Epictetus - Discourses Pt. 4: On Progress

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.

The Dragon Masters series, part of Scholastic's Branches line, is designed for newly independent readers. The series follows young dragon trainers like Drake, Ana, Rori, and Bo as they train with their dragons to battle against the evil wizard Maldred. Each book is fully illustrated with engaging black-and-white artwork and features easy-to-read text, high-interest content, and fast-paced plots. The series emphasizes themes of friendship, self-confidence, and the importance of trust and communication between the dragon masters and their dragons.

Nelson, a typical nerdy kid, wakes up on his tenth birthday to find he has developed ninja powers. He must navigate his new abilities while saving the world from evil forces, aided by his cool granny's inventions. The book is part of the Ninja Kid series, known for its action-packed and light-hearted storytelling.

In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers. Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life. The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism[4][5][6].

In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more. The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body. Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life. He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness[2][3][5].

In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.

Epictetus' Discourses, compiled by his student Arrian, represent a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy. These teachings emphasize inner freedom, focusing on what we can control—our thoughts and actions—rather than external events. Epictetus's practical approach to living a virtuous life resonates with readers seeking guidance on managing emotions and navigating life's challenges. His emphasis on self-awareness and acceptance of what is beyond our control offers a path to inner peace and resilience. The Discourses remain a valuable resource for understanding and applying Stoic principles in daily life.