Stoicism as a philosophy for an ordinary life | Massimo Pigliucci | TEDxAthens
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- Опубліковано 9 тра 2024
- How to change your life for the better by practicing ancient Greco-Roman philosophy as a way of life. Massimo Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. He currently is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His research interests include the philosophy of biology, the science philosophy relationship, pseudoscience and the philosophy of Stoicism.
Having published in national and international outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, he is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a Contributing Editor to Skeptical Inquirer. He owns two blogs: Plato’s Footnote on general philosophy and How to Be a Stoic on his personal exploration of Stoicism as practical philosophy.
Pigliucci has also published 153 technical papers in science and philosophy, while he is the author or editor of 13 books, most recently of the best selling How to Be A Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
My Dad told me when I was very young:
“don’t worry about things you can’t control because you can’t change them, and don’t worry about things you can control because you can change them”
I obviously ain’t perfect but I recite this like a mantra daily and it’s always helped me.
Caveman Dan Oh. My. God. Thank you for sharing this. I just discovered stoicism and I’m already very aware this is something I was intentionally seeking to help change my life, however I have to say you’re comment quoting your dad, felt like it changed my mindset and perspective the second I read it. Thank you so much for that. I never had my dad around to teach me these kind of things; so glad you did though and thanks for sharing with me. And thanks to your dad too! 💕
Fibro YOURalgia glad I could help my friend, I study stoicism and Buddhism a lot in a quest to fix my mental health. Sorry to hear you fathers wasn’t around, stay smiling 👍☸️⚛️☯️
"I control nothing but manage everything."
My favorite byline is, "There are two things you should never complain about: The things you can't change, and the things you can change." I didn't realize when I adopted it how stoic it was, but the more I read, the more it seems like a perfect embodiment of ALL stoic philosophy.
good dad must be nice lol
"Emotions at the very basic level are the properties of the mind, don't let them dominate you. "
Emotions can't be control. This I don't know. Now I know better. 1% better than yesterday.
It's "don't let them" part I trip over everytime to me with rage it doesn't feel like a choice it feels like it's happening to me as much as the people or surroundings I'm in when it happens
On that route...
The Stoics would define emotions as "thoughts about thoughts." And if you can control a thought, you can control your emotions. But even when you seemingly can't control your emotions, you can most certainly choose not to act with those emotions being the primary driving force.
Emotions come from your physical state and self-talk. Positive affirmations and fitness help influence these but total control is an illusion.
Stoicism is such a practical philosophy.
"Pragmatic" 🙃💯
Namaste 🙏
Well, the romans were a pragmatic people.
@@johnpijano4786 As were the Greeks. Zeno lived on Cyprus in 300 b.c. The Romans got it from the Greeks 👍.
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. - Seneca
Pretty sure that was Thpmas Edison
@@probrickgamer Pretty sure he stole it like several other stuff.
Hoe about bad luck?
"Worry about what's under your control." That's a liberating concept
I'm sure many parents have told their kids that for generations. They just didn't want to listen lol
It is, and you must be almost zealous and dogmatic about it or else the world starts to suffocate you. Free yourself, only worry about the things in your direct control.
@@Concatenate Nothing is really in "your" control. Try to meditate and see how many involuntary thoughts pop up. You can speak of influence (on a continuum). Some are easier thwarted than others
@@fvkijay my parents certainly never taught me that. But would I have listened...! Certainly not as a teen. Maybe later. But they're both gone now, and I'm only just learning this now. Never too late!
no need to worry about it because it's under your control
Stoicism is not just a philosophy, but it is a way of living well-balanced life.
That is what a philosophy is, a way of living.
So… a philosophy?
You can go to the gym eat healthily etc but you'll still die don't worry about death worry about lunch because you can do nothing about death
That's actually what philosophy is
I commented as compliment for Stoic philosophy. My comment shows I am highly inspired by Stoic Philosophy.
if these things were taught in my school or college.. i would not have taken so much time to heal.
