Nancy Sherman, a Georgetown philosophy professor and author of several works on Stoicism, reexamines ancient teachings in a modern context. She critiques the misconception of Stoicism as mere self-reliance, emphasizing the necessity of social connections and emotional engagement. Sherman discusses the philosophy's evolution, highlighting figures like Cicero and Seneca, and the value of humor in navigating mortality. She advocates for vulnerability and the significance of gratitude, illustrating that Stoicism is not just about the self but also about our relationships with others.
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insights INSIGHT
Stoicism and Social Connection
Modern Stoicism often emphasizes self-reliance and control.
Nancy Sherman argues this is incomplete and neglects social connections.
insights INSIGHT
Stoic Philosophers
Stoicism originated with figures like Diogenes and Zeno of Citium.
It transitioned to Roman thinkers like Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca.
insights INSIGHT
Interconnectedness in Stoicism
Stoics believed in interconnectedness, contrasting Aristotle's focus on individual vulnerability.
Marcus Aurelius highlighted this with the analogy of a separated hand or foot.
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Stoic Warriors, the ancient philosophy behind the military mind
Nancy Sherman
Epictetus
Epictetus
This book compiles the complete surviving works of Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher. It includes his Discourses, which were transcribed by his pupil Arrian, the Handbook (Enchiridion), a practical guide to moral self-improvement, and various Fragments. Epictetus's teachings focus on distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not, accepting nature's course, and living a virtuous life through rigorous self-discipline. Edited and translated by Robin Waterfield, this collection brings Epictetus's insights to modern readers on how to cope with various life challenges.
Marcus Aurelius
The Stoic Emperor
Donald Robertson
Stoic Wisdom
Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience
Nancy Sherman
In 'Stoic Wisdom', Nancy Sherman presents a compelling, modern Stoicism that teaches how to find calm in times of stress and uncertainty. Drawing on the wisdom of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and others, Sherman shows how Stoic methods of examining beliefs and perceptions can help correct distortions in what we believe, see, and feel. The book emphasizes the importance of cooperative efforts and deep relationships in building resilience and goodness. It addresses 21st-century concerns such as stress, burnout, and social justice through nine lessons that combine ancient quotes and daily exercises with contemporary ethics and psychology.
Plato
Plato
Aristotle
Roger Crisp
Aristotle
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman
In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.
Socrates
Socrates
In *The Apology*, Plato recounts the speech Socrates delivered at his trial, where he was charged with impiety and corrupting the youth. Socrates defends his actions and philosophy, emphasizing his duty to seek truth and wisdom as directed by the oracle at Delphi. He argues that his mission is to awaken the Athenian state from its ignorance and that he is willing to face death rather than abandon his philosophical pursuits. The dialogue is a cornerstone of Western philosophy, highlighting Socrates' method of questioning and his commitment to ethical living[1][2][4].
To the Lighthouse
Virginia Woolf
To the Lighthouse, published in 1927, is a groundbreaking work of modernist literature by Virginia Woolf. The novel is divided into three sections: 'The Window,' 'Time Passes,' and 'The Lighthouse.' It follows the Ramsay family during their summer visits to the Isle of Skye, delving into the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters through stream-of-consciousness techniques. The novel reflects the impact of World War I on the family and society, and it explores themes such as loss, subjectivity, the nature of art, and the problem of perception. Woolf's intricate prose and rich exploration of consciousness make this novel a masterpiece of world literature[1][2][4].
Seneca
Seneca
Diogenes
Diogenes
Cleanthes
Cleanthes
Cleanthes
Chrysippus
Chrysippus
Chrysippus
After War, Healing the Moral Wounds of Our Soldiers
After War, Healing the Moral Wounds of Our Soldiers
Nancy Sherman
Zeno of Citium
Zeno of Citium
Zeno of Citium
Musonius Rufus
Musonius Rufus
Aulus Gellius
Aulus Gellius
Heracles
Heracles
Heracles
Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Stoicism reimagined
With the modern revival of stoic philosophy, plenty of ancient wisdom has returned to the modern world - but what ideas have we consigned to history?
These days, we think of stoicism as a philosophy that preaches a fearless self-reliance and detachment from the challenges of the world. However, distinguished philosopher Nancy Sherman argues that this is an incomplete understanding of Stoicism, and that the modern Stoic must also focus on cultivating strong relationships in the outside world.
Nancy Sherman is professor of philosophy at Georgetown University, having previously taught at Yale University, John Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland. Nancy was also the inaugural Distinguished Chair in Ethics at the United States Naval Academy, and she has written six books, including; "Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons For Modern Resilience", "Stoic Warriors: The Ancient Philosophy Behind the Military Mind", and "Afterwar: Healing the Moral Wounds of Our Soldiers".
Philosophy For Our Times 
