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HappinessYou’ll learn
- Which Stoic could change the course of history
- The recipe for true freedom
- Ancient roots of popular concepts
- Four pillars of any good action
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Stoicism — an action-oriented path to virtuous living
The dictionary defines "Stoics" as those who stay calm and weather the storm without complaining or expressing emotions. However, these ancient philosophers weren't unfeeling titans. They could show enormous resilience against tyranny and didn't hide their tears if they heard tragic news. Stoicism was far more sophisticated than the management of emotions.This philosophy first appeared in Athens, and its followers made self-development their ultimate goal and believed it was vital for a happy life. Most importantly, they didn't just talk about ethical principles; they embodied them. That's one of the reasons their works are scarce. Stoics didn't invest all their time and effort in them.
Others should determine your values from your actions, not words.
On the other hand, history has saved their biographies, often the best examples of virtuous lives. We also know about the Stoics' choices and actions in times of danger, as their epoch provided many opportunities to test their commitments.Tyrannies, corruption, injustice, and violence were the primary opponents of these philosophers. Their resistance inspired the next generations to overcome challenges. Among them were Toussaint Louverture, who united enslaved Haitians to rebel against Napoleon's France, and leaders of the American Revolution.We may not know names like Aristo, Arius, or Porcia, but we are certainly aware of their and other Stoics' ideas. That's because many popular concepts, such as the crucial role of judgment in interpreting the world, date back to those ancient times.Why do their ideas still resonate with us? Stoics reflected on the eternal questions — how to become happy and what is correct.In the next few minutes, we will discover the wisdom that stood the test of time and can guide us on self-growth.
second KEY POINT
Never give up
Though Stoicism has become a world-renowned philosophy, it didn't have a glorious beginning. It all started in the fourth century BCE with the misfortune of Zeno, the Phoenician merchant. His family made their fortune trading highly valued Tyrian purple dye.Zeno's ship sank on a fateful day while on a voyage on the Mediterranean Sea. The reason for it remains a secret. Was it human error? Pirates? A storm? No one knows.Zeno lost everything — cargo and ship, an irreplaceable fortune in an age with nothing like insurance or venture capital. He safely reached shore and headed to the nearest city, Athens.In one bookstore, he attended a reading of Socrates's works and listened to a story about Heracles at a crossroads. The latter had to choose between two paths — one symbolized vice and the other, a longer one, virtue.Zeno immediately selected his and decided to act on it. So, he approached the bookseller and asked a question that would change his life forever and lead to the birth of a new philosophy: "Do you know someone who can become my Socrates?"The bookseller introduced Zeno to Crates of Thebes, an Athenian philosopher. The first lesson was to walk across Athens with a pot of lentil soup, a dish of the less fortunate. Zeno was from a higher class and tried to avoid this humiliating task. Yet, after doing it, he understood what freedom from defining himself through external labels meant.Gradually, Zeno began developing the principles known as Stoicism. Soon, he found many followers to whom he explained the actual value of external things. People of Athens respected him. Zeno also always remembered his homeland, requesting that "of Kition" be added to his name.Most people, especially in today's age, would have been left devastated and crushed by such a turn of fortune. However, Zeno courageously confronted his situation and reinvented himself as a philosopher instead of dwelling on his mischance.In essence, don't be discouraged when things get tough. Even hitting a dead-end doesn't necessarily equal defeat.
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first KEY POINT
Dare to be different
second KEY POINT
Embrace high standards and be uncompromising
third KEY POINT
Freedom is defined by choice of response
fourth KEY POINT
Master the four stoic virtues for a happy life
fifth KEY POINT
Adversity never shook Marcus Aurelius' standards
sixth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius' about?
'Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius' by Ryan Holiday explores the philosophies of Stoicism through the lives of its key figures from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius. The book highlights how these ancient teachings can be applied to modern life for personal development and resilience.
What are the key takeaways from 'Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius'?
Key takeaways from 'Lives of the Stoics' include the importance of virtue, understanding what is within our control, and the practice of mindfulness. These core Stoic principles advocate for a life of fulfillment through reason and emotional intelligence.
Is 'Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius' worth reading?
Yes, 'Lives of the Stoics' is worth reading, especially for those interested in philosophy, personal growth, and practical wisdom. Ryan Holiday presents Stoic principles in an accessible way, making them relevant for contemporary readers.
How many pages is 'Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius' and when was it published?
'Lives of the Stoics' is approximately 368 pages long and was published on September 29, 2020. This length provides a thorough exploration of Stoic philosophy without overwhelming the reader.
Who is the author of 'Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius'?
The author of 'Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius' is Ryan Holiday. He is known for his works on Stoicism and self-improvement, making significant contributions to contemporary philosophical discourse.