Not something you have control over now, so why dwell on it
@@andrejbatarilo2703 this one I don't understand. I thought the highest motivation as a stoic is to do things for humanity. So by caring and telling his opinion, what the school should teaching the commenter followed this rule.
On the other hand you said, that this is out of your control so he doesn't have to worry about it.
So where could be the sweetspot to combine these two things?
i'm sorry to hear that, and I can relate to this too, I lost many valuable years in bad life and depression caused by sheer ignorance of the mind. But remember, it's never too late and NOW you have control, so the best in life lies ahead 👍
@@tsvgoali8843 you can't control others, but you can control yourself, and you can treat others with kindness and do things to make evryone feel better, the point is to not obsess over others because they are separate entities that cannot be controlled.
If these things were taught before college, colleges wouldn’t exist.
I think this is a very underrated video and an underrated topic. This video deserves atleast a million views.
Maybe just a majority of that millions of viewers, that you are missing don't deserve to see this video yet. Who knows... 🤔
“We should not trust the masses who say only the free can be educated, but rather the lovers of wisdom who say only the educated are free.” -Epictetus, Discourses, 2.1.21-23a
We’ve got a million. Here’s to a million more.
Oh, man - we got a stoic zoo here - Cynical Fox, Lethal Owl.
It has over 1 million views
This audience didn’t deserve him. Excellent talk!
I know right? He cracked me up several times, but audience stood suspiciously silent. Checked the screen couple of times just to make sure there were people there at all :))
@@bakhytgul4457 I disagree. I followed him since the days he was a little respectable as a philosopher of science. The guy became more and more radical and these days he will say any nonsense that is fashianable. The guy lost all credibility he once had.
@@BNK2442 yeah, I don't know his background honestly, but I found his speach so light and a bit entertaining, not radical at all, so it surprised me why people kept silent. Was this maybe a way to boycott him? ))
Maybe they got the wrong idea with stoicism lol, maybe they just thought they were supposed to keep a straight face and be indifferent to emotions 😂🤣
"unless a virus strikes you down"
LOL. Though, Marcus Aurelius had to deal with Antonine Plague, which killed 10million people from 150 to 180. Marcus Aurelius' command shined in all its brilliancy in how he fought with it. He, and the citizens, remained calm while he didn't run away from Rome. He stayed, and gave one of the biggest examples of the real good ruler the world needs.
Laughs in 2020
Aged like fine wine
he knew
@@wilmercasallas5098 and he didn't even wanted to be an emperor!
Stoicism changed my life
yungdadi same here
@@migueladrianvalevelazquez8703 Me TOO!
I'm only just researching it more now but agree
How can someone (me) learn more about stoicism and start practicing the teaching of it.
yungdadi it’s a good way to raise your vibration
Stoicism is the most underrated philosophy. The one that actually helps humans deal with problems.
To whom stoicism seems like common sense hit like!
Is common sense common though?
Come what may.
@@aishwaryababu9352 Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
@@shanehoustein Great quote.
Where does common sense come from?
After being shipwrecked he went to a bookstore
That’s what you do after being shipwrecked. Everyone knows that. Well, a bookshop or a Starbucks.
He was already a wise man.
I go to the library when i miss the train. PotatO potAto.
He couldn't find any bookstores on the ocean...
@@christiaanloedolff4467 😂
Mi bisabuelo decía: "Si tu problema tiene solución, pa' que te preocupas? Y si tu problema no tiene solucion... ¿Pa' que te preocupas?"
Alguien puso un comentario similar en inglés, y es bonito saber que existe este modo de pensar a pesar de la distancia, y por supuesto, de los años:)
Tu abuelo es sabio, esa frase es filosofía dicha por Dalai Lama .
Abuelo sabio
bueno, nos preocupamos para poder reflexionar y solucionarlo...
@@caiquefrancis para eso nos OCUPAMOS en la acción efectiva que resuelve el problema, preocuparse es innecesario, especialmente preocuparse como la mayoría del mundo hispanohablente percibe y transmite el concepto de “preocupación”. Un cálido saludo.
