Summaries of books about Ancient Philosophy:
The Daily Stoic
366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living: Featuring new translations of Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius
Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
The book provides a year-long collection of philosophical insights and exercises drawn from Stoic philosophy, offering daily meditations and practical lessons to help readers cultivate resilience, wisdom, and personal growth. Each day presents a quote from a Stoic thinker, followed by an analysis or actionable advice that applies the ancient wisdom to modern life.
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Meditations
A New Translation
Marcus Aurelius
This book is a contemporary translation of the personal philosophical diary of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, which comprises his Stoic reflections and exercises in wisdom, virtue, and leadership. The entries, intended for his own guidance and self-improvement, explore his thoughts on how to live a good life and deal with life's challenges.
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A Guide to the Good Life
The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
William B. Irvine
The book presents an introduction to Stoicism, outlining its history and key philosophical principles, and offers practical advice on how to apply Stoic wisdom to modern life for personal improvement and lasting happiness. It delves into techniques such as negative visualization and the dichotomy of control to help readers lead more thoughtful, resilient, and fulfilling lives.
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The Little Book of Stoicism
Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness
Jonas Salzgeber
The book provides an accessible introduction to Stoic philosophy, presenting practical exercises and insights designed to help readers develop mental resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of calm in the face of life's challenges. It distills ancient wisdom into actionable advice for modern living, emphasizing the Stoic principles of understanding what is within our control and letting go of what isn't.
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Seneca's Letters from a Stoic
Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Classics HQ
The book is a collection of moral epistles written by the Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca to his friend Lucilius Junior, in which he discusses ethical issues, personal growth, and Stoic philosophy. These letters cover a range of topics including the nature of wisdom, the importance of virtue, the control of emotions, and reflections on mortality and the good life.
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How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Donald J. Robertson
The book combines a biography of Marcus Aurelius with practical guidance on how Stoic philosophy can be applied to modern life. It explores key Stoic principles and techniques, illustrating them through the life decisions and challenges faced by the Roman emperor.
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The Art of Living
The Classical Mannual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness
Epictetus|Sharon Lebell
The book presents a modern interpretation of Epictetus's Stoic philosophy, offering practical guidance on how to lead a life of integrity, personal satisfaction, and resilience. It distills ancient wisdom into accessible maxims and exercises on how to live virtuously and effectively in everyday life.
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Discourses and Selected Writings
Epictetus
The book is a compilation of teachings and philosophical thoughts by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, focusing on ethics, personal freedom, and the art of living. It includes his Discourses, which are informal lectures, the Enchiridion, a concise manual on how Stoic philosophy can be applied to daily life, and fragments of his lost works.
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Lives of the Stoics
The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius
Ryan Holiday|Stephen Hanselman
The book presents a collection of biographies and philosophical teachings of notable Stoic philosophers, from the founding figures like Zeno of Citium to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It explores their lives, the historical context of their work, and how their principles of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance can be applied to modern life.
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Plato
Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo
Plato
The book is a collection of five early dialogues by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, which explore themes of justice, virtue, and the nature of the soul. The texts include Socrates' discussions on piety in "Euthyphro," his defense at trial in "Apology," the debate over his escape from prison in "Crito," an inquiry into virtue in "Meno," and a conversation about the immortality of the soul in "Phaedo."
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