Is Providence Good Luck or Bad Luck?

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The ancients took what we call luck to be divine providence, and therefore they saw it as something that was destined but could not have been foreseen or changed. The Stoics would sometimes use i interchangeablyd at least say it's translated m as as luck, or whatever else. What providence has given me, and this is why we quote you in the book, is an opportunity to be tested, in the sense of my character. It doesn't mean that we need a challenge, an external challnge t pep all the time that we need an i need a challenge at work in order to show that i am flourishing.

This interview of Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos covers their 2021 book titled, Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In. Their book provides a short (136 pages, excluding notes) yet highly informative introduction to Stoicism as a way of life. Being Better was written for a general audience, and it is the best book I've read for two types of people. First, for those new to Stoicism, Being Better provides an excellent introduction. It includes just enough philosophical theory and history to acquaint the reader with Stoicism. The second audience is the person considering Stoicism but is unsure it's right for them. After reading Being Better, readers will know if Stoicism is a philosophical way of life worth pursuing further. Finally, I cannot think of a better book for those who want to give a short, easy-to-read, informative, and interesting book to a friend or family member who is curious about Stoicism. A video version of this interview is available on YouTube