We need stoicism more than ever, a beacon from within the roots of our civilization that got lost in time somewhow. I think about any modern problem in the light of stoicism, and I'am amazed of how lost we are.
We maybe technologically advanced, but when it comes to us, we are truly lost.
Literally amazed. Our technology has long surpassed our ability to comprehend what it fully entails & more so the effect it has on us, society and all of nature.
@@jeffmiller3499 indeed
It's sad...
I think Stoicism is one of the things that can help people get a life that isn`t just ordinary. It increases peoples productivity and if you put in enough work you can achive anything.
If you put in enough work you can achieve anything
Isn't he saying the opposite? Outcomes are beyond our control. You might not achieve what you aim for despite your best efforts. You should therefore put your sense of worth and value on your intentions and efforts, and not judge yourself by the outcomes.
WHAT STANDS IN MY WAY BECOMES MY WAY
I'm currently reading (well, listening, through Audible) The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and a lot of the things mentioned in the book, I find that I already do naturally. However, it gives added information and insight on the philosophy. Great read/listen!
Me, too, I have been stoic even before I discovered the term "stoicism". Truly a self discovery.
Most importantly it summarizes ur thoughts and gives powerfull mantras
I currently reading his book "HOW TO BE STOIC."
Like all philosophy, it is NOT a you should be listening to via audio book. It's meant to be contemplated line by line.
@@diogeneslantern18 Bad news for all blind people, apparently the only way a sentence can be contemplated is visually...
I was reading his book: "How to be a stoic". Best book I've ever read!
Thanks for the suggestion!
Stoicism is an indifference to the outward circumstances and getting all your power from within... It actually frees you up to do more with your life 😍💖🕊️
I felt bad when they didnt laugh at his jokes
Don't feel bad, a speaker can't control whether or not his audience laughs at his jokes. As a stoic, he does not attach his self-esteem to the outcome, he only attaches it to what's under his control: his attempt. 😉
It’s because the microphone is not recording the audience
I'm sure it couldn't have bothered him haha
He's a stoic he doesn't care
Lucky Luke yeah but u hear them clap at the end
6:15 got real interesting. "If I die later, I'll take a lunch now."
Practicing Stoicism has helped me get through deaths, that I had zero control of, and things that did not work out or things I forgot and could not undo, and may etc. Things out of your control are just that, nothing you can do damn thing about!
"Unless a virus strikes you down"
I felt that. I think Stoicism could be really useful in our lives -especially today.
This is under rated
Indifferent of the rating it got.
This is amazing
Massimo does it again! A lovely 20-minute presentation on Stoicism. If you want to do more than just survive in life and if you want to live a meaningful life watch this video and learn about Stoicism from Massimo. He is an expert!
Walter J. Matweychuk, PhD I agree 👍🏼
Expert? I wouldn't take on trust the speaker's claim, without substantiation, that Nelson Mandela read Marcus Aurelius.
Completely correct.
To everyone saying you already do lots of this stuff - you're doing it because it's a part of your culture, which has been given Stoicism for hundreds of years. That's why you do it already. It's an ancient part of our culture
Westerners keep looking to other cultures for wisdom and denigrating our own when we already have that same wisdom in our own history. It may have been diluted and twisted by Christianity but it's always been with us.
Massimo is so good , I love listening to his lectures on stoicism and his Ted talk is fantastic , one of my guides into learning and applying stoicism , fantastic work Massimo!
I think I was journeying towards stoicism before I knew it was even a thing. When I first discovered it, it was like a pair of shoes that fit me perfectly. Now it's just a matter of if I want to commit to the road and walk all the way.
I just discovered Stoicism in the last couple of weeks having come to similar conclusions around seven years ago. I understand exactly what you mean.
Over the last few years I've come to some of this on my own, and it has been quite effective. I'm looking forward to delving more into Stoicism.
