Ancient Philosophy

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.

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 ...

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 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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

Embark on an enlightening journey with "Rumi Meets Quantum Physics," where the timeless wisdom of Rumi intertwines with the revolutionary insights of quantum mechanics. This book invites you to explore the profound connection between ancient mysticism and modern science, revealing a harmonious fusion that can transform your understanding of reality. In this captivating exploration, you will discover how Rumi's poetic teachings resonate with the principles of quantum physics, offering a fresh perspective on the nature of existence, matter, and energy. Delve into the mysteries of the ...

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 ...

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.

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.