In this episode, my guest is Robert Garland, a British classical philologist and historian who is the Roy D. and Margaret B. Wooster Professor of the Classics at Colgate University. He is the author of numerous works on ancient Greek and Roman history, including The Greek Way of Death and Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks. His most recent book, however, is What to Expect When You're Dead: An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife.

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Highlights

* In your research, what most surprised you about how ancient cultures looked at death?

* What do we gain by thinking about death? For example, a central Stoic practice is called memento mori—reflecting on one’s mortality. They think wrapping our heads around death can help us to live more wisely, do you agree?

* Your book examines beliefs from Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians. Are there any common factors? What are the biggest differences between them?

* Did groups within these cultures who faced death more frequently, such as soldiers or perhaps Roman gladiators, have a different perspective on death?

* How did ordinary Greeks and Romans differ in their beliefs from the sort of thing we find in the writings of ancient philosophers? To what extent did philosophical views influence popular culture?

* Many people today turn to philosophy, and Stoicism in particular, to regain a sense of control in uncertain times. In a world where so much was attributed to fate or the gods, how did the contemplation of their own mortality console people facing hardship and loss?

* Has your own attitude toward death changed as a result of your research?

Links

* Goodreads Profile

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This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. Scott and Kasey discuss the forthcoming virtual event for Plato’s Academy Centre and its featured speakers. They also talk values chameleons: taking on the shade of your partner to ensure the survival of the relationship.

Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.

And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).

Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it.

In this episode, I chat with father-son team Matthew and Matteo Storm, who host the Lost Roman Heroes podcast, a bi-weekly dive deep into the overlooked lives and legacies of ancient Rome. They’re history buffs with a passion for ancient Rome. Matthew is also the author of several works of historical fiction, based in the Roman empire, the most recent being THE EMPEROR: Heraclius Battles Persia for the Life of Rome.

Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Highlights

* How did the Lost Roman Heroes podcast begin?

* Travel to Carnuntum and other historic locations.

* Matthew’s historical fiction set in the Roman empire

* What are your favourite quotes from the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius?

* How can we be sure Marcus actually wrote the Meditations?

* Was it intended for publication?

* Why are Hadrian and Herodes Atticus notable by their absence from the list of people Marcus admires in Book One of the Meditations?

* Was it really a bad idea for Marcus to appoint Commodus his successor?

* Who was Avidius Cassius, the usurper?

* Was Faustina the loyal wife Marcus makes her out to be or the scheming and unfaithful one depicted in the histories?

Links

* Lost Roman Heroes Website

* Lost Roman Heroes Podcast

* Matthew’s Books

Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it.