Pretty insightful. I think the hard part is being able to think logically when emotional. I don't think we should disregard emotion but learning how to process them first instead of acting on impulse can be tricky for me. So recently I've been trying to more firmly establish what my values/goals and act accordingly. Hopefully that helps make things easier. Really liked this.
this is why stoicism appeals to me; I find it hard to manage my emotions when I'm feeling them so intensely. With stoicism you don't deny their presence and intensity yet train yourself to think before you act on emotional impulses; pinpointing the reason behind our emotions and feelings is something I struggle with but once I rationalize them I gain back my power in a way. But totally agree and feel with you about thinking logically when emotional.
Rational thinking and emotional thinking are two different states. Emotional is the nest where most of our problems are found. Our fears, our misguided nonsensical beliefs.
A good place to start with learning how to control emotions, which is what I did at first, is to practice being the last to talk. Do not give into the impulse to share your idea or statement first. It is harder than it sounds, but once you master this you will be closer to your goal
"Blinded from anger"
Anger, or any other emotion can take control of your actions if intensified, when you're in that moment it's not your conscious mind that is in control, but your primal instincts
Stoicism for me is about maintaining control of yourself
How do you go about it @Raquel L ?? Did it helped keeping aside emotional part and being more logical in the first place ??
Thank you Massimo!
Brilliant lecture: succinct and superbly delivered! Thank you very much, Massimo.
I love your work - thank you !🙏🏻
This is the best lesson of stoicism I’ve had so far. Thanks.
makes for a stress free life to live and think this way
Excellent talk - I love MP's approach and his way of explaining stoicism - really superb.
This is a great video I'm going to forward it to people that I know and hope that it can help them through the trials and tribulations in life so that they can control or they can control and not be stressed about what they cannot control.
So much wisdom in a video 🔥🔥 Thank you!
one of the great talks I've heard so far
Somehow I’ve been practicing this for years without knowing
I just have one word. Stunning performance and he truly have an excellent expertise!
Thank you Massimo for this great presentation and what a great presentation it is. Absolutely one step at a time.
Where has this been all my life. I'm been living like this since I can remember. Wow, this is beautiful! Everything seems to be flowing at the same time at the moment. Yeeehaaaa to life everyone ❤️
Truly inspiring.
Everytime i felt bad about something I cannot control. I always go back to stoicism quotes and to Stoic Philosophers. This video is a must to watch.Thank you for sharing this video
Astonishing! Thank you for fruitful lesson
I came across "Stoicism" while studying Greek Philosophy and reading about Marcus Aurelius. This presentation highlights the origins and adds to the modern practical aspects of the philosophy. Thanks Tedx Athens..
Having a very Southern-US evangelical Christian upbringing, I can't resist the urge to say "amen!" or "Preach it" when I hear philosophy speak to my soul like this. It almost feels that we are brainwashed to overvalue extrinsic values (money, status, appearance, etc) instead of intrinsic values (time, enjoyment, and personal interests, etc). More people are learning the enormous value of philosophy as it becomes more relevant: We feel increasingly invisible. Many of us feel led to believe that, as individuals, we don't matter in this world and that life is pointless but that is wrong (if you think it). I hope for a day that we practically have "philosophy churches:" This stuff changes lives, hearts, and minds just as religions and it is needed today more than ever. The texts from the great philosophers are not put forth as "Divine truth" like holy books but their merit is self-evident: They can't receive tithes because philosophers are honest and would be repulsed by the idea lol. Also, Philosophy Rules.
I love this. I often say to my daughter, all I expect of you in life is to try your best and be kind/nice.
Outstanding. Glad I found this.
Still my go to philosophy for living. Currently in my life, there is a family problem far way from where I live. I can control nothing, add or take away nothing from the problem. Yet, I listen to all sides and am present virtually so that problems are expressed. In this case I am exercising courage by getting involved and doing the right thing and justice by enabling all sides the space and time to exert their doubts and worries. It is truly enlightening to see a philosophy slot into your life like this. I feel empowered.
did your problem come to a 'good' solution? I hope so!
