The Ten Golden Rules: Ancient Wisdom from the Greek Philosophers on Living the Good Life

by M. A. Soupios

Ancient Greece produced some of humanity's greatest thinkers: Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Epictetus, Epicurus, and so many others. Unlike the religious philosophers who came after them, they based their ideas about what the "good life" means, and how to achieve it, not on the dictates of a supernatural supreme being, but on human reason. And though these ideas may be "ancient," they will remain relevant for as long as humanity endures.

This book culls ideas from the greatest Greek thinkers and distills them into ten simple rules for living.

Examine Life Worry Only about the Tings You Can Control Treasure Friendship Experience True Pleasure Master Yourself Avoid Excess Be a Responsible Human Being Don't Be a Prosperous Foul Don't Do Evil to Others Kindness toward Others Tends to Be Rewarded

These simple rules will show you what the Greeks knew: You need not be religious or rich to lead a spiritually fulfilled, meaningful, satisfying life full of loving relationships, balance, harmony, and happiness.

Genres: Philosophy

100 pages, Hardcover

First published November 20, 2010

Reviews

[Marnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has some insights but is a bit too basic. It hardly goes into the philosophers views and it is very rudimentary. I did enjoy the chapter about friendship the best and felt it went the most in-depth but a lot of the book feel a bit flat.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes a philosophic, rational approach to civlity, based on ideas of people like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus, Epicuras and others, vs. the traditional Judeo-Christian views. I also like and appreciate the observation that 'The person who approaces life with childlike wonder is best prepared to defy the limitations of time, is more "alive," is more of a participant i life at the age of 60 or 70 than the average teenager.'

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always 'currently reading' this book. I find that in the rush of everyday life, this book serves as a constant reminder to slow down and take some time to really focus on the most important things. It's very simple and to-the-point and offers points at the end of each chapter for reflection.

[Don Gubler · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is short and fairly well organized but is of only limited value.