Sam! Welcome back. I’m excited for this new column.
I’ve used principles of Stoicism in my life to great success! I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m a Stoic, but I have read some Seneca and Marcus Aurelius and I’ve applied the lessons you talk about in order to ground myself, to make better decisions, and to improve my mood and relieve stress. Knowing what’s within your sphere of control is something I’ve also written about before, and it’s a crucial question to explore, IMO. One other thing I’ve done was to try to curb my judgments, to see the world as less black and white and more in shades of grey. I also meditate (using Sam Harris’s Waking Up app), and the principles Sam and other teachers on the app talk about are very similar and complementary to Stoic philosophy.
Regarding the art you’ve shared, I haven’t read Circe, but I devoured Song of Achilles. Miller is such a gifted, magical, cinematic writer!
To cut this short, I’m glad you’re back. Looking forward to hearing from you again soon.
Hi Sam, I love this idea. I loved Miller’s Circe too - maybe a case of right book/right time but Circe came alive on the page for me in a way that reminded me of childhood reading, when you are completely immersed in another world. I have read The Lost Daughter but not seen the film. I’m not sure how closely the film follows the book but I wonder, would a healthy dose of stoicism have helped Leda come to terms with the feelings she had about motherhood?
This is such an inspired idea, Sam! Food, philosophy, good company, smart discussion and a glorious travel destination--what more could we ask for, except to visit Greece in person! I do think the idea of Stoicism is appealing and only becomes more so when facing so many modern crises that make us feel anxious and helpless. I look forward future salons. The whipped feta, Greek salad and ouzo lemonade all sound delicious!
One of the main reasons I started writing on substack was to cultivate community. I also have hosted wine salons throughout my career in the wine and experiences business and absolutely adore that you brought a salon setting to this platform. Incredible!
Introducing...Sam's Salon Dinner Series
Sam! Welcome back. I’m excited for this new column.
I’ve used principles of Stoicism in my life to great success! I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m a Stoic, but I have read some Seneca and Marcus Aurelius and I’ve applied the lessons you talk about in order to ground myself, to make better decisions, and to improve my mood and relieve stress. Knowing what’s within your sphere of control is something I’ve also written about before, and it’s a crucial question to explore, IMO. One other thing I’ve done was to try to curb my judgments, to see the world as less black and white and more in shades of grey. I also meditate (using Sam Harris’s Waking Up app), and the principles Sam and other teachers on the app talk about are very similar and complementary to Stoic philosophy.
Regarding the art you’ve shared, I haven’t read Circe, but I devoured Song of Achilles. Miller is such a gifted, magical, cinematic writer!
To cut this short, I’m glad you’re back. Looking forward to hearing from you again soon.
This such a cool new feature!
Current status: hungry and wanting to discuss Stoicism with someone!
Can’t wait to read the dessert post for this salon!
Hi Sam, I love this idea. I loved Miller’s Circe too - maybe a case of right book/right time but Circe came alive on the page for me in a way that reminded me of childhood reading, when you are completely immersed in another world. I have read The Lost Daughter but not seen the film. I’m not sure how closely the film follows the book but I wonder, would a healthy dose of stoicism have helped Leda come to terms with the feelings she had about motherhood?
I love this new format. Great job.
This is such an inspired idea, Sam! Food, philosophy, good company, smart discussion and a glorious travel destination--what more could we ask for, except to visit Greece in person! I do think the idea of Stoicism is appealing and only becomes more so when facing so many modern crises that make us feel anxious and helpless. I look forward future salons. The whipped feta, Greek salad and ouzo lemonade all sound delicious!
Love this Sam, transported to Greece and knowing that I could do with a healthy dose of Stoicism!
Couldn’t love this more! I’m a big Marcus Aurelius “Meditations” fan. I will link to this in my next newsletter, Sam. ✨
Super-cool idea, Sam! I'm excited to see where this goes!
Love this so much!
One of the main reasons I started writing on substack was to cultivate community. I also have hosted wine salons throughout my career in the wine and experiences business and absolutely adore that you brought a salon setting to this platform. Incredible!