What do you think?
Rate this book
A Stoic Foundation: Compilation of Three Classics
This book consists of three of the foundational Stoic works by Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
Seneca’s “Morals of a Happy Life, Benefits, Anger and Clemency” is one of his most important works of moral philosophy, which stands out for its rigorous study of human behavior. In it, Seneca discusses good deeds and badly performed favors, graceful and ungraceful receiving, the joy or burden of returning favors, as well as gratitude and envy. Ultimately, Seneca is concerned with how we can perfect our soul, and he pursues this question in a variety of ways--by discussing in great depth and passion human virtue, nature, theology and the soul.
“The Enchiridion” or Handbook of Epictetus, is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice. It is a compilation of practical precepts to help one apply philosophy to daily life and show the way to achieve mental freedom and happiness in all circumstances. The work consists of fifty-three short chapters, typically consisting of a paragraph or two, and was compiled some time in the early 2nd-century.
“Meditations” is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. It is divided into 12 books that chronicle different periods of Aurelius' life. Each book is not in chronological order and it was written for no one but himself. The style of writing that permeates the text is one that is simplified, straightforward, and perhaps reflecting Aurelius' Stoic perspective. A central theme to Meditations is the importance of analyzing one's judgment of self and others and developing a cosmic perspective. Aurelius advocates finding one's place in the universe and sees that everything came from nature, and so everything shall return to it in due time. Another strong theme is of maintaining focus and to be without distraction all the while maintaining strong ethical principles such as "Being a good man." His Stoic ideas often involve avoiding indulgence in sensory affections, a skill which will free a man from the pains and pleasures of the material world. He claims that the only way a man can be harmed by others is to allow his reaction to overpower him.
Stoic Philosophy is still very relevant today. This compilation of Stoic classics belongs on every book shelf of those who love philosophy, the classics, or personal development!
Seneca’s “Morals of a Happy Life, Benefits, Anger and Clemency” is one of his most important works of moral philosophy, which stands out for its rigorous study of human behavior. In it, Seneca discusses good deeds and badly performed favors, graceful and ungraceful receiving, the joy or burden of returning favors, as well as gratitude and envy. Ultimately, Seneca is concerned with how we can perfect our soul, and he pursues this question in a variety of ways--by discussing in great depth and passion human virtue, nature, theology and the soul.
“The Enchiridion” or Handbook of Epictetus, is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice. It is a compilation of practical precepts to help one apply philosophy to daily life and show the way to achieve mental freedom and happiness in all circumstances. The work consists of fifty-three short chapters, typically consisting of a paragraph or two, and was compiled some time in the early 2nd-century.
“Meditations” is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. It is divided into 12 books that chronicle different periods of Aurelius' life. Each book is not in chronological order and it was written for no one but himself. The style of writing that permeates the text is one that is simplified, straightforward, and perhaps reflecting Aurelius' Stoic perspective. A central theme to Meditations is the importance of analyzing one's judgment of self and others and developing a cosmic perspective. Aurelius advocates finding one's place in the universe and sees that everything came from nature, and so everything shall return to it in due time. Another strong theme is of maintaining focus and to be without distraction all the while maintaining strong ethical principles such as "Being a good man." His Stoic ideas often involve avoiding indulgence in sensory affections, a skill which will free a man from the pains and pleasures of the material world. He claims that the only way a man can be harmed by others is to allow his reaction to overpower him.
Stoic Philosophy is still very relevant today. This compilation of Stoic classics belongs on every book shelf of those who love philosophy, the classics, or personal development!
Paperback
Published July 27, 2021
8 people want to read
About the author
Seneca
2,702 books3,853 followersLucius Annaeus Seneca (often known simply as Seneca or Seneca the Younger); ca. 4 BC – 65 AD) was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist of the Silver Age of Latin literature. He was tutor and later advisor to emperor Nero, who later forced him to commit suicide for alleged complicity in the Pisonian conspiracy to have him assassinated.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
No one has reviewed this book yet.