Have You Read These? | The Brutal Truth About Ego (The Stoics Warn About)

This book collects a range of essays intended to instruct, from consolations—works that offer comfort to someone who has suffered a personal loss—to pieces on how to achieve happiness or tranquility in the face of a difficult world. Edited by Elizabeth Asmis, Shadi Bartsch, and Martha C. Nussbaum, these expertly translated essays are part of a fresh and compelling series of new English-language translations of Seneca's works. The collection is designed to be read and used by undergraduate philosophy students and experienced scholars alike.

This book compiles the teachings of Musonius Rufus, a prominent Roman Stoic philosopher. His speeches offer practical advice on living a virtuous life, emphasizing self-control, resilience, and the importance of inner peace. Rufus's teachings provide a valuable perspective on Stoic philosophy, highlighting its relevance to everyday life. The book is a testament to the enduring power of Stoicism and its ability to guide individuals toward a more fulfilling existence. It offers a unique insight into the development of Stoic thought.

In this essay, Seneca addresses the common complaint that life is too short by arguing that life is sufficiently long if one uses it wisely. He contends that people waste much of their time in luxury, carelessness, and pointless activities. Seneca emphasizes the importance of living in the present, pursuing philosophical wisdom, and avoiding the distractions that make life seem short. He advises readers to organize each day as if it were their last and to avoid procrastination and the preoccupation with future or past concerns.

This book is a translation of Seneca's 'De Ira' (On Anger), where Seneca argues that anger is a toxic emotion that should be avoided at all costs. Using historical examples, anecdotes, and rhetorical flair, Seneca paints a grim picture of the moral perils of anger and advocates for a path of forgiveness and compassion. The book is part of Princeton University Press's 'Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers' series and includes an introduction and notes by James Romm. Seneca's thoughts on anger are presented as a valuable antidote to the ills of an angry age, relevant both for personal growth and societal renewal.

Call Sign Chaos is a memoir that chronicles General Jim Mattis's career from his early days as a Marine recruit to his role as a four-star general and Secretary of Defense. The book is divided into three parts: Direct Leadership, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership. Mattis recounts his foundational experiences, extracting lessons on warfighting, peacemaking, the importance of allies, and strategic dilemmas. He emphasizes the need for America to return to a strategic footing to avoid fighting inconclusive wars. The book offers a unique leadership philosophy developed through constant study and action, making it relevant for both military and civilian leaders.

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.

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.

The Discourses of Epictetus are a series of informal lectures written down by his pupil Arrian around 108 AD. The philosophy of Epictetus is intensely practical, directing students to focus on their opinions, anxieties, passions, and desires to distinguish what is within their control from what is not. The teachings aim to make people free and happy by living virtuously and 'according to nature. ' The Discourses cover a wide range of topics, including friendship, illness, fear, and poverty, and how to acquire and maintain tranquility. They are set in Epictetus' classroom in Nicopolis and reflect his earnest and often humorous style of teaching.

In *How Not to Die*, Dr. Michael Greger examines the top 15 causes of premature death in America, including heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's, and high blood pressure. He explains how nutritional and lifestyle interventions can often be more effective than pharmaceutical and surgical approaches in preventing and reversing these diseases. The book includes Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen, a checklist of foods to consume daily for maximum health benefits, and is backed by extensive scientific research and evidence.

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.