[Bonus] Stoicism, Existentialism, and More: Philosophy for English Learners!

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spk_0 Hi there, Alistair here. Let me quickly tell you about something really exciting. We have

spk_0 just opened registrations for our next challenge, the 30 for 30 challenge. This challenge is all

spk_0 about getting you comfortable and happy using English. So every day for 30 days, there will be a

spk_0 new task for you to work on. They aren't long and it shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes

spk_0 each day. And if you complete every task, there is a special reward, a prize which is a one-on-one

spk_0 lesson with me. The challenge starts on Monday the 13th of October and I would love for you to take

spk_0 part. I put a link in the description where you can find out more and sign up directly.

spk_0 Hi there, Alistair here. Today we have a bonus episode from Thinking in English with Tom Wilkinson.

spk_0 Tom is going to talk to you about stoicism, existentialism and philosophy for frustrated English

spk_0 learners. So I will pass you over to Tom from the Thinking in English podcast.

spk_0 Hello, my name is Tom Wilkinson and welcome to the Thinking in English podcast, a podcast for

spk_0 intermediate to advanced level English learners. You're studying every day but you feel stuck.

spk_0 You forget vocabulary. You hesitate to speak and you start to wonder why am I even doing this?

spk_0 If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many English learners experience frustration,

spk_0 boredom and burnout at some point on their journey. But what if I told you that philosophy could help?

spk_0 In this episode of Thinking in English, we're going to explore practical, powerful lessons from some

spk_0 of history's greatest thinkers. Stoics, existentialists, Buddhists and more. These ideas have helped

spk_0 people cope with life's biggest challenges, so why not apply them to the challenge of learning

spk_0 English? Whether you're feeling unmotivated, overwhelmed or just tired of forgetting everything

spk_0 you study, this episode is for you. You can find a full and free transcript of the episode

spk_0 on Spotify, YouTube, Apple podcasts and my website. And there is an ad-free, advert-free episode,

spk_0 both in video and audio available on Patreon. Here is today's vocabulary list.

spk_0 Control, control, the power to influence or manage something. As in, she lost control of the

spk_0 car on the icy road. Virtue, virtue, good moral behaviour or character. As in, honesty is

spk_0 considered a great virtue in many cultures. Self-discipline, self-discipline, the ability to control your

spk_0 actions and stick to goals or rules. As in, he needed self-discipline to study every day for the

spk_0 exam. Morality, morality, beliefs about what is right or wrong behaviour. As in, different

spk_0 societies may have different ideas of morality. Identity, identity, your sense of self and how you

spk_0 see yourself. For example, learning a new language can change your sense of identity. Expectation,

spk_0 expectation, a belief about what will happen or what you think should happen. As in, she had high

spk_0 expectations for her English test results. Struggle, struggle, a difficult situation or effort to

spk_0 deal with a challenge. For example, learning to speak fluently was a real struggle at first.

spk_0 Let's start with something honest. Learning a language is hard. It's exciting at first.

spk_0 Everything is new, your progress feels fast, and you can see yourself improving. But then

spk_0 something changes. Things slow down. Motivation fades. You begin to feel stuck.

spk_0 Many English learners, maybe even you, experience frustration at some point. And that frustration

spk_0 can come from a few common places. First, there's the lack of visible progress. You study every day,

spk_0 watch videos, read articles, do vocabulary flashcards, and yet when you speak, it still feels

spk_0 difficult. You're not seeing the results you expected, and that's frustrating. Then there's

spk_0 comparison. Maybe your friend seems to learn faster than you. Maybe someone online speaks perfect

spk_0 English after just one year, while you've been studying for five. It's easy to look at others

spk_0 and feel like you're behind. You might also hit a plateau, a stage where your English just seems

spk_0 not improved. No matter how much effort you put in. This is especially common, the more advanced

spk_0 you get. Another big issue, forgetting what you've already studied. You learn a new word today,

spk_0 and by tomorrow it's gone. And then there is the emotional side, the fear of making mistakes or

spk_0 being judged. You might feel nervous when speaking, afraid of looking stupid or being misunderstood.

spk_0 That fear can stop you from practicing, which only makes things worse. All of this,

spk_0 lack of progress, comparison, plateaus, forgetfulness, fear leads to something bigger. Burn out.

spk_0 You start to lose confidence. You wonder if you'll ever become fluent, and sometimes you feel

spk_0 like quitting altogether. But here is the good news. You're not alone. These feelings are normal,

spk_0 and they don't mean you're failing. They just mean you're human. And this is exactly where

spk_0 philosophy can help. I'm not a philosopher, just someone who enjoys reading philosophy,

spk_0 but I've tried to apply some of the ideas from major philosophical schools to language learning,

spk_0 and explain it in understandable language. Let's start with stoicism. Stoicism is an ancient Greek

spk_0 philosophy founded in the third century BCE by Xeno of Sittium. It was later developed by

spk_0 key figures such as Epic Titus, a former slave turned philosopher, Seneca, a Roman statesman and writer,

spk_0 and Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor. Stoicism teaches that the path to a good and meaningful life

spk_0 lies in accepting what we cannot control, and focusing on what we can control, like our own thoughts,

spk_0 our own actions, and our own reactions. Core stoic ideas include the pursuit of virtue,

spk_0 or pursuit of character, as the highest good, the importance of reason and self-discipline,

spk_0 and the belief that external events are neither good nor bad in themselves. Only our judgments

spk_0 make them so. Stoics aim to align their lives with nature and rationality, practice mindfulness,

spk_0 and develop resilience to hardship. I think some of these ideas apply perfectly to English learning.

