The Gen Z Stoic

Dive into our latest episode! This week we break down Stoicism and set the record straight on some common myths and misconceptions. After a very eventful month, we also address a variety of comments from our YouTube shorts, responding to your thoughts and keeping the conversation going. With an open discussion this week, this episode provides an honest conversation about what Stoicism advocates fo...

Welcome back to another Stoic Reading, where co-host Mateo dives yet again into the depths of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations . Time is limited, and according to Aurelius, this should motivate you to act now. Moreover, in Section 11, Aurelius explains how "good and bad" things happen to both "good and bad people"; therefore, we must not deem these events to be good or bad. Mateo highlights the impor...

If there was one thing the Stoics stood for, it was the freedom of speech and thought. From Seneca to Epictetus, Stoics consistently emphasized the importance of open dialogue and the ability to speak one’s truth. Today more than ever, we have seen “cancel culture” mute the opinions and perspectives of those opposed to the typical mainstream ideologies. Listen in this week as we discuss the pros a...

From social media to high school rumors, too often we allow the opinions of others' souls to outweigh our own. Instead of letting external forces determine our value, we should stand for our own self-worth. To do this, one must learn how to avoid distractions and tap in to your inner discipline in order to live a happy and fulfilling life. Tune into this week's Stoic reading as co-host Mateo delve...

The Latin phrase "Memento Mori" roughly translates to "remember you must die". This concept is widely attributed to the Stoics, and for good reason. While many run around constantly worried about death and what others will do to them, the Stoics preached embracing death by living everyday like it was your last and not giving time to trivial hardships in life. In this week's Stoic Reading co-host W...

Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Zeno all had something in common. As Stoics, they were all lifelong learners. As such, they had lots to say about the state of education and how it should be approached. As two college students who have learned great things from these men, we also have much to discuss about education. Tune in as we begin another analysis of modern education with helpful tips on maximiz...

Gen Z has a problem making friends. A recent report showed 52% of us have not made a friend in the past year. What used to be hearty conversations and true memories have turned into toxic friendships and a warped view of what a friend means to this generation. That is why today's reading is so important. Seneca also had to deal with fake friends, backstabbers, and immoral people. When he needed so...

Tune into this week’s episode, where we unravel the stoic secrets of decision-making and leadership. Listen in as we delve into the art of navigating choices, pausing under the dichotomy of control, and embracing the power of decisive action. In this episode, we explore the dynamic interplay of responsibility in leadership, making tough decisions with a dash of pragmatism and realism. Let's not fo...

Welcome back as co-host Mateo delves into the transformative journey of reclaiming control over your life with the help of Marcus Aurelius. Explore insightful strategies and inspiring stories from Aurelius, who has successfully navigated challenges, overcome obstacles, and embraced a renewed sense of purpose. Covering sections 4 and 5 of Book 2, Mateo analyzes and comments on Aurelius's guide to m...

Between work, school, and personal passions life sure seems to be busy. With many of us seemingly constantly on the move, going from task to task chasing our dreams, it is rare to get a moment to stop, decompress, and reflect. Life was not much different for the ancient Stoics, as Seneca throughout life had his hands full with a variety of political and advisory roles. In this week's reading from...

Images of buildings reduced to rubble, lives ruined, and devastated families seem to regrettably flood our screens as conflict wages on all across the world. Armed conflict is nothing new to society, and many Stoics historically have been participants in these events. Marcus Aurelius was one of the best military commanders the Roman Empire saw, and he wrote much of Meditations while planning for o...

Diving deep into sections I and II of Book 2 in Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, we are invited to practice not only throwing out distractions but internally acknowledging them. Join us in this reading as co-host Mateo delves into the mind of Aurelius, analyzing how to set your day up for success, acknowledging the setbacks around you, and, most importantly, throwing out the distractions holding you...