I loved everything you said. Thank you 💗
Thank you for the interesting talk Professor.
There are several philosophic approaches that in fact I practice and here Stoicism is explained beautifully. Thanks TEDx ❤
Excellent talk with import.
one of my favorites!
Great thinking ...well said
Great presentation - very succinct, and that in itself is stoic! Thanks!
Stoicism is life!
Like your name.
Great talk! This is so interesting
The best class about stoicism!!! perfect!!
I often reflect on my life. The things that I have done and the people that I know. Who I thought I was and how I have been towards others. Then I find this talk and Eureka! This is me! Yes this is how I am. To finally settle at the end of the day with a nice thought given to me through Massimo’s talk that explains my philosophy and life. Yes, fundamentally, I am a stoic man. And am happy to know this is a good thing. Thank you 😊
I'm really glad I found this talk and read his book, it has changed my life for the better!
You should also pick up The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday. 366 quotes from the ancient Stoics with a little bit of riffing by Holiday. It is excellent and will only help you to focus on each day as we all ought to do.
Name of book please
❤️
@@Thisismohit. Well it's been 2 years but incase you still want to know, he wrote a book called 'How to be a Stoic'. Hope that helps!
18:01 "We wear a number of masks, and we change them continuously."
18:16 "And the idea is that a happy life is, in fact, a life well balanced, where you play all these roles as the best actor you can possibly be."
🤝
One of the underrated talks I guess. He told so many things but, as said, it our choice whether we take/apply it or not.
I like stoicism, it’s very useful for every day things. Stoicism is very grounding. It reminds me of the techniques therapists teach to help people with anxiety
I didn't know about stoicism until I stumble on this video. This guy deserves a credit!
Hello Crystal
How are you doing today?
Beautifully said
Such a nice joyful lecture. Thank you Massimo.
Great talk, sometimes we forget what is more important. Very much oblige.
The part about "saving energy" and not wasting time and emotion on that which is not under our control speaks to me. The
whole concept of stoicism reminds me of "existentialism" which Jean Paul Sartre held to in the main message of his
writings.... do your best, what you feel is right and don't focus on the result.
thanks for uploading!
Its Bhagavad Gita.
@@manukrishnasadhak1320 true ! Same kind of thing there too .
Existentialism is my favorite philosophy stoicism is my very close second
Yikes, don't think about results? Sounds kind of the opposite of Stoicism! Am I misunderstanding...?
@@jht3fougifh393 stoicism, as I understand, establishes that moral value is found only in one’s decision to act; the thing upon which the act is made has no moral value so it is not worth the stoic’s concern beyond simply knowing its practical impact and whether it may be a preferred indifferent.
Oh, thank you. This is very helpful. Now, I know that I / we can't really force someone to love you / us. 😇
Well said, good advice, and clear thinking
Just thank u for the energy en wisdom you share
one of the rare TED lecture that i find good
When you read the book, of course you realize how crumpled and hurried this performance is. But Pillucci had to meet the allotted time, and he did it as worthily as possible.
If you liked this video, get yourself a book by the author, "How to Be Stoic?" . It is definitely worth it.
Very thanks!
Thought this would be a pessimistic worldview that would trigger my existential paranoia…was pleasantly surprised by the calm optimism of the speaker. Thank you for a lovely talk, Mr. Pigliucci!
Perfect speech thank you. RIP philosopher emperor Aurelius and other great guys
Great talk! Thanks for explaining Stoicism really well. This concept can be read in Eastern thought also, in many different cultures and religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. It is known as Karma Yoga. This is also one of the basic practical philosophies taught in Asia since ages.
Do they call it Karma Yoga or Stoicism like in the West?
Great talk thank you! Succinct, lucid, just great :) and I learned how to pronounce some of the philosophers names :)
I feel like everything I have ever experienced and intuitively learned throughout my life in 30 years have been summed up in this video
Excellent basic explanation about Stoïcism!
Thank you, Sir Pigliucci.
