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The Stoic Handbook · May 11, 2026 · 13m

Overthinking Is Not a Thinking Problem

This solo episode challenges the conventional approach to overthinking. Rather than focusing on the thoughts themselves, host Jon Brooks argues that overthinking stems from a judgement problem — you've assigned a meaning to something neutral and that interpretation causes distress. Drawing on Epictetus, the episode reframes overthinking as a matter of perception, not a volume of thoughts.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Canon

Overthinking persists not because of too many thoughts, but because of a hidden judgement about what those thoughts mean.

Highlights

Common Overthinking Advice Misses the Root
Standard advice — journaling, positive thinking, breathing, running — addresses the symptoms of overthinking rather than its source.
The Loop Begins With Added Meaning
Overthinking starts when you assign meaning to a neutral event, and that meaning hijacks your attention.
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