The Stoic Jew

How to Win the Lead Role in E.T. and Achieve Human Perfection (Epictetus – Discourses 2:18)

July 13, 2022 Rabbi Matt Schneeweiss Season 9 Episode 3
The Stoic Jew
How to Win the Lead Role in E.T. and Achieve Human Perfection (Epictetus – Discourses 2:18)
Show Notes

Synopsis: Have you ever seen the audition tape for Henry Thomas, the kid who played Elliot in Stephen Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial? Well, if you haven’t, drop everything you’re doing and watch it now, because it’s one of the best performances of a child actor I’ve seen – and it was all improvised! Not only that, but it led to an insight about Stoicism which, in turn, led to an insight about human perfection, and that’s what this episode is about. That, and a story about how Stoicism kicked in after I lost my car keys this past Friday. 

Related Rabbi Schneeweiss Content:
- Aurelius - Meditations 4:22: That's a Jacket, Not a Bad Cat!
- TSJ Interlude - I Got Got By An Impression!

Sources:
- Epictetus, Discourses 2:18
- YouTube: Henry Thomas Audition for E.T. “Ok, kid, you got the job”.
- YouTube: The Story of Casting Elliot in E.T.
- Ralbag, Bereishis, Introduction to Section 8 (2:4 – 3:24)
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The Torah content for these two weeks has been sponsored by Judah and Naomi Dardik in loving memory of Rabbi Moskowitz zt''l, who taught his students to pursue truth by asking questions, who modeled love of Torah and learning, and who exemplified living a life of the mind.
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