Figs in Winter: New Stoicism and beyond

Figs in Winter explores new aspects of Stoicism, contrasting it with other philosophical traditions and applying it to contemporary issues. It discusses emotional resilience, ethical living, historical perspectives, and personal growth, offering insights from ancient philosophers and practical advice for modern challenges.

Stoic Philosophy Ethics and Morality Emotional Resilience Historical Philosophical Comparisons Contemporary Issues and Philosophy Personal Growth and Development Rhetoric and Argumentation Philosophical Literature Ancient Philosophies in Modern Context

The hottest Substack posts of Figs in Winter: New Stoicism and beyond

And their main takeaways

The Nazi problem, a Stoic take

1474 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Stoicism Morality
  1. Contemporary society still faces a Nazi problem, despite the atrocities of WWII.
  2. Nazifascist movements have resurged in various countries over the decades.
  3. Stoic philosophy suggests viewing Nazifascists as misguided rather than inherently evil.

There is no upside to anger

805 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Anger Emotions Psychology Research
  1. Anger is classified as an unhealthy emotion by Stoics as it overrides reason.
  2. Some argue that feeling angry can be a motivator, but this might be comparable to a placebo effect.
  3. Research showing anger as a motivator often uses methods like provoking undergraduate students, which may have limitations.

Interview with a Cynic

766 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📚 Literature Philosophy Classics Essay
  1. The interview discusses ancient observations on consumerism and overconsumption.
  2. The dialogue features a fictional interview between a critic of Cynicism and a defending Cynic.
  3. It showcases the Cynic's defense of simplicity and sufficiency in lifestyle choices.

Aristotle vs the Stoics: part II, ethics

943 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Psychology
  1. Stoics focused on practical philosophy of life, while Aristotle was more into theoretical inquiries.
  2. For Aristotle, a flourishing life required virtue and external goods, while for Stoics, virtue alone was sufficient.
  3. The ultimate goal of life for the Stoics was living in agreement with nature, while for Aristotle, it was a contemplative or politically involved life.

How to be a farmer like you mean it

530 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🚌 Education Ancient Wisdom Life philosophy Literature Agriculture
  1. Ancient wisdom from farming communities can offer valuable insights on life and work.
  2. Hesiod contrasts the benefits of cultivating land with the destructiveness of war, highlighting the value of peaceful, agricultural pursuits.
  3. Considering a return to nature-based lifestyles, even for city dwellers, can offer a sense of renewal and connection to the earth.
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Suggested Readings

314 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Philosophy Psychology
  1. Alcibiades argued for libertarianism in Xenophon's 'Memorabilia Socratis'
  2. Evolution of anti-evolutionism can be documented using phylogenetic reconstruction techniques
  3. Empathic distress might lead to inaction, not necessarily apathy

Recommended Books

314 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature Biography Analysis
  1. Brutus: The Noble Conspirator by Kathryn Tempest explores the life and legacy of Marcus Junius Brutus, the key conspirator against Julius Caesar.
  2. Tempest uses letters from Brutus and other figures like Cicero to offer insights into personal and political struggles of that time.
  3. The book raises questions on friendship, duty, and the ethics of tyrannicide, leaving readers to ponder Brutus' true motivations.

Video chat: Robin Reames on the importance of rhetoric

334 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Robin Reames discusses the importance of rhetoric and its relevance in modern times.
  2. She explores the power of human speech and ancient rhetoric theories.
  3. Her book, 'The Ancient Art of Thinking for Yourself,' delves into logical persuasion and navigating ideological polarization.

Five questions that will change your life

805 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Stoicism Hedonism Virtue ethics
  1. Death is a universal human preoccupation, but certain arguments and perspectives can help alleviate the fear of death.
  2. Handling pain and grief requires acknowledging and accepting the inevitability of suffering and loss, while finding ways to endure and grow from these experiences.
  3. Emotions can be challenged or encouraged based on their alignment with reason, and developing emotional resilience involves cognitive evaluation and management.

Be a Stoic like Epictetus

786 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
  1. Remember the Fundamental Rule of Life: focus on what is up to us, accept what is not
  2. Opinions are not facts: differentiate between objective reality and personal judgments
  3. Practice the three disciplines of desire, action, and assent to become truly good

On the objectivity of ethical judgments

746 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Reasoning
  1. Moral relativism can be inconsistent when faced with extreme cases like the Holocaust.
  2. Arguments against moral realism include the Euthyphro dilemma and the argument from queerness.
  3. An alternative approach to ethics suggests objectivity can be grounded in human welfare and reasoning.

How to grow old with Cicero

727 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🚌 Education Philosophy Literature
  1. Start cultivating good habits when you're young for a better old age.
  2. Old age can be enjoyable with the right mindset and activities.
  3. Embrace the different seasons of life and focus on staying active mentally in old age.

The varieties of bad Stoicism

62 HN points • 16 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Stoicism
  1. Stoicism focuses on what is within our control and developing good character
  2. Stoicism is about training in ethical disciplines and treating others with fairness and respect
  3. True Stoicism is not about pursuing externals like money, career success, or using the philosophy for personal gain