Ancient Stoicism in Plain English

May 10, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

How To Act When You Meet The Powerful (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English 1.19)

This discourse discusses how we become arrogant when we think we are powerful. We also become subservient to others when we think that others are powerful. There is no need for this if we stop valuing external things.

May 6, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

No Need To Be Angry. Here’s Why. (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English 1.18)

People do what they do because it seems right to them. This is true even of thieves and adulterers. We should not be angry at them. We are angry because we value external things. When we train ourselves not to value externals, we will stop being angry at others.

May 3, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Understand Why Logic Is Important (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English 1.17)

It is important for us to study logic so, when we engage with others, we can understand what is valid and what is not.

April 29, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Always Be Thankful (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English I.16)

We should be grateful for the many gifts we have received from God, says Epictetus. But we don’t recognize or appreciate them. Worse still, we keep complaining. We must stop doing this and be grateful to the gifts we are given.

April 26, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Nothing Happens In An Instant (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plan English I.15)

As wood is the material for the carpenter, as marble is for the sculptor, so is the art of living for each individual. But nothing happens overnight. You need to be patient and understand that philosophy does not promise anything that is outside of your control.

April 22, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

God Watches Over Us (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English 1.14)

If we see the unity of everything around us and see how everything in nature is coordinated, then it is easy to understand that God watches over everything that we do.

April 19, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Act Rationally To Please God (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English I.13)

Do not be upset if things don’t happen the way you expect them to. Remember not to put yourself above others, even if you have authority over them.

April 15, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Let Things Unfold As They Do (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English 1.12)

There are many views about God. We believe that God exists and cares about what happens to everyone. You are free if everything that happens to you happens according to your choice and not contrary to it.

April 12, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Know Your Opinions Drive Your Behavior (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English I.11)

Not knowing right from wrong, what is natural from what is not, is a great shortcoming. We cannot assume that behaviour adopted by most people is necessarily in accordance with nature.

April 8, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Be Diligent In Your Pursuit (Epictetus’ Discourses in Plain English 1.10)

We don’t pursue our goals as diligently as people after power pursue theirs, even though our goals are highly worth pursuing.