Dude, great piercing professor! cool guy
I first learned about Stoicism in 1963 in an introductory Philosophy course. I have put 3 of the cardinal virtues of Stoicism on my side of our tombstone (happily married 53+ years with kids and grandkids). The virtues are: pietas (moral duty), dignitas (honourable behaviour and self-worth), and gravitas (appropriate self-control). These are aspirations to live by. I have found that a pragmatic and modern contextual understanding of the Enchiridion works for me. Jordan Peterson's messages are in essence pragmatic Stoicism, I believe.
What about Logos? Pietas, Dignitas, and Gravitas are essentially nonexistent without Logos.
I love that the stoic principles are on your grave marker. For those of us who enjoy a stroll through a graveyard and for the generations to come that might study us in the future, it's important for them to read such things in order to keep philosophy alive.
Patrick G. Hi
I read this man's books while in prison, and they helped tremendously with my stay there.
And there is no better place I can think of to practice stoicism than in prison.
THANK YOU!
Stoicism is also indifference to both pleasure and pain.....and while it is easy to be indifferent to pleasure it is extremely difficult to be indifferent to pain.
They admit pain is felt and that the body is not really under our control.
But people often do things despite the prospects of pain or expectations about pleasure. That's where the courage comes in , and the integrity of a sense of justice.
In the story the guy who abandoned his kid ,he caved in fear about his emotional pain, and the stoic view is that this is wrong.
The philosophy is not magic or movie memes, and should not be expected to be. ( Such would be a straw man argument, that stoicism is BS because it does not render flesh into stone.)
If one has ever done things they did not want to, or has ever endured , then one has validated the point in their own lives , that they can indeed assign a level of indifference to pleasures and pains.
A hugely obese person may fail to control the desires of diet , being more indifferent to the creaking joints , diabetes symptoms and so forth.
It is not so easy to forsake leisure and pleasures as one may think.
So if you do exercise such control you should give yourself some credit, and a degree of forgiveness to yourself for being human, rather than superhuman.
Imo
I found that with practice I was able to become quite indifferent to pain.
I wanted to start a meditation practice, but I have frequent migraines, and they were always a hindrance to a meditative state(or so I thought).
Anyway, one day I decided to try and make my migraine pain the object of my meditation.
It's very difficult to verbalize how this works. It sounds counter intuitive, but it really works. I started focusing in on the pain, and just tried to experience it as just a sensation, but not labeling it as "pain".
So every migraine I would just sit back and "sink" into the sensation. After a month of this I realized that although I didn't have less migraines, they didn't register as a painful thing.....merely only as a sensation.
Anyway, I don't know if this us related to the topic, or if anyone else here has had a similar experience?
Learned Stoicism, how it's pronounced, and all, in less than 20 mins.. thanks😀
Beautiful talk . Thought provoking..
WOW...one of the best TED Talks ever....
I am thoroughly enjoying his book "How to be a Stoic." I am very drawn to Stoicism and Taoism.
This video changed my life.
I study stoicism for years, still this video is one of my favorite analysis on what stoicism is.
The content is very rich at many levels and in many aspects 👍🏽👌
I am very greatfull to all the hardship i faced,it introduce me to stoicism philosphy.
So am I, brother. We may not choose what happens to us in life - but it is in our power to try to understand our surroundings, the people closest to us, how and why we think the way we do - and ultimately become the best version of ourselves.
Stoicism has been taught in Hindu Vedanta. I am surprised at the striking resemblance.
Anurag Adhikari Could you please list out a few resemblances. I don’t know much about Hinduism in general.
Perform action, but do not be attached to the results.
Treat victory and disaster as the same.
Both are themes mentioned in the Bhagavat Gita, which is one is the principal texts of Advaita Vedanta
At that time (around 300 BC) there had been many cultural exchanges between indian and greek civilisations following the conquest of parts of India by Alexander the Great few decades earlier. They likely influenced each other.
Thanks MP...your great.
excelent, massimo, your words of stoicism is good, we must always think in positive, no fear and starting with accion to we ideas