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Published Oct 14, 2021

231. Jules Evans: What Would a Stoic Do?

Jules Evans delves into the modern relevance of Stoic philosophy, offering practical techniques for building personal resilience and emotional regulation, while emphasizing its role in ethical science and community discourse. He highlights the enduring teachings of Stoicism, from Socrates to Seneca, and shares insights on meditation, daily rituals, and reflective writing for cultivating mindfulness and virtue.
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  • Ethics

    Ethical considerations are crucial in shaping societal progress and decision-making. and discuss the need for a values-based approach to science, emphasizing that without ethical guidance, scientific advancements can be misused for profit rather than the greater good 1. Jules highlights the challenge of measuring ethical qualities like humility, which complicates the pursuit of a purely empirical spirituality 2.

    It's very hard to measure what makes someone good. You have to define good in a certain way.

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    They explore the potential of integrating ethics into scientific practices to address issues of injustice and fairness, suggesting that moral progress is a gradual, messy process 1.

       

    Dialogue

    Fostering community and open dialogue is essential for bridging societal divides. Jeff and Jules reflect on the importance of listening to opposing views and engaging in thoughtful conversations to promote social cohesion 3. Jeff shares personal experiences of forming friendships with those who initially disagreed with him, highlighting the transformative power of calm, respectful dialogue 3.

    There is no greater personal development tool... than calmly listening to someone that doesn't agree with you.

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    Jules suggests that stoic practices can help individuals become more aware of their biases and improve critical thinking, which is crucial for overcoming binary oppositions in public discourse 4.

       

    Progress

    Reflecting on moral progress, Jeff and Jules examine how stoic and philosophical insights remain relevant today. Jules acknowledges that while society has made strides in areas like slavery and patriarchy, the core challenges of human nature persist 5. He emphasizes the Stoics' belief in the interconnectedness of all things, which can guide us in understanding our place in the universe 5.

    Consider how all things are connected.

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    They also discuss the impact of social media on public discourse, noting how it has contributed to the degradation of thoughtful conversation. Jules advocates for individual practices, such as the Socratic method, to enhance personal growth and societal dialogue 6.

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