spk_0 For example, stoicism teaches that we should focus only on what we can control. You

spk_0 can't control how other people speak, or how difficult a grammar point is. You can't even really

spk_0 control the speed you improve, but you can control your efforts, how often you study, how much you

spk_0 practice, and how consistent you are. Many learners waste time and energy worrying about things outside

spk_0 of their control. They get anxious about sounding perfect, afraid of forgetting vocabulary,

spk_0 upset because they're not fluent yet. But stoicism reminds us that kind of worry is useless.

spk_0 The stoic philosopher Senica wrote, we suffer more often in imagination than in reality.

spk_0 In other words, we create suffering in our minds by imagining problems that don't really exist,

spk_0 or don't really matter. Instead of worrying about perfection, stoicism says we should focus on

spk_0 consistency. Study a little every day, speak even if you're nervous, keep moving forward even if

spk_0 it feels slow. And when you face a challenge, like a difficult listening exercise, or an embarrassing

spk_0 speaking mistake, see it as an opportunity to grow, not a reason to stop.

spk_0 So how can you apply stoic thinking to your English studies, except mistakes as part of the

spk_0 process? Everyone makes them, it's how we learn. Set clear, manageable goals, and most importantly,

spk_0 celebrate your effort, not just your results. If you studied today, even just a little, you succeeded.

spk_0 Now let's turn to existentialism. Existentialism is a movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th

spk_0 centuries. It focuses on individual freedom, personal responsibility, and the search of meaning in

spk_0 our lives. Key thinkers include Kerkegard, often considered the father of existentialism,

spk_0 Friedrich Nietzsche, who challenged traditional morality and religion, and then 20th century

spk_0 philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus.

spk_0 An existentialism emphasizes that existence precedes essence. In other words, we are not born

spk_0 with a purpose, but we must create meaning through our own choices and actions.

spk_0 It highlights themes such as anxiety, freedom, and authenticity, and existentialism encourages us

spk_0 to live honestly and take full responsibility for shaping our own lives. Again, I think this message

spk_0 can offer some insight to a language learner. One of the key existentialist ideas is this. There is

spk_0 no fixed meaning in life. You have to create your own. This idea might sound a little abstract,

spk_0 but I think it's actually very useful when it comes to learning English. Many learners get stuck

spk_0 because they're chasing someone else's definition of success. Maybe a teacher told you what to study.

spk_0 Maybe society tells you that fluency means speaking like a native speaker.

spk_0 But existentialists would ask, what does English mean to you? Why are you learning it?

spk_0 The French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre put it this way, man is nothing else but what he makes of

spk_0 himself. This means that you're not born with a purpose you choose it. And when it comes to language

spk_0 learning, you are responsible for your own progress. No one else can do it for you. Not your teacher,

spk_0 not an app, not me, not this podcast. Existentialism isn't about following someone else's path,

spk_0 it's about taking ownership of your own. So how do we apply this to English learning?

spk_0 Start by asking yourself, why do I want to learn English? Is it to travel, to understand culture,

spk_0 to express yourself more confidently, to get a better job? Your answer is the foundation of your

spk_0 learning journey. Next, build a study routine that reflects your identity and your goals.

spk_0 Don't just copy what other people do, choose materials that interest you, set goals that motivate

spk_0 you, learn in a way that fits your life. And most importantly, take ownership. If something's not

spk_0 working, change it. If you're not motivated, reflect on your why. Next, let's take a look at

spk_0 Buddhist philosophy. Buddhist philosophy is based on the teachings of Sudhatha Gutama, known as

spk_0 the Buddha, who lived around the 5th to 6th century BCE in India. Themes in this philosophy

spk_0 include understanding and overcoming suffering through wisdom and mental discipline.

spk_0 Key concepts in Buddhism include the four noble troops, that life involves suffering,

spk_0 the cause is desire, there is a way to end it, and the path to end it is the eightfold path.

spk_0 And also the middle way, which avoids extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial.

spk_0 A central practice in Buddhist philosophy is mindfulness, being fully present and aware of

spk_0 one's thoughts, feelings and surroundings without judgment. Other key ideas include impermanence,

spk_0 everything changes, non-self, the idea that the self is not fixed, and compassion for all beings.

