A Roundup of Resources on Stoicism and COVID-19

World map showing countries with COVID-19 cases

At this point, confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus are all over the world. We are in the midst of a pandemic, the responses to which vary considerably from country to country – or even, here in the USA, from state to state – and it places stress not only on health care systems but also economies, political systems, and education. Quite a few people went into panic purchasing mode, buying up the available stocks of commodities ranging from pasta to toilet paper.

Many people are observing social distancing, in self-quarantine or isolation, or “sheltering in place”. Many others are forced into contact with potentially contagious people as a condition of doing and keeping their jobs. Emotional responses such as fear and anxiety, sadness and listlessness, boredom and loneliness, and frustration and anger are common and understandable in these situations.

In times like these, the usefulness of Stoic philosophy comes into play. Not that it’s not always useful for people, but in times of crisis, it may be especially so. So for today’s Saturday post, we’re providing readers a roundup of resources out there right now discussing Stoicism and the COVID-19 crisis.

I won’t be writing down my specific judgements of these resources, each of which I’ve examined. The fact that they’ve made this roundup tokens that I think they might be valuable for readers, but it’s up to each person to determine whether a specific resource is useful or not for them. I’d like to acknowledge the diligence of my colleague and friend, Tim Lebon, who sent many of these resources my way in a nicely compiled list earlier this week.

Articles and Blog Posts

Although it is about a different epidemic, you may also want to check out the piece: Stoicism In The Time of Plague – Donald Robertson

Radio, Podcast, and Video

All of us here at Modern Stoicism hope that these resources prove useful for you readers.

9 thoughts on A Roundup of Resources on Stoicism and COVID-19

  1. Thank you very much for this compilation.
    May I share two articles I wrote :
    – The corona virus does not prevent us to think righteously : https://medium.com/@unregardstoicien/covid-19-the-virus-does-not-prevent-us-to-think-righteously-f4e1d3b7aca0
    – Living the quarantine in all serenity with Epictetus : https://medium.com/@unregardstoicien/covid-19-living-the-quarantine-in-all-serenity-with-epictetus-1856cca26de5
    I think that, beyond discourses, what matters the most now is to act concretely : respect your government recommandations ; think to be thankful to those who are still going to work ; participate in the distanciate life of your neighbors ; prepare to support politically those who are now fighting in the hospitals and who have asked the state for more resources for years ; etc.

  2. Mary Braun Bates says:

    I’m a primary care doctor in NH. I make a video from the banks of Pawtuckaway Lake once or twice a day. Lots of people tell me they find them helpful so my plan is to continue until the epidemic is over, or I become unable to record, or I have nothing useful to say. Today I mention the Enchiridion, although not by name.
    I hope this self-promotion is OK. Please isolate yourself, help your neighbors stay isolated, and stay safe.

  3. What a super process, Gregory, to put this together……a really round-up….almost too weak a word to describe that you have done…..great thoughtfulness for us all to have this circulated by you.
    I will most certainly pass it on to others.
    Many, many thanks……Frank Scott-Lennon, Dublin.

    • I see two typos of mine, as follows:
      Within line 1…midway along….please insert ‘brilliant’….thus …..a really brilliant round-up
      Second work of line 2 should be what, rather than that.
      Apologies for these mistakes…..renewed thanks…..Frank.

  4. Many thanks, Greg and Tim, for providing these resources. I very much appreciate your including my piece for the Psychcentral website, though I believe it is way too “basic” for most readers of this website. It was intended for folks who have little or no acquaintance with Stoicism, or have serious misconceptions about it. With that caveat, I would welcome any comments on the piece, which can be posted on the Psychcentral website:
    https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-the-stoics-can-keep-us-calm-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/
    I wish you all health, safety, and good, Stoic equanimity during this very difficult and perilous time.
    Best regards,
    Ron
    Ronald W. Pies, MD

  5. Roberto says:

    Thanks to the team for these useful resources. Stoicism is a philosophy of life particulalry useful in times of tribulation.

  6. What Is Stoicism? says:

    Great resources! Here’s another on the same theme –
    https://whatisstoicism.com/stoicism-resources/stoic-resources-for-uncertain-times/

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.