The Stoic Warrior - Analyzing Conflict in Modern Times

Images of buildings reduced to rubble, lives ruined, and devastated families seem to regrettably flood our screens as conflict wages on all across the world. Armed conflict is nothing new to society, and many Stoics historically have been participants in these events. Marcus Aurelius was one of the best military commanders the Roman Empire saw, and he wrote much of Meditations while planning for or actively on the battlefield.

However, as militaries across the world preach Stoic values to their soldiers while hurting "enemy" countries and civilians alike, there is an important distinction to be made about the Stoic warrior: war is a last resort. Join us this week as we discuss how Stoics have viewed war throughout history, some criteria that would call a Stoic to fight, and how we can use these lessons to bring about a peaceful resolution t ...