Summary of Lives of the Stoics Book by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
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Short summary
The ancient philosophy of Stoicism has caught the attention of a vast number of people in our society today. It is especially popular with visionaries, from politicians to entrepreneurs. This surge in popularity of the Stoic philosophy is mainly due to its stance on essential qualities such as virtue, discipline, and control. In “Lives of the Stoics,” bestselling authors Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman share some interesting insights into the lives of people who lived by the ever-relevant virtues of Stoicism.
In this summary, we will examine what the Stoic philosophy was like for its early adopters and fervent followers. We’ll highlight important lessons to be learned from their struggles as well as their successes. You will not only learn about the lives of the few Stoics we’ll be examining, but you will also learn about how Stoicism helped them live a life of happiness, success, virtue, and resilience.
Stoicism is a philosophy of deeds — it is all about learning to live a good and virtuous life
Listen the first key point
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Contrary to popular belief, philosophy isn’t about having your face buried in books all day long, ruminating on the biggest questions of life, as you gradually ostracize yourself from society. The truth is, philosophy is all about learning to become a better person. Anything else, according to philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, is nothing more than a critique of words with other words.
This school of thought — that believes deeds trump words or ideas — is the foundation of the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, which was born in Athens, Greece, in the 4th century BC. According to the Roman-era Stoic philosopher Seneca, the primary purpose of reading and study is to live a good and happy life. Unfortunately, in our world today, philosophy is all about what smart people say, what big words they use, what paradoxes and riddles they can confuse us with. No wonder most people would rather steer clear of it because it seems so impractical. And quite frankly, this modern-day “pen-and-ink philosophy” is impractical.
All the Stoics cared about was how well they lived and how virtuous they were. To them, the quality of one's choices, causes, and principles was much more important than mere words.
Stoicism was a philosophy of action, and its core virtues — courage, self-control, justice, and wisdom — are still as relevant today as they were in ancient times.
Each Stoic philosopher who lived centuries ago has something crucial to teach us. We all need to learn from the way each of them trod the path of virtue. There is a lot to learn from their life experiences, philosophical writings, and even their deaths.
Yes, Stoics believed we are all born to die, whether naturally, by assassination, by suicide, or by laughing too hard at a joke, as was the case of Chrysippus. To them, philosophy wasn’t just about learning how to live but also learning how to die. So, the Stoics teach us wisely not only how to live but also how to face the most terrifying part of life: death. By their examples, they teach us the art of going out well.
In this summary, we’ll be looking at the lives of powerful Stoic philosophers who, though they are long gone, have great, relevant lessons to teach each of us through the stories of how they lived and died.
second key point
Never give up; be courageous and persevere in the face of hardship
Though Stoicism has grown to become a world, it didn’t have a glorious beginning. It all started in the 4th century BC with one man’s misfortune. That man was Zeno, the Phoenician merchant. Zeno’s family made their fortune trading Tyrian purple dye — a rare dye that was highly valued.
"Lives of the Stoics" explores the teachings and philosophies of ancient Stoic thinkers, from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius. This insightful book delves into the lives of these influential figures, revealing their wisdom and practical advice on how to navigate life's challenges. With a blend of historical anecdotes and modern interpretations, the authors offer a compelling guide to applying Stoic principles in our own lives, fostering resilience, inner peace, and a meaningful existence.
Who should read Lives of the Stoics
Philosophy enthusiasts seeking to explore the teachings of ancient Stoics.
Individuals interested in adopting Stoic principles for personal growth.
History buffs intrigued by the lives of influential Stoic philosophers.
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Do you find yourself staring at your computer for long minutes, unaware of time slipping by? Do you enter a room and suddenly cannot remember why you stepped in the first place? Is it a herculean task for you to sit through ten pages of a book without reaching for your phone? If yes, your focus needs some work and fast.
Actually, yours is not a unique situation. Many adults like you have issues concentrating on a given task. However, in this fast-paced world of ours, you can’t afford to be not focused at all times. Thankfully, this article comes to your rescue! With the tips and tricks from Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, you will get in the top percent of folks who have mastered the art of concentration.