adherence to one's Stoic principles.
Ethical Leadership: An Ancient Solution to a Modern Challenge Ian Roth 46 2023 Student Ian Roth considers whether Stoicism can provide necessary and sufficient guidance to leaders faced with complex, large-scale challenges
The Consolation of Stoic Optimism Don Putnam 45 2023 Faculty member Don Putnam discusses Heraclitus's fragments in the context of various philosophical questions.
Introduction To The Stoic Triage Meraz Ahmed 44 2023 Faculty member Meraz Ahmed argues that Stoic philosophical principles can be a guide to better decision making in complex situations. He refers to this as the “Stoic Triage”.
If You Need Me I’ll Be In My Trailer: Choices Within Our Roles Aydyn Neifer 43 2023 In life, we are dealt roles, we create roles and we assume roles. In this essay, student Aydyn Neifer explores our many roles from a Stoic perspective, drawing primarily from the work of Epictetus.
When Should A Stoic Tinker With Nature? Steven Karafit 42 2023 Student Steven Karafit argues that 21st century Stoics should only utilize genetically modified organisms in very specific circumstances, such as when the use of GMO technology seems to be more rational and just than any of the alternatives.
Stoic Ethics And Political Citizenship Ryan Broadfoot 41 2002 Stoicism has been misinterpreted by some as an individualistic philosophy which supports the idea of disengagement from society, but this is far from the truth. Ryan Broadfoot argues that Stoicism calls citizens to action for the common good.
Contra Exercitia: Against The Exercises Dirk Mahling 40 2022 In this issue, we are posthumously publishing Dirk Mahling's short essay "Contra Exercitia - Against the Exercises," in which he takes issue with the gymnastic approach to Stoic practice, typified by a variety of contemporary stoic life hacks. Originally written as a Facebook post.
Some Thoughts On Stoic Poetry And Fellow Travelers Mitch Leventhal 39 2022 Thought provoking poems are examined through a Stoic lens.
Who Is A Stoic? Anthony Aguirre 38 2022 Faculty member Anthony Aguirre explores what it is to be a Stoic, apart from a mastery of the theoretical precepts.
Stoicism And Shame George Nagle 37 2022 Faculty member George Nagle discusses how Stoicism, from a psychotherapeutic perspective, can help a person overcome persistent shame.
Applied Stoic Ethics And Japanese Psychotherapeutic Practices Miklós Cseszneky 36 2022 Miklós Cseszneky discusses the important role of the concept of "nature" in Morita Therapy and also to Stoic practitioners.
An Alternate View Of The Cosmos (New And Old) Nigel Glassborow 35 2022 Nigel Glassborow explores the significance of Zeno's approach to understanding the Cosmos, in light of the many new scientific approaches for observing and understanding the nature of the Universe.
The Stoic Negotiator: Principles And Practices For Better Communication Ian Roth 34 2022 Student Ian Roth compares some of the best practices of negotiation with classical Stoicism as an applied philosophy. His intention is twofold: To determine in what ways the two are compatible in principle, and to identify how they can supplement and complement one another in practice.
Pantheism And Theism: Some Thoughts On The Stoic God Ryan Broadfoot 33 2023 Student Ryan Broadfoot explores the nature of the Stoic God, and how that understanding has enhanced his practice.
Old Stoic Books: COSP’s Rare Book Collection Mark Stary 32 2022 Faculty member Mark Stary describes his adventures in our digital "stacks", with special attention to two old volumes: one focused on the Hymn of Cleanthes, and another a poet's tribute to the Enchiridion.
Thinking like Zeno Nigel Glassborow 31 2019 Stoicism, as envisioned by Zeno, is a theistic belief system that is about physically living life honorably and appropriately in a manner that aligns one’s will with the will of God – as Epictetus so clearly informs us.
Coming to Reason Scott Stoddard; David Lundmark 30 2019 Essays written by two students of the College of Stoic Philosophers. Although they have ended up on the same path of virtue, aretē, their lives began in profoundly different ways. It is only in the intensity of their efforts to follow reason that their stories can be viewed as similar or the same.
The Last Interview: Social Oikeiosis Interview with Lawrence Becker 29 2019 This interview with Prof. Lawrence Becker was prompted by a concern that many Stoics may be unaware of our responsibility for the well-being of all members of society.
Using Actors’ Techniques as Stoic Exercises Martha Everett 28 2018 Martha Everett applies Stoic principles to acting and to real life scenarios through several "Actor's Exercises" and "Stoic Exercises".
Stoicism and Bipolar Disorder: Reflections on Destruction and Resurrection, Philosophy and Doubts Ian Campbell 27 2018 Reflections on destruction and resurrection, philosophy and doubts.
Right and Wrong Erik Wiegardt 26 2022 Scholarch Erik Wiegart examines one of his favorite Heraclitus fragments, “To God all things are fair and good and right, but men hold some things wrong and some right."
Hypomnemata and the Humorist Steen Nielsen 25 2018 Student and stand-up commedian Steen Nielsen reflects on the extraordinary time in his life and shares his insights on hypomnemata and the humorist.
