DiscoverStoa Conversations: Stoicism AppliedSeneca On The Creation of Earthquakes (Episode 190)
Seneca On The Creation of Earthquakes (Episode 190)

Seneca On The Creation of Earthquakes (Episode 190)

Update: 2025-07-01
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In this episode, Caleb and Michael review the 2023 film "Seneca, On the Creation of Earthquakes" starring John Malkovich. They explore how the movie portrays the Roman Stoic philosopher during his final day, examining themes of hypocrisy, performance versus genuine philosophy, and the challenges of living up to Stoic ideals.

(00:00:56 ) Background on the film

(00:04:07 ) Overall impressions

(00:08:38 ) Play by play of the plot

(00:13:58 ) Discussion of Agrippina's portrayal

(00:16:31 ) Analysis of the Thyestes play scene

(00:21:00 ) Examination of slavery themes

(00:24:15 ) Seneca's hypocrisy and wealth

(00:27:43 ) Seneca's death scene

(00:30:06 ) Theme: Can you separate philosophy from philosopher?

(00:35:15 ) Theme: What the film says about Stoicism

(00:39:53 ) Theme: Criticism of pointless political art

***

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations:

https://ancientlyre.com/



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Seneca On The Creation of Earthquakes (Episode 190)

Seneca On The Creation of Earthquakes (Episode 190)

Caleb