What is Stoicism, really?

Modern interpretations of Stoicism are often wildly inaccurate, reducing the philosophy to a life hack for suppressing emotions, a tool for productivity-obsessed entrepreneurs, or a justification for toxic masculinity. But do any of these portrayals hold up under scrutiny? In this episode, I break down these misconceptions by turning to the words of ancient Stoic thinkers—Musonius Rufus, Zeno of Citium, and others—who show us that Stoicism is far more profound and ethical than pop culture suggests.

We’ll explore:

— Why Stoicism is not about indifference but about focusing on what truly shapes our character.

— How both men and women are equally called to pursue Virtue.

— Why Stoics deeply care about things outside their control, despite the common misunderstanding.

— The true meaning of Stoic emotional management, which is about reasoning through emotions rather than repressing them.

At its core, Stoicism is a philosophy of moral excellence, a commitment to aligning ourselves with Nature, and a guide to becoming a force for good in the world. Getting Stoicism right matters—not just for personal development, but for the influence it has on society as a whole.

“The goal (of Stoicism) is to live in agreement with nature. For our individual natures are parts of the nature of the whole universe.” — Zeno of Citium

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What is Stoicism, really?

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