How Would a Stoic Govern Society? Paul Lanagan 24 2017 In this article, faculty member Paul Lanagan examines how a Stoic would take a position on issues of importance to the public, and how they would deal with those who disagree.
Is the Cosmos Conscious and Providential? Take 2 Nigel Glassborow 23 2017 A rebuttal to Ryan Jenkins' argument in Issue #22 regarding the providential and conscious Cosmos.
Is the Cosmos Conscious and Providential? Ryan Jenkins, PhD 22 2017 In this issue, Ryan Jenkins, Ph.D., examines the validity of the traditional Stoic claim as preserved by the Society of Epictetus that the cosmos is conscious and providential.
Death by Gangrene Erik Wiegardt 21 2017 This essay examines Stoic concepts of death, suicide, and what lies beyond the grave in both theory and practice. To philosophers the subject of death is profoundly important and can often appear to be the only thing that really matters. It’s as true today as it ever was.
Being Content Erik Wiegardt 20 2016 Written three years before the 2016 election, the author admits that it is hard to remember that life existed way back then, but it did.
The Pleasure of Tea Erik Wiegardt 19 2016 Among those who know, being an expert on even one group of teas, such as the oolong, can be the work of a lifetime and can enjoy the same prestige in the tea community as the connoisseur of rare wines has in his. But, is this expertise acceptable for a Stoic? Is there such a thing as an acceptable Stoic pleasure?
Death on Mount Fuji Erik Wiegardt 18 2016 In this article, Scholarch Erik Wiegardt describes his climb to the top of Mount Fuji and the various topics he contemplated along the way.
The Stoic Philosopher #17 Brendan Petroff and by Ian Campbell 17 2016 This issue has two essays. In "On Political Discourse," written in the voice of Seneca, student Brendan Petroff addresses the Stoic's role in political action. The second essay, by faculty member Ian Campbell, is a meditation on Stoic Syllogisms and the Stoic Dialectic.
Channeling Marcus: Hypomnemata Today Ian Campbell 16 2015 In this article, Ian Campbell shares a hypomnemata reflecting on his own weaknesses: worrying and complaining.
De Mente Artificiosa et Philosophia: Stoicism in the Post-Singularity Future Steven Umbrello & Tina Forsee 15 2015 The authors argue that in the post-singularity future, as envisioned by futurist like Ray Kurzweil, Stoicism’s emphasis on cultivating universal citizenship still has a role.
The Gospel According to Epictetus: The Encheiridion in Christian Adaptations Gregory Wasson 14 2015 The author observes that early Christian adaptations of the Enchiridion raise questions about their attitude toward this pagan philosophy.
The Bonobo and the Stoic Marije van Wieringen 13 2015 Marije van Wieringen reviews "The Bonobo and the Atheist" by Frans de Waal, through the lens of a Stoic.
The Pilgrimage Erik Wiegardt 12 2014 This is a brief account of the author's journey to the top of Mount Olympus. He states, "A pilgrimage is philosophy in action, and with airline travel being what it is, the journey and test of one’s Stoic skills will likely begin at the airport before the destination is achieved."
The Elevator Speech Members of the College Faculty 11 2014 This issue contains two articles: First, “Elevator Speeches” written by Mentors of the College of Stoic Philosophers. The main feature article, “The Big Tent,” by Erik Wiegardt, deals with an increasingly persistent inquiry from some members of the Stoic community about whether or not we should be organized as a religion.
Seeking Wisdom Erik Wiegardt 10 2014 The author's observation of an interaction between crows and a hawk lead to his contemplation of the concept of wisdom and how "Wisdom is in all things everywhere."
Stoicism and the Philosophies of the Jedi and the Sith William O. Stephens 9 2014 The author discusses influences of Stoic ideas on Western culture, specifically how the Jedi philosophy reflects such influences.
Epictetus, Jesus, and Curly, Dimpled Lunatics Gregory Wasson 8 2013 The author contemplates on characterizations of children by Ralph Waldo Emerson as "curly, dimpled lunatics" as well as portrayal of children in the teachings of Epictetus, Jesus, and St. Paul. He concludes: "In a nutshell, Epictetus’ message is clear: Just grow up!"
Some Reflections about Stoic Ethics at Work Manolo Trueba 7 2013 The author reflects on a Stoic's attitudes to his job, labor, and relationships.
Self-Coherence: The Fundamental Intuition of Stoicism Christopher Fisher 6 2013 Chris Fisher discusses the importance of self-conherence to a Stoic.
Epictetus, Jesus, and the Fig Tree Gregory Wasson 5 2013 The author discusses the use of parables in Stoicism.
Stoic Glossary & Pronunciation Guide Gregory Wasson, M.A. 4 2012 A glossary and pronunciation guide for the many Greek and Latin words Stoics use every day.
Aging Well Beatrix Murrell 3 2012 The author discusses aging, specifically aging well, as a Stoic.
The Conscious Cosmos John B. Brown, MD 2 2012 The author discusses the concept of cosmic consciousness, as understood by atheist Stoics and the ancient orthodox Stoic belief.
The Laughing Stoic John Barnett, PhD 1 2012 The author discusses the role of positive emotions to Stoics and argues that it is a misconception that Stoics should suppress all emotions.