Ancient Philosophy

Born a slave, the Roman Stoic philosopher Epictetus (c. 55-135 AD) taught that mental freedom is supreme, since it can liberate one anywhere, even in a prison. In How to Be Free, A. A. Long - one of the world's leading authorities on Stoicism and a pioneer in its remarkable contemporary revival - provides a superb new edition of Epictetus's celebrated guide to the Stoic philosophy of life (the Encheiridion) along with a selection of related reflections in his Discourses.

Step Into the Mind of Ancient China’s Boldest Philosopher What if the key to solving today’s biggest challenges—inequality, conflict, and leadership—lay buried in the teachings of a man who lived over 2,000 years ago? Mozi for Beginners: Foundations of Mohism and Its Legacy introduces you to the revolutionary ideas of Mozi, the thinker who defied tradition, rejected privilege, and offered a bold vision of universal love and practical governance. Why This Book Matters to You In a time when society often feels divided, Mozi’s philosophy reminds us of the power of impartiality, ...

Who doesn't worry sometimes that smart phones, the Internet, and TV are robbing us of time and preventing us from having a life? How can we make the most of our time on earth? In the first century AD, the Stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger offered one of the most famous answers to that question in his essay "On the Shortness of Life"—a work that has more to teach us today than ever before.

Ancient Olympia is not just the birthplace of the Olympic Games, it is also the origin of philosophical ideas that resonate even today. Combining the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle with the art, archaeology, and history of Ancient Olympia, this short book offers ancient Greek insight on the nature of sport, athletes, and human excellence, as well as the less-expected topics of women, beauty, fairness, and peace.

In a world filled with stress, uncertainty, and emotional turmoil, how can we cultivate true inner peace? _Stoicism for Resilience_ offers a powerful answer by reviving the ancient wisdom of Stoic philosophy and applying it to modern life. This practical and insightful guide explores how timeless Stoic principles can help you overcome anxiety, manage anger, and break free from the grip of depression. Through easy-to-follow exercises, and actionable strategies, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Shift your mindset to focus on what you can control ✅ Develop emotional resilience in the face of ...

Griffins, cyclopes, monsters, and giants - these fabulous creatures of classical mythology continue to live in the modern imagination through the vivid accounts that have come down to us from the ancient Greeks and Romans. But what if these beings were more than merely fictions? Through careful research and meticulous documentation, Adrienne Mayor convincingly shows that many of the giants and monsters of myth did have a basis in fact - in the enormous bones of long-extinct species that were once abundant in the lands of the Greeks and Romans.

One of the great fears many of us face is that despite all our effort and striving, we will discover at the end that we have wasted our life. In A Guide to the Good Life, William B. Irvine plumbs the wisdom of Stoic philosophy, one of the most popular and successful schools of thought in ancient Rome, and shows how its insight and advice are still remarkably applicable to modern lives. In A Guide to the Good Life, Irvine offers a refreshing presentation of Stoicism, showing how this ancient philosophy can still direct us toward a better life.

In a world where social media, online relationships, and relentless self-absorption threaten the very idea of deep and lasting friendships, the search for true friends is more important than ever. In this short book, famous Roman politician and philosopher Cicero offers a compelling guide to finding, keeping, and appreciating friends. With wit and wisdom, Cicero teaches not only how to build friendships but also why they must be a key part of our lives. For, as Cicero says, life without friends is not worth living.

Quietly Stoic is the ultimate guide for introverts who want to navigate social situations with confidence, clarity, and calm. Drawing on timeless Stoic principles and modern strategies, this book offers a simple framework, practical habits, and actionable tips to help you master small talk, thrive at networking events, and recharge without guilt. It’s not about being the loudest in the room—it’s about showing up as your authentic, quietly powerful self. Whether you dread small talk, struggle to connect at networking events, or feel drained after socializing, Quietly Stoic offers tools...

Transform your mind with The Skeptic and the Stoic: Pyrrhonism and Zeno of Citium Together, a groundbreaking 2-in-one book that brings you the essence of two life-changing philosophies. Dive deep into the wisdom of Pyrrhonism, the ancient art of questioning certainty, and Stoicism, the timeless guide to inner strength and resilience. What’s inside this unique volume? Pyrrhonism for Beginners: Learn how to challenge assumptions, embrace uncertainty, and discover freedom from dogma. Pyrrho’s philosophy isn’t just about doubt—it’s a call to live boldly in a world of unknowns. Zeno of...

