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

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily Stoic,” the concept of finding joy even in the face of struggles is explored. Drawing inspiration from historical figures like John Adams, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, the podcast delves into the Stoic philosophy of living each day as if it were our last and embracing the uncertainty of life. The importance of making better decisions today and taking action now is emphasized, along with a reminder to reflect on our own mortality. Additionally, a new podcast called “Over the Top,” covering sports and pop culture, is introduced.

Main Takeaways

Finding Joy in Struggles

• John Adams found inspiration from a shoemaker who lived in poverty but filled the world with joyful music, showing abundance of joy despite struggles (00:00:55)
• Stoics like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius were joyful and happy people, as they had to be to endure their struggles (00:04:00)

Living Each Day as if It’s Your Last

• Seneca advises to prepare our minds as if we’ve come to the very end of life, to balance life’s books each day, and to live each day as if it’s our last (00:06:24)
• Seneca’s advice doesn’t mean forsaking laws and considerations, but rather getting our affairs in order and handling business like a soldier before deployment (00:08:50)
• Live as if you will die tomorrow, and let that determine what you’re going to do (00:10:30)

Embracing the Uncertainty of Life

• Marcus Aurelius’s perspective on the uncertainty of life encourages making better decisions today (00:00:00)
• Accepting the reality that tomorrow is not certain gives us the perspective to make better decisions today (00:00:00)
• Knowing that life is uncertain influences our decisions and planning for the future (00:00:00)
• Memento mori reminds us to do things that are important or interesting now, before it’s too late (00:00:00)
• It’s not about rendering everything meaningless, but about highlighting what’s important and unimportant (00:00:00)

Reflection on Mortality

• The opening of December prompts meditation on mortality
• It’s about perspective, not nihilism
• The reminders (coin, ring, poster) are about the tension between having time left and not having time left
• Time is passing quickly and it’s already December

Take Action Now

• If there are changes or improvements you want to make in your life, take action now

Introduction to “Over the Top” Podcast

• Introducing a new podcast “Over the Top” that covers sports and pop culture using Royal Rumble rules
• The podcast is available on Wondery app and Wondery Plus

Summary

Finding Joy in Struggles

John Adams, inspired by a shoemaker who lived in poverty yet filled the world with joyful music, exemplifies the Stoic belief that joy can be found even in the midst of struggles. Stoics like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius were known for their joyful and happy dispositions, which helped them endure their own hardships.

Living Each Day as if It’s Your Last

Seneca advises us to approach each day as if it were our last, preparing our minds as if we’ve come to the very end of life. This involves balancing life’s books daily and handling our affairs with the urgency of a soldier before deployment. By living as if we will die tomorrow, we can make decisions and take actions aligned with what truly matters to us.

Embracing the Uncertainty of Life

Marcus Aurelius’s perspective on the uncertainty of life reminds us to make better decisions today, knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Accepting this reality allows us to gain perspective and prioritize what truly matters. The concept of memento mori serves as a reminder to seize the present moment and engage in activities that are important or interesting to us.

Reflection on Mortality

The beginning of December prompts reflection on our mortality, emphasizing the importance of perspective rather than nihilism. The reminders, such as coins, rings, or posters, symbolize the tension between having time left and not having time left. Time passes quickly, and this realization prompts us to make the most of our lives.

Take Action Now

If there are changes or improvements we want to make in our lives, it is crucial to take action now. Embracing the uncertainty of life and reflecting on our mortality can serve as catalysts for making positive changes and pursuing our goals.

Introduction to “Over the Top” Podcast

“Over the Top” is a new podcast that combines sports and pop culture using Royal Rumble rules. Listeners can enjoy this podcast on the Wondery app and Wondery Plus, exploring engaging content in a unique format.

Conclusion

By finding joy in the midst of struggles, living each day as if it’s our last, embracing the uncertainty of life, reflecting on our mortality, and taking action now, we can cultivate a fulfilling and purposeful existence. The Stoic philosophy provides valuable insights and practical guidance for navigating life’s challenges and making the most of our time. Additionally, the introduction of the “Over the Top” podcast offers an exciting opportunity to explore sports and pop culture in a fresh and entertaining way.