As a society, we have a lot to say about how we use our time. "Time is money", "Timing is everything", and many more sayings are classic cliches that are thrown around everyday. As it turns out, how we use our time was at the forefront of Seneca's mind back when he wrote his letters that have survived to become his philosophical testament. In the very first reading ever on this podcast, co-host Wr...

Happy New Year, Stoics! Join us as we kick off the year with a deep dive into making 2024 your best year. Embark on a listen as we explore the intricacies of setting meaningful New Year's resolutions, the art of cultivating positive habits, and the profound impact of intention in shaping our futures. We delve into the power of kindness and how incorporating it into our daily lives can create a rip...

When Seneca wrote his famed essay On Benefits 2000 years ago, he likely did not imagine it being used in comparison to a family giving gifts around a tree. This essay takes a critical lens to the social concept of giving and receiving what Seneca calls “benefits”, but we call gifts and presents in this week’s episode. Tune in to hear the wise words of Seneca come to terms with the logic of a moder...

In his 23rd letter to his dear friend Lucilius, Seneca covers the joy that sprouts from philosophy and living virtuously. Unsurprisingly, many of the views held by Seneca around joy still find practical application to this day, but have been abandoned by society. Finding a permanent source of joy, which Seneca wishes for, has instead been replaced by distractions that may make you happy for a few...

A common topic covered by the greatest historical Stoics is gratitude, and from their works we can learn that it is key to stop and take stock of what you are grateful for in life as often as possible. The benefits of this constant awareness of gratitude are infinitesimal and in previous episodes we have covered them in-depth. With Thanksgiving happening this week there is no better time to think...

There is a concerning trend in our generation: we take the easy way out in everything we do. For our generation to seek purpose and for you individually to accomplish the goals you set for yourself you must deny the easy path and instead embrace the "101% principle". This principle finds that it is best for you to show up and give 101% of yourself everyday consistently without complaint, in order...

We welcome you back to join us yet again, for a continued special episode this week, as the Gen Z Stoic goes unscripted once again! At the start of Season 2 we said we wanted to make this podcast more personal, thus we are deciding to continue with our Unscripted series to bring a more vulnerable and personal feel to our podcast. Tune in to hear more unfiltered thoughts on some current events, soc...

Join us for a special episode this week, as the Gen Z Stoic is going unscripted! At the start of Season 2 we said we wanted to make this podcast more personal, and it doesn’t get more personal than this episode. Tune in to hear our unfiltered thoughts on some current events, social trends, and the Gen Z lifestyle from a stoic perspective combined with our own unique experiences. We have some excit...

In this episode, we explore the profound benefits of solitude and isolation through the lens of Stoicism. We uncover the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophers and how their teachings can help us find serenity and strength in moments of seclusion. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the Stoic perspective on isolation offers us a powerful guide for finding purpose, contentment, and...

Sometimes, all we need in life is to step back, reflect, rebuild, and move on. Tune into this week’s episode as we delve deep into the importance of resetting. A reset can change the trajectory of your life if utilized correctly. We discuss not only the importance of a reset but also how to build a strong network of like-minded individuals to support you. If you feel lost, purposeless, or helpless...

Degeneracy runs rampant within our generation and society as a whole. A lack of moral decency, self-respect, and true purpose seems like some of the most common traits found in people nowadays, and it’s easy to get swept up in the wave of those not going anywhere in life. As Stoics, how do we combat this surge of darkness with our light of purpose and virtue? Tune in to this week’s episode to see...

Tune in this week as we take a more personal dive into the ways stoicism has benefited our lives. We each list three ways how stoicism has individually impacted our lives for the better, and ultimately how it can for you too. Here at the Gen Z Stoic, we strive to better the communities around us, and we believe that by sharing our insight, we can do just that. Listen in as we provide you with our...

Stoicism can often be overwhelming for beginners, and we’re here to help. Tune in this week as we lay out our personal tips and insight to successfully starting on your individual path in stoicism. It is important to note that while each person has their own unique path within this ancient school of philosophy and some of our insight may not be true for you, there are a few beneficial starting poi...