Ancient Philosophy

Along with Stoicism and Epicureanism, Skepticism is one of the three major schools of ancient Greek philosophy that claim to offer a way of living as well as thinking. How to Keep an Open Mind provides an unmatched introduction to skepticism by presenting a fresh, modern translation of key passages from the writings of Sextus Empiricus, the only Greek skeptic whose works have survived.

The ancient Stoic philosophers knew what was up. Life is hard. People are messy. The world is chaotic. You can’t control most of it. But you can control you. Chill Like a Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Stress is a friendly, no-pressure guide to applying Stoicism without becoming a monk, robot, or ancient Roman senator. Learn how to: Stay calm when life gets stupid Handle difficult people without losing your mind Stop overthinking literally everything Care less about what doesn’t matter Focus more on what does And develop the rarest skill of all: inner peace Spoiler: Stoicism isn’t ...

In 45 BCE, the Roman statesman Cicero fell to pieces when his beloved daughter, Tullia, died from complications of childbirth. But from the depths of despair, Cicero fought his way back. In an effort to cope with his loss, he wrote a consolation speech—not for others, as had always been done, but for himself. And it worked. Cicero's Consolation was something new in literature, equal parts philosophy and motivational speech.

If recent history has taught us anything, it's that sometimes the best guide to leadership is the negative example. But that insight is hardly new. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Suetonius wrote Lives of the Caesars, perhaps the greatest negative leadership book of all time. In How to Be a Bad Emperor, Josiah Osgood provides crisp new translations of Suetonius's briskly paced, darkly comic biographies of the Roman emperors Julius Caesar, Tiberius, Caligula, and Nero. Entertaining and shocking, these ancient anti-role models show how power inflames leaders' worst tendencies.

Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills 3,000 years of the history of power into 48 well-explicated laws. This bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other infamous strategists. The 48 Laws of Power will fascinate any listener interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.

In 63 BC, frustrated by his failure to be elected leader of the Roman Republic, the aristocrat Catiline tried to topple its elected government. Backed by corrupt elites and poor, alienated Romans, he fled Rome while his associates plotted to burn the city and murder its leading politicians. The attempted coup culminated with the unmasking of the conspirators in the Senate. In How to Stop a Conspiracy, Josiah Osgood presents a brisk, modern new translation of the definitive account of these events, Sallust's The War with Catiline.

Imagine possessing the power to navigate life’s challenges with unshakeable confidence and mental clarity. That’s what Chrysippus for Beginners: Decoding the Mind of a Stoic Genius offers—an opportunity to step inside the mind of the philosopher who built the foundation of Stoic thought and changed the course of intellectual history. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of rational living? Dive deep into the philosophy of Chrysippus, the often-overlooked genius who shaped the core of Stoicism as we know it. He wasn’t just another thinker. He was the architect who turned Stoicism into...

A philosophy book set in the realm of metaphysics and mysticism, exploring the connections between thought, reality, and knowledge. Discover the transformative power of understanding reality in "Essence of Mysticism." This thought-provoking exploration invites readers on a journey through ancient philosophy and modern interpretation, seamlessly weaving together the insights of luminaries like Heraclitus, Plato, and Parmenides. Delve deep into the emotional resonance of mysticism and the disciplined rigor of scientific inquiry as the book seeks to synthesize these dynamic perspectives into a...

Understanding Hinduism: A Beginner’s Guide to the Beliefs, Practices, and Spiritual Wisdom of India’s Ancient Religion Are you curious about Hinduism but don’t know where to start? Understanding Hinduism is your accessible and engaging guide to exploring the world’s oldest living religion. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a student of world religions, or simply interested in the cultural richness of Hindu thought, this book breaks down the core beliefs, practices, and philosophies in a clear and respectful way. In this comprehensive introduction, you’ll learn about: The sacred...

Discover the timeless wisdom of ancient China with "Pathways to Chinese Wisdom: Confucius and Zhuangzi." This captivating volume combines "Confucianism for Beginners" and "Zhuangzi for Beginners," offering an engaging and enlightening journey into the philosophies that have shaped Chinese culture and thought for centuries. Intrigue and Captivate: Step into the world of Confucius, where ethics, harmony, and social order take center stage. Contrast this with the fascinating realm of Zhuangzi, where freedom, spontaneity, and the mysterious Dao challenge conventional wisdom. Educate and ...

