Stoic vs. Epicurean: Who's Really Detached? (Episode 221)

Hellenistic philosophies for modern minds

What’s the real difference between a Stoic and an Epicurean?

Most people assume Epicureans chase pleasure while Stoics suppress emotion. Michael flips that narrative.

In practice, both schools recommend virtue. The real split is about engagement. Epicureans say withdraw from society: skip the kids, dodge politics, live off the grid. Because people are messy and mess makes you suffer. Stoics say lean in. Stay in the mess. Practice philosophy so you can show up better for the people you love, not so you can feel good.

As Epictetus put it: even a sheep doesn’t desert its offspring. Why should we?

(00:00) Introduction: Stoics vs. Epicureans

(02:00) Epictetus’s critique of Epicurean isolation

(03:30) Why Stoic detachment is misunderstood

(05:30) The real distinction: detaching to feel good vs. detaching to serve others

(07:00) Key takeaway: Stoicism is practiced for others, not yourself

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations:

https://ancientlyre.com/