The Daily Stoic – Epictetus – Discourses Pt. 3: On Being Sprung From God

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily Stoic” podcast, host Ryan Holiday takes a deeper dive into ancient Stoic topics. He shares an excerpt from Epictetus’ Discourses, read by Michael Reed, focusing on the theme of our connection to the divine and the importance of recognizing our true nature.

Main Takeaways

Epictetus’ Teachings on Our Divine Nature

• Epictetus emphasizes that we are the Sons of God, and this realization should increase our sense of pride and self-worth.
• Despite our divine nature, many of us tend to have mean or lowly thoughts about ourselves.
• We have a dual connection to both the body (shared with beasts) and reason (shared with the gods).
• However, most people tend to favor the physical aspect and neglect the development of reason, leading to negative behaviors and attitudes.
• Epictetus warns against becoming like foxes, who are spiteful and malicious, by ignoring our divine potential.

The Impact of Sports on Society

• Sports have a significant influence on the world and can serve as a reflection of society.
• According to Jon Wertheim, host of “Sports Explains the World,” sports provide insights into various social issues.
• Sports can be a powerful tool for social justice and change, as they have the ability to unite people from different backgrounds.
• Jemele Hill, a guest on “Sports Explains the World,” highlights that sports have the potential to bring people together and bridge societal divides.
• To explore the intersection of sports and society, listen to “Sports Explains the World” on the Wondery app or your preferred podcast platform.

Summary

Epictetus’ Teachings on Our Divine Nature

Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, teaches us that recognizing our divine nature as the Sons of God should fill us with pride and self-worth. However, many of us struggle with negative thoughts and fail to fully embrace our inherent greatness. Epictetus reminds us that we possess both a physical and rational nature, but it is essential to prioritize the development of reason over indulging in base instincts. By neglecting our divine potential, we risk becoming like foxes, embodying spite and malice. Epictetus encourages us to embrace our connection to the divine and live virtuous lives.

The Impact of Sports on Society

Sports hold significant influence in society, serving as a mirror that reflects various social issues. Through sports, we can gain insights into the values, challenges, and triumphs of different communities. Jon Wertheim, host of “Sports Explains the World,” explores the intricate relationship between sports and society, shedding light on the broader implications beyond the playing field. Sports have the power to unite people and create positive change, acting as a catalyst for social justice movements. Jemele Hill, a guest on the show, emphasizes that sports can bridge societal divides and bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and understanding. To delve deeper into the intersection of sports and society, tune in to “Sports Explains the World” on the Wondery app or your preferred podcast platform.

Conclusion

Epictetus’ teachings remind us of our divine nature and the importance of recognizing our inherent greatness. By prioritizing reason over base instincts, we can live virtuous lives and avoid becoming like foxes. Additionally, sports play a significant role in society, providing insights into social issues and acting as a powerful tool for social justice and unity. Exploring the connection between sports and society through podcasts like “Sports Explains the World” allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the broader impact of sports beyond the realm of competition.