The Daily Stoic Why You Must Return Again and Again
Aug 27, 2020
Have you ever wondered why some books resonate differently as you age? The discussion emphasizes the value of revisiting classic literature and philosophical texts. As we grow, insights from these works can take on new meanings. Rather than considering your first reading as the last, explore the evolving wisdom that these texts offer at various life stages.
03:20
Evolving Understanding
- Early readings of classic literature might not fully resonate.
- As we grow and change, revisiting these works can offer fresh insights.
Zweig and Montaigne
- Stefan Zweig initially didn't appreciate Montaigne's work in his youth.
- Later, during exile, Zweig rediscovered and deeply connected with Montaigne's wisdom.
Return to the Source
- Return to impactful books and authors.
- Like a river, both the world and we are constantly changing, altering our understanding.
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The great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan.
The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.
Letters from a Stoic
Seneca
Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic" comprises a collection of personal letters offering practical advice on living a virtuous life according to Stoic principles.
Written to Lucilius, a friend and student, the letters cover a wide range of topics, including dealing with adversity, managing emotions, and finding inner peace.
Seneca's writing style is engaging and relatable, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience.
The letters offer timeless wisdom on self-improvement and ethical living.
They remain a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
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 Count of Monte Cristo
Alexandre Dumas père
Essays
None
Michel de Montaigne
Montaigne's *Essays* are a seminal work that introduced the essay as a literary form.
The book is a personal and introspective exploration of various subjects, including the human condition, skepticism, and the importance of concrete experience over abstract learning.
Montaigne's skepticism is reflected in the title *Essais*, meaning 'Attempts' or 'Tests', indicating a project of trial and error and tentative exploration.
The essays cover topics such as the education of children, the role of the body, illness, aging, and death.
Montaigne's writing style is characterized by multiple digressions, anecdotes from ancient and contemporary sources, and quotations that reinforce his critical analysis of reality.
The Odyssey
Homer
The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges.
Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage.
With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne.
The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.
Montaigne
Stefan Zweig
This biography by Stefan Zweig delves into the life and philosophy of Michel de Montaigne, a Renaissance French statesman and philosopher.
Zweig, who was living in exile in Brazil during World War II, found solace in Montaigne's writings and drew parallels between Montaigne's turbulent times and his own.
The book discusses Montaigne's unique upbringing, his public life, and his retreat to a tower to write his famous 'Essais'.
Zweig admires Montaigne's commitment to individual freedom and his ability to maintain his moral and spiritual independence in the face of societal chaos.
The biography is as much about Montaigne as it is about Zweig's own reflections on freedom, tolerance, and the human condition during times of turmoil.
The Complete Works
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Michel de Montaigne
Michel de Montaigne's "Essays" are a collection of personal reflections on a wide range of topics, including life, death, friendship, and self-knowledge.
Written in the 16th century, these essays are remarkable for their honesty, introspection, and intellectual depth.
Montaigne's willingness to share his vulnerabilities and doubts makes his work relatable and engaging even centuries later.
His essays are characterized by their digressive style and their exploration of the complexities of human experience.
The "Essays" remain a cornerstone of Western literature, offering timeless insights into the human condition.
"You were in high school when you read The Great Gatsby for the first time. You were just a kid when you read The Count of Monte Cristo or had someone tell you the story of Odysseus. Maybe it’s been many years now since you first picked up the Stoics, whether it was Marcus Aurelius or Seneca.
The point is: You got it right? You read them. You’re done, right?"
Ryan discusses a better way to re-engage with books you've read before in today's Daily Stoic Podcast.
Sign up for the Daily Stoic Read to Lead challenge: https://dailystoic.com/read
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