Tao Te Ching Explained: A Modern Guide to Laozi's Ancient Wisdom and the Way of the Tao is your accessible, insightful companion to one of the most influential spiritual texts in history. Whether you're a beginner or returning to the Tao Te Ching with fresh eyes, this guide offers a modern interpretation of Laozi’s timeless teachings, designed to bring clarity and practical meaning to your daily life. Explore the essence of the Tao—the Way—and discover how concepts like wu wei (effortless action), yin and yang, and simplicity can transform how you lead, love, and live. With chapters ...

Unlock the secrets to a fulfilling and resilient life with "Dual Philosophies: Modern Lessons from Epictetus and Epicurus." This unique volume brings together the enduring wisdom of two of antiquity's greatest minds, offering you practical guidance for the challenges and opportunities of today's world. Epictetus: A Stoic's Guide to the Modern World Imagine facing life's hardships with unshakeable calm and inner strength. Epictetus, a former slave turned revered Stoic philosopher, teaches you how to embrace adversity, cultivate virtue, and achieve personal freedom. His profound insights will...

Este libro presenta las lecciones-clave de la vida y obra de Aristóteles, enfatizando el impacto de la causalidad en todos los ámbitos de la actividad humana. A través de numerosos ejemplos y citas, aborda sistemáticamente las reflexiones hechas por Aristóteles durante una vida dedicada a la búsqueda del conocimiento. En particular, este libro presenta la ética de Aristóteles y sus perspectivas sobre el desarrollo personal, mostrando cómo siguen siendo aplicables hoy en día a quienes buscan la felicidad. Tabla de Contenidos Capítulo 1 - La lección más importante La causalidad ...

The history of the tablets translated in the following book is strange and beyond the belief of modern scientists. Their antiquity is stupendous, dating back some 36,000 years. The writer is Thoth, an Atlantean Priest-King, who founded a colony in ancient Egypt after the sinking of the mother country. He was the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza, erroneously attributed to Cheops. In it he incorporated his knowledge of the ancient wisdom and also securely secreted records and instruments of ancient Atlantis.

Theosophy for Beginners: Unlocking the Ancient Wisdom of the Masters, Symbols, and the Path to Spiritual Awakening is your comprehensive guide to the timeless spiritual philosophy known as Theosophy. Whether you’re new to metaphysical teachings or seeking a deeper understanding of the universe and your place within it, this accessible book offers clear insights into the esoteric principles that have inspired generations of seekers. Explore the profound teachings of Helena Blavatsky, the origins of the Theosophical Society, and key concepts like karma, reincarnation, and the divine nature ...

Unlock the timeless wisdom of one of history's greatest minds with "Aristotle: A Beginner's Guide." This indispensable resource demystifies Aristotle’s profound ideas, making them accessible and relevant for everyone. Discover the brilliance of Aristotle's thought in a way that's easy to understand. This guide breaks down his key concepts into clear, concise language, perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike. Whether you’re interested in philosophy, science, or personal development, this book is your gateway to deeper understanding. Engaging and Informative: Each chapter is ...

The rise of Rome is one of the great stories of world history and fortunately we have a reliable and at times an eyewitness account, from the Greek historian Polybius of Megalopolis. Polybius reports on the main confrontations with the authority of a man who was present at many events and also visited historic sites of importance to ensure his accounts of the past were accurate.

Recognizing the power of the new and trying to understand and promote the conditions that make it possible, the Greeks were the first to write about innovation and even the first to record a word for forging something new. In short, the Greeks "invented" innovation itself - and they still have a great deal to teach us about it. How to Innovate is an engaging introduction to key ideas about - and examples of - innovation and creative thinking from ancient Greece. Armand D'Angour provides lively new translations of selections from Aristotle, Diodorus, and Athenaeus.

Unlock the Secrets of One of History’s Greatest Minds What makes a just society? How can philosophy and faith work together to reveal universal truths? In Al-Farabi for Beginners: The Master of Reason and Revelation, explore the life and groundbreaking ideas of a philosopher who dared to ask the biggest questions—and offered answers that shaped civilizations. Why This Book Is a Must-Read: Gain a clear understanding of Al-Farabi’s revolutionary concept of the virtuous city, where wisdom and justice guide governance. Discover how he merged Greek philosophy and Islamic thought to create ...

Gnosticism was a contemporary of early Christianity, and its demise can be traced to Christianity's efforts to silence its teachings. The Gnostic message, however, was not destroyed but simply went underground. Starting with the first emergence of Gnosticism, the author shows how its influence extended from the teachings of neo-Platonists and the magical traditions of the Middle Ages to the beliefs and ideas of the Sufis, Jacob Böhme, Carl Jung, Rudolf Steiner, and the Rosicrucians and Freemasons.