Lives of the Stoics
"In captivating story after captivating story, Lives of the Stoics brings ancient philosophers to life." - David Epstein, bestselling author of Range
"Marvelous." - Chris Bosh, two-time NBA champion
For millennia, stoicism has been the ancient philosophy that attracts those seeking greatness, from athletes to politicians and everyone in between. And it's no wonder: its embrace of self-mastery, virtue, and indifference to what we cannot control has much to offer those struggling in today's chaotic world. But who were the stoics?
In this book, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman offer a fresh approach to understanding stoicism through the lives of the people who practiced it - from Cicero to Zeno, from Cato to Seneca, from Diogenes to Marcus Aurelius. Through short biographies of all the famous and lesser-known stoics, this book will show what it means to live stoically and reveal the lessons to be learned from their struggles and successes. The result is a treasure trove of teachings for anyone seeking a good life.
"Marvelous." - Chris Bosh, two-time NBA champion
For millennia, stoicism has been the ancient philosophy that attracts those seeking greatness, from athletes to politicians and everyone in between. And it's no wonder: its embrace of self-mastery, virtue, and indifference to what we cannot control has much to offer those struggling in today's chaotic world. But who were the stoics?
In this book, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman offer a fresh approach to understanding stoicism through the lives of the people who practiced it - from Cicero to Zeno, from Cato to Seneca, from Diogenes to Marcus Aurelius. Through short biographies of all the famous and lesser-known stoics, this book will show what it means to live stoically and reveal the lessons to be learned from their struggles and successes. The result is a treasure trove of teachings for anyone seeking a good life.
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- Origins of Stoic philosophy: Stoicism originated in the 4th century BC with Zeno, a wealthy merchant who, after losing everything in a shipwreck, turned to Stoic philosophy. This philosophy is characterized by courage, wisdom, moderation, and justice as fundamental virtues.
- Cleanthes, the hardworking Stoic: Cleanthes, a student of Zeno, was a poor man who earned his living as a water carrier. Despite offers of wealth, he remained true to his Stoic principles, emphasizing virtue and moderation.
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💬 Quotes
"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."
"The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition."
"Your mind will take the shape of what you frequently hold in thought, for the human spirit is colored by such impressions."
"The greatest wealth is to live content with little."
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."