
Watch Think like a Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World
- 2021
- 1 Season
Think like a Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World is a thought-provoking and informative show crafted by the team at The Great Courses Signature Collection. The program, which is hosted by award-winning lecturer and professor of philosophy, Ward Farnsworth, offers a unique perspective on how studying the ancient philosophy of the Stoics can help us navigate the complexities of modern life.
The show's premise is centered around the idea that, as humans, we all want to live fulfilling lives that are full of meaning and purpose. However, in today's fast-paced and often chaotic world, it can be challenging to find a sense of direction and balance. This is where the Stoic philosophy comes in. As Farnsworth explains, the Stoics believed that the key to a happy life was to cultivate inner peace, self-discipline, and rational thinking. They believed that by focusing on what is within our control and accepting what is not, we can live a life of meaning and tranquility.
To help viewers understand the Stoic philosophy and its relevance to modern life, the show is structured around ten core concepts. Each episode explores a different theme, such as "The Dichotomy of Control," "Virtue and Vice," and "The Ethics of Emotions." Farnsworth uses a combination of engaging lectures, real-life examples, and ancient Stoic texts to bring these concepts to life and show how they can be applied to everyday situations.
One of the standout features of the show is Farnsworth's ability to make complex philosophical ideas accessible and relatable. He uses clear language and simple examples to help viewers understand even the most abstract concepts. For example, in the episode on "The Art of Letting Go," he uses the analogy of an archer aiming for a target to explain how we can best approach the things in life that are outside of our control. By breaking down these concepts in a way that is easy to understand, Farnsworth makes the Stoic philosophy approachable and applicable to anyone, regardless of their background or level of philosophical training.
Another strength of the show is its use of real-life examples to illustrate the Stoic principles in action. Throughout the series, Farnsworth draws on examples from history, literature, and current events to show how the Stoic philosophy can help us deal with challenges and dilemmas in our lives. For example, in the episode on "The Ethics of Emotions," he uses the story of Socrates' death to illustrate how the Stoics believed that it is not our emotions that determine our happiness, but rather our judgments about those emotions. By using these examples, Farnsworth brings the Stoic philosophy to life and shows how it can be applied to real-world situations.
Overall, Think like a Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World is an engaging and informative series that offers a fresh perspective on how we can live more fulfilling lives. Whether you are new to philosophy or a seasoned student of the subject, this show is sure to challenge and inspire you. Through Farnsworth's insightful lectures and practical examples, you will come away with a deeper understanding of the Stoic philosophy and its relevance to modern life.
Think like a Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World is a series that ran for 1 seasons (25 episodes) between March 26, 2021 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection