Author: Erick
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327 – Why Individualism Fails
“The wise man will never shut himself up within his own skin; he remembers that he is born for the good of all mankind.” —Seneca Individualism promises freedom and self-reliance, but it often leads to isolation and unrealistic expectations. Stoicism teaches us the importance of interconnectedness and shared purpose, reminding us that true strength comes…
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326 – How to Break Up Without Breaking Down: A Stoic’s Guide for Letting Go
”There can be no doubt that the desire lovers have for each other is not so very different from friendship – you might say it was friendship gone mad.” —Seneca Navigating the end of a relationship can be profoundly challenging, but Stoicism offers timeless wisdom to help us heal and grow. By viewing love as…
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325 – New Year Same You? The Stoic Guide to Effective Resolutions
”Life is long if you know how to use it.” —Seneca As the new year dawns, many of us set ambitious resolutions, yet often struggle to see them through. In this episode we draw on Stoic wisdom, exploring practical strategies for effective goal-setting—focusing on reflection, gratitude, and the process rather than just the outcome. Embrace…
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324 – Kintsugi and Stoicism: Finding Strength in the Beauty of Broken Things
“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.” — Ernest Hemingway Imagine a broken bowl mended with gold, its cracks transformed into art. This is Kintsugi, the Japanese philosophy that sees beauty in imperfection. Paired with Stoicism, it teaches us to embrace life’s challenges, turning our scars into symbols of…
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323 – Truth vs. Ego: Stoicism and the Backfire Effect
“A man who is not afraid of the truth need never fear lies.” —Seneca Ever tried changing someone’s mind, only to see them dig in deeper? That’s the backfire effect—a cognitive bias where contradicting evidence strengthens existing beliefs. Discover how Stoicism can help us navigate and mitigate this bias, fostering growth and intellectual humility.
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322 – Wise Feelings: The Secret Sauce to Smart Choices
“Your heart knows the way. Run that direction.” —Rumi Emotions often get a bad rap as obstacles to clear thinking, but what if they’re actually our internal GPS guiding us towards our deepest values? Discover how embracing and understanding your emotions can lead to wiser, more aligned decisions.
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320 – How to Actually Achieve Your Goals
“The important thing about a problem is not its solution, but the strength we gain in finding the solution.” —Seneca Struggling to achieve your goals often stems from feeling overwhelmed by the obstacles ahead. In this episode we delve into practical strategies for shifting your mindset, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and embracing personal growth…
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319 – Q & A: Self Gaslighting, Communication, Romance, and Amor Fati
In this week’s Stoic Coffee Break, Erick Cloward delves into the intricacies of self-gaslighting, emotional regulation, and how Stoicism can enhance communication and romantic relationships. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, he offers practical advice on navigating emotions and fostering deeper connections with others. Join Erick as he explores the timeless wisdom of Epictetus and…
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318 – Mental Health, Stoic Wisdom: Finding Calm in the Chaos
“The lamp of wisdom shines brightest when lit by the flame of self-awareness.” ― Musonius Rufus In a world filled with chaos, finding inner calm can feel like an insurmountable task. By blending the timeless wisdom of Stoicism with modern mental health strategies, this article explores practical tools to build resilience and navigate life’s dark…
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317 – How to Be Unconquerable: Stoic Principles for Living Your Best Life (Part 2)
“Adopt new habits yourself: consolidate your principles by putting them into practice.” —Epictetus Discover the transformative power of Stoicism in Part 2 of How to Be Unconquerable. Dive deep into principles like self-acceptance, embracing change, and being open to criticism. Learn how these timeless teachings can help you live your most authentic life.