#123 William Irvine: How To Live a Stoic Life

This podcast episode interviews William Irvine, a philosophy professor and author, about Stoicism. The conversation begins with Irvine's personal journey into Stoicism, then delves into its core tenets, contrasting it with Zen Buddhism. Key Stoic techniques discussed include negative visualization (imagining the loss of valued things to increase appreciation) and the trichotomy of control (categorizing what we can, can't, and partially control to manage anxiety). The interview also touches upon the Stoic approach to failure, decision-making, and dealing with difficult people, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and focusing on controllable aspects of life. Listeners gain practical strategies for emotional regulation and self-improvement through Stoic principles.