💀 Dying Every Day
Dying Every Day (Stoicism in a Year) is a podcast by the Perennial Leader Project. Each episode turns a selected passage from Stoic philosophy into a guided meditation designed to help you (and me) learn how to live.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube
Epictetus on blame and shame
Welcome back to Dying Every Day (Stoicism in a Year). We’ve reached Day 82, where we’re learning about blame and shame.
The Stoic teacher Epictetus taught his students,
You should first learn what is shameful, then, and only after that, come to us and call yourself a philosopher. At present, though, you shouldn’t even allow someone else to call you by that name. Can something be shameful for you that is not your own doing, for which you aren’t responsible, or which has come to you by accident, like a headache or a fever? If your parents were poor, or if they were rich and left their property to others, and never helped you out during their lifetime, is there anything shameful for you in that? Is this what you’ve learned from the philosophers? …
+Adapted from Discourses, 3.26
Epictetus' writings, which are essentially informal lecture notes courtesy of his pupil Arrian, have a repetitive theme. He consistently works his way around (or comes back to) the idea we discussed on Day 1 (What is up to us?).
Today’s passage focuses on what makes something shameful. After offering several examples, Epictetus asks, “Is this what you’ve learned from the philosophers?” (I love this question; I believe it’s worth committing to memory.)
Consider thinking about it in the context of wrestling with ideas or challenges in daily life. We naturally have our own opinions and ideas to navigate our way. But it’s wise to pause and inquire whether or not our thoughts align with what we’ve learned from the Stoics (or philosophers).
Epictetus continues by asking,
Have you never learned that only what is shameful is blameworthy, and only what is blameworthy deserves blame? Now can one blame someone for something that is not of his own doing, for what he himself has not brought about? …
The lesson here is not that nothing is shameful. The point is that the only shameful things are those that harm our character.
Reflecting Prompt
Consider reflecting (or journaling) on what it means to practice Stoic philosophy in daily life. You might ask yourself, “How can I be mindful of Stoic concepts and principles while navigating life’s challenges?” and/or “What would it look like to place the utmost value on my character and intentions?”
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube
—
Thank you for listening; I hope you found something useful.
Until next time, be wise and be well,
J.W.
P.S. I greatly appreciate your time, attention, and support!