At Will Durant's death at 96, in 1981, his personal papers were dispersed among relatives, collectors, and archive houses. Twenty years later, scholar John Little discovered the previously unknown manuscript of Heroes of History in Durant's granddaughter's garage. Written shortly before he died, these 21 essays serve as an abbreviated version of Durant's best-selling, 11-volume series, The Story of Civilization.

This book is the second in my series on "5 Lessons" from famous writers. The first book in the 5 Lessons series is 5 Lessons from Augustine published in 2011 and based on the Confessions of St. Augustine. This second book 5 Lessons from Seneca is based on five of the Stoic philosopher Seneca's Moral Letters (also known as the Letters on Ethics or Moral Epistles). It discusses shrewd and practical lessons on the passage of time, on friendship, on anxiety, on courage, and on aging. For further insight on Seneca, see Seneca and Roman Slavery Under Nero's Rule (2022) also by Oswald Sobrino at ...

Unlock the wisdom of the ages with "Philosophical Pioneers: Introducing Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle." This captivating 3-in-1 volume is your ultimate guide to understanding the foundational thoughts that shaped Western philosophy. Discover the Art of Inquiry Dive into the world of Socrates, whose relentless questioning led to profound insights about ethics, justice, and human nature. Learn how to think critically and engage in meaningful dialogue through his method of dialectic. Explore the Realm of Ideas Journey with Plato as he unveils the world of forms, the nature of reality, and the...

Imagine unlocking the secrets of the universe by delving into the mind of the man who started it all. Thales of Miletus for Beginners: Understanding the Father of Western Philosophy takes you on a journey through time, straight to the origins of rational thought. This isn’t just another history book—it's your gateway to understanding the ideas that shaped the world. Curious about how one man laid the foundation for both philosophy and science? Discover the groundbreaking insights of Thales, the first philosopher to explain the world through reason rather than mythology. In this ...

The Cosmic Tapestry: A Journey Through Buddhist Cosmology 🌌 Unlock the Mysteries of the Universe Through Ancient Wisdom Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about your place in the cosmos? Are you intrigued by the concepts of karma, rebirth, and enlightenment but don't know where to start? "The Cosmic Tapestry: A Journey Through Buddhist Cosmology" is your comprehensive guide to understanding the universe through the lens of Buddhist philosophy and practice. 🌟 What You'll Discover Inside: The Foundations of Buddhist Thought: Dive deep into the Four Noble Truths, the ...

McKinley introduces his readers to over thirty authors of the ancient classics, illuminating who they were, the times they lived in, and their works that have come down to us through the millennia. In the process, we are introduced to the world-changing historical events of antiquity from the Greco-Persian Wars to the centuries of conquests that built the Roman Empire. Rather than reading second-hand accounts, we share the experience through the words of the men who lived and wrote this history, from Thucydides to Julius Caesar. We read multiple original accounts of decisive events such as ...

Can jokes win a hostile room, a hopeless argument, or even an election? You bet they can, according to Cicero, and he knew what he was talking about. One of Rome's greatest politicians, speakers, and lawyers, Cicero was also reputedly one of antiquity's funniest people. After he was elected commander-in-chief and head of state, his enemies even started calling him "the stand-up Consul". How to Tell a Joke provides a lively new translation of Cicero's essential writing on humor alongside that of the later Roman orator and educator Quintilian.

The Wisdom of Socrates: Understanding and Applying Socratic Philosophy to Everyday Life is a clear, accessible introduction to one of history’s most influential philosophers. Whether you're new to philosophy or seeking practical wisdom for everyday life, this book helps you explore and apply the timeless teachings of Socrates in modern times. Through engaging chapters, you'll discover: The life and legacy of Socrates How to use the Socratic Method to think clearly and challenge assumptions What "Know Thyself" really means—and how it can transform your life How to live ethically and ...

To give and receive well may be the most human thing you can do-but it is also the closest you can come to divinity. So argues the great Roman Stoic thinker Seneca in his longest and most searching moral treatise, "On Benefits" (De Beneficiis). James Romm's splendid new translation of essential selections from this work conveys the heart of Seneca's argument that generosity and gratitude are among the most important of all virtues.

Although it was originally published in 1892, Early Greek Philosophy by John Burnet remains unquestionably one of the most respected and admired surveys of the pre-Socratics. It is an illuminating springboard into classical Greek philosophy.