On Sleep: Stoicism vs. Judaism (Aurelius – Meditations 8:12)

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Synopsis: In today’s episode we discuss the different perspectives on sleep, as reflected in the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and the Rambam. I hesitate to characterize this as “the Stoic view on sleep” because this was literally the only Stoic teaching I could find on the topic, but perhaps that fact is significant in and of itself. Regardless, I do think that this is a point in which Judaism and Stoicism differ, and I think that the difference is significant in terms of how we approach our animalistic nature.

If you're interested in my shiurim on the berachah of ha'Mapil, here are the links to the shiurim YouTube (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4) and on my Tefilah podcast (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4).

Sources:
- Aurelius, Meditations 8:12
- Rambam: Mishneh Torah, Sefer ha’Mada, Hilchos Deios 3:2-3
- Rambam: Mishneh Torah, Sefer Ahavah, Hilchos Tefilah 7:1
- Sifre Devarim 6:5 (Piska 32)
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If you have questions, comments, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail.
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Stoic texts:
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Letters from a Stoic Master (Seneca)
The Discourses of Epictetus
The Enchiridion (Handbook) of Epictetus
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