127. Massimo Pigliucci on Stoicism

Written by Thucydides, this work is a detailed and insightful historical account of the Peloponnesian War. It chronicles the conflict between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Athenian Empire, emphasizing the significant impact of this war on Greek society. Thucydides outlines the historical context leading up to the war, tracing the evolution of Greek society and detailing the tensions and incidents that led to the conflict. The narrative examines key events, alliances, and the complex interplay of human ambition and political motivations during the war.

In this book, Massimo Pigliucci provides an introduction to Stoic philosophy, updating it for a contemporary scientific worldview. The book is divided into three main sections, focusing on the disciplines of desire, action, and assent. Pigliucci uses personal anecdotes and historical examples to illustrate how Stoic principles can be applied to everyday challenges, such as managing emotions, making moral decisions, and coping with life's uncertainties. The book emphasizes the distinction between what is within our control and what is not, and offers practical exercises to integrate Stoic practices into daily life.

The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.

The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life. It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations. Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.