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April 2, 2024

Living And Thinking Minimally As A Stoic Who Values Simplicity

Living And Thinking Minimally As A Stoic Who Values Simplicity

In today's episode of "Practical Stoicism," I explore the concept of living simply, not in the sense of minimalism as it's often portrayed—with a focus on physical belongings and a Scandinavian design aesthetic—but in the realm of simplifying our thoughts and, by extension, our lives. While Stoicism isn't about adopting an aesthetic of minimalism, it does advocate for simplicity over complexity in many aspects of life. I delve into how living simply, in a Stoic sense, means focusing on what truly matters, reducing unnecessary mental clutter that leads to physical clutter. By reflecting on Seneca's admiration for Scipio Africanus's modest bathhouse, I illustrate the beauty of simplicity and the Stoic pursuit of focusing on essentials. This episode challenges contemporary culture's superficial grasp of ancient philosophies and invites you to embrace true simplicity by prioritizing virtue and rational choices over material excess.

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Letter 86 from Seneca: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_86

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