Stoicism, Emotions & the Good Life | Dr. John Sellars

In this episode, Dr. John Sellars and I explore Stoicism, its origins in ancient Greece, and its development as both a philosophical system and a practical guide to living well. We begin by discussing its central teachings, including the relationship between logic, physics, and ethics, before addressing common misconceptions about Stoic emotions and how our judgements shape our responses to everyday experiences. Building on this, we explore practical Stoic exercises, the distinction between what is and is not up to us, and the importance of developing a virtuous character. We then examine the Stoic understanding of happiness and flourishing, including whether it is possible to live a good life despite suffering, and compare these ideas with Aristotle and Epicureanism. Finally, we discuss modern Stoicism, its limitations, and how Stoic philosophy approaches grief, mortality, and coming to terms with death.