Image of podcast

Joy Even So (Part 2) | Pretend Today Is The End

The Daily Stoic

Fri Dec 01 2023



Stoicism and Joy:

  • Stoics, such as Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, are highlighted as joyful individuals despite enduring hardships and tragedies.
  • The episode emphasizes the story of John Adams encountering a shoemaker who, despite living in poverty and struggling, filled the world with happy music out of his own abundance of joy.

Living Each Day as if it's Your Last:

  • Seneca's idea of preparing one's mind as if they've come to the very end of life is likened to a soldier going on deployment - getting affairs in order and expressing love for family without time for quarreling or petty matters.
  • Practical application of living each day as if it's your last is contemplated, emphasizing that it doesn't mean forsaking laws or considerations but rather prioritizing what truly matters in life.

Memento Mori Perspective:

  • The memento mori philosophy serves as a reminder to live intentionally now instead of waiting for an uncertain future, urging listeners not to delay making positive changes or improvements in their lives.
  • It explores the significance of memento mori in providing perspective on life's meaning and priorities by understanding the tension between life's uncertainties and certainties.