Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, where we explore how Stoic philosophy guides us toward living well with ourselves and others. In this episode, we reflect on Epictetus’ insight on friendship and values:

“What a man sets his heart on, that he naturally loves... It remains for us to conclude then that good things alone are what they set their heart on. And if they set their heart on those, they love them too.”

Epictetus, Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 22

Epictetus reminds us that people naturally love what they believe to be good. When someone acts poorly, it is often because they misunderstand what truly benefits them. Stoicism teaches that real good lies not in wealth, status, or external success, but in virtue and good character. When we understand this, our priorities change, and so do the relationships and friendships we cultivate.

This connects with the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action: we learn to value what truly matters, question mistaken judgments about success or happiness, and act in ways that support both our own character and the well-being of others. Practically, this means choosing friendships grounded in shared values, guiding others with patience when possible, and remembering that everyone acts according to what they think is best, even when they are mistaken.

For more, check out this related article with the Stoic view on friendship:
https://viastoica.com/the-stoic-view-of-friendship/
And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:
https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes
Make sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.
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Produced by: badmic.com

What Does it Mean to be a Philosopher?
Philosophy is often seen as academic or reserved for experts. But what if being a philosopher is something many of us already practice in everyday life?

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.
In this episode, we explore philosophy as a way of living rather than a subject to master. Instead of focusing on theory or credentials, the conversation looks at curiosity, reflection, and how we orient ourselves in daily life.

We reflect on why philosophy is often misunderstood as overthinking or abstraction, and how it actually shows up in ordinary moments, when we pause, question our reactions, and try to live with more awareness. You are invited to consider who you already see as wise in your own life, and what qualities make their guidance meaningful.

This episode invites you to reconsider what it means to be a philosopher, and to recognize how much philosophy may already be present in your own life.

Support the show🌐 viastoica.com▶️ YouTube: @viastoica

Produced by: Badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, where we explore how Stoic philosophy helps us remain steady amid the challenges of everyday life. In this episode, we reflect on Marcus Aurelius’ personal reminder from his private notes:

“So other people hurt me? That’s their problem. Their character and actions are not mine. What is done to me is ordained by nature. What I do, by my own.”

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.25

Marcus reminds himself that we cannot control what others do, only how we respond. People will sometimes speak harshly, act unfairly, or behave poorly, but their actions belong to them. Our responsibility is to protect our own character and respond with reason rather than anger. Stoicism teaches that true harm occurs only when we abandon our own values and lose control of our response.

This reflects the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action: we accept that external events and other people lie outside our control, we question the judgment that tells us we’ve been harmed, and we choose actions that preserve our peace of mind and integrity. Practically, this means pausing before reacting, letting go of insults that carry no truth, and using criticism, when valid, as a chance to improve rather than as a personal attack.

For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoicism and dealing with difficult people:
https://viastoica.com/how-to-stop-taking-things-personally/
And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:
https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes
Make sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.
Support the show
https://viastoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken
https://x.com/ViaStoica
info@viastoica.com
Produced by: badmic.com