Episode 15 – Wisdom: The Stoic Sage - A Perfect Ideal?

This episode unpacks the concept of the Stoic Sage, the theoretical ideal of a perfectly wise and virtuous human being. It acknowledges that this figure is presented as an "impossible ideal," a person who has achieved complete mastery of their inner world and is immune to the passions and misfortunes that plague ordinary people. The Sage is a person of flawless judgment, perfect virtue, and unshakable tranquility. While this may seem like an impossibly high bar, the episode clarifies that the true value of the Sage is not as a literal goal to be achieved, but as a guiding North Star for our own moral and psychological development.

The discussion then shifts to the more practical and encouraging concept of the prokopton, or the "one who is making progress." This is the individual who, while not a perfect Sage, is consciously and diligently on the path of self-improvement, consistently applying Stoic principles in their daily life. The Stoics placed immense value on this journey of progress, recognizing that the effort and intention to become better are what truly matter. This focus on the process, rather than the perfect outcome, makes the philosophy accessible and motivating for everyone.

The episode concludes that the power of Stoicism lies in this dynamic between the ideal and the practical. The Sage provides the ultimate direction, while the path of the prokopton offers a realistic and rewarding way to live. It's a philosophy that celebrates progress over perfection, encouraging us to see our own journey of self-improvement as a worthy and meaningful end in itself.