Ancient Philosophy

"It takes an entire lifetime to learn how to die", wrote the Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca (c. 4 BC-65 AD). He counseled readers to "study death always", and took his own advice, returning to the subject again and again in all his writings, yet he never treated it in a complete work. How to Die gathers in one volume, for the first time, Seneca's remarkable meditations on death and dying. Edited and translated by James S. Romm, How to Die reveals a provocative thinker who speaks with a startling frankness about the need to accept death or even, under certain conditions, to seek it out.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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...

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...

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 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.

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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...

Unlock the mysteries of ancient wisdom with "Xenophanes and Democritus: Questioning the Universe," a compelling two-in-one volume that brings together the groundbreaking insights of two of history's most fascinating philosophers. Dive into the transformative ideas of Xenophanes, the bold skeptic who challenged conventional beliefs about the gods and the cosmos. His revolutionary thinking paved the way for modern critical inquiry and philosophical debate. Explore the radical theories of Democritus, the philosopher who laughed at the universe and laid the foundation for atomic theory. His ...

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...

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 ...