spk_0 The goal is to develop wisdom and inner peace, ultimately reaching enlightenment or

spk_0 nirvana, a state beyond suffering. For English learners, I think the idea of mindfulness and

spk_0 awareness is useful. One of the central teachings of Buddhism is that suffering comes from attachment

spk_0 and expectation. When we expect progress to be fast, when we attach our self-worth to fluency

spk_0 or test scores, when we believe we should be perfect or speak without mistakes, we create our own

spk_0 stress. But mindfulness offers a different approach. It encourages us to be present, to focus

spk_0 completely on what we're doing now, instead of worrying about the future or regretting the past.

spk_0 The Buddha famously said, do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future. Concentrate

spk_0 the mind on the present moment. What does this look like for an English learner? It means when you're

spk_0 reading, just read. Don't think I'm too slow or I'll never understand native speakers.

spk_0 When you're speaking, just speak. Don't let your brain jump ahead to how you might mess up or

spk_0 what someone else might think. This mindset helps you stay calm and focused. It helps you actually

spk_0 enjoy the process. You cannot change the past and you do not know what will happen in the future.

spk_0 Accept it and it becomes easier to study, study because you enjoy it. Importantly, mindfulness also

spk_0 teaches us that everything changes. Your current level, your confidence, your frustration, they're not

spk_0 permanent. So if you feel stuck or discouraged now, that feeling will eventually pass.

spk_0 And finally, let's talk about Nietzsche. I actually already mentioned Nietzsche as he is often

spk_0 considered part of the existentialist school of thought. But I think his ideas deserve their

spk_0 own section. Friedrich Nietzsche was a 19th century German philosopher. He is probably best known

spk_0 for his radical critique of religion, morality and modern society. He rejected traditional

spk_0 Christian values and famously declared that God is dead. His God is dead argument is often

spk_0 misunderstood. He is basically arguing that the decline of religious belief, the fact that there

spk_0 were less committed Christians in Europe, left a moral vacuum, a moral whole that individuals

spk_0 must fill themselves. Nietzsche believed that people should create their own values and meaning

spk_0 in life, rather than relying on external authorities. Key concepts in Nietzsche's philosophy

spk_0 include the Uber Mench, which is often translated as Overman or Superman, an ideal individual who

spk_0 lives creatively and authentically. And also Eternal Recurrents, the idea that you should live

spk_0 your life as if you had to live it over and over again. He emphasized the importance of embracing

spk_0 struggle, suffering and contradiction as a necessary part of growth. Maybe his most famous quote

spk_0 is what doesn't kill me makes me stronger. Nietzsche believed that challenges and difficulties

spk_0 are not signs of failure. Instead they are essential parts of becoming stronger and better.

spk_0 And this is an important message for language learners. As I already mentioned,

spk_0 one of Nietzsche's most famous quotes is that which doesn't kill me makes me stronger.

spk_0 The struggles you face in learning English, confusing grammar, tough conversations, or moments of

spk_0 doubt are not obstacles. They are necessary steps on your path to growth. By facing and overcoming

spk_0 struggles, you will become stronger. So how can you apply Nietzsche's ideas? Try to reframe

spk_0 difficulties. Instead of seeing mistakes or setbacks as reasons to quit, view them as important parts

spk_0 of your transformation. Every time you push through frustration or embarrassment, you build resilience.

spk_0 You become stronger. And remember to feel pride in your effort. It takes courage, it takes strength

spk_0 to keep going when things are hard. Celebrate that strength. In embracing the struggle, you become

spk_0 not just a better English learner, but a stronger person.

spk_0 So here is today's final thought. In this thinking in English episode, I have tried to apply

spk_0 some of the ideas from the greatest philosophers and schools of thought to English learning.

spk_0 While this might seem like a slightly strange idea, these schools of thought are often

spk_0 discussing much more serious topics. I do think that there are certain ideas we can apply to

spk_0 studying. From stoicism, learn to focus on what you can control. Your effort, your consistency,

spk_0 your mindset. From existentialism, take full responsibility for your learning. Find your personal

spk_0 why and build a routine that truly fits you. From Buddhist mindfulness, practice being present

spk_0 in every moment of study. Let go of comparisons and the need to be perfect. Except that progress comes

spk_0 with change. And from nature, embrace the struggle. See challenges not as failures, but as the

spk_0 fuel of that strengthens you. Frustration isn't a sign you're failing. It's a natural and even

spk_0 necessary part of learning. Philosophy doesn't promise that English will become easy overnight,

spk_0 but I think it does offer tools to help you keep going when it's tough. Thank you all so much for

spk_0 listening. And I hope you have a great week. Goodbye.

spk_0 Okay, I hope you enjoyed that episode from Tom Wilkinson at the Thinking in English podcast.

spk_0 Now if you'd like to check out Thinking in English, it is available on all podcast apps as well

spk_0 as YouTube and I'll put a link to it in the description below.

[Bonus] Stoicism, Existentialism, and More: Philosophy for English Learners!

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