January 24, 2022   |   0 comments

David Fideler discusses modern life and ancient wisdom.

(Stream / download audio at bottom of page)

The difficulties in our lives are defined by our reaction to them, and there are many more problems in our minds than in reality. But the modern materialistic world view dictates that life, the world, and the entire cosmos are devoid of meaning or purpose, and so we seek them in possessions, status, and the pursuit of pleasure. As a result, many people live in a state of permanent anxiety, constantly comparing themselves to others while dreaming of some golden future which is forever just over the horizon. However, the best possible life isn’t just about contentment. With challenge comes opportunity, whilst doggedly avoiding challenges simply leads to stasis and stagnation. The question is how we meet our challenges, and whether we use them for growth and progress, or simply cast around for someone or something to blame. In the end, freedom is a state of mind, and looking at the world through a different lens is both liberating and life-affirming, everything that our moribund consumer culture is not.

David’s latest book is Breakfast with Seneca: A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living

Previous interview with David Fideler

Bumper music: Cliff Martinez ‘Traffic OST’