Blog Posts

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

God Is Knowledge And Reason (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English II.8)

The nature of God is in knowledge and right reason. Plants and animals cannot interpret the impressions they receive. So, we cannot apply the terms “good” and “bad” to them.

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

Don’t Fear The Future (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English II.7)

Because we are anxious about the future we go to people like fortune-tellers. Even if they can predict the future, they really don’t know what is good for us.

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

Learn To Handle Things That Are Indifferent (Epictetus Discourses In Plain English II.6)

Life is indifferent. The way we use it is not. When you know less about something, yield to those who know more.

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

Deal With The Cards You Are Handed (Epictetus Discourses In Plain English II.5)

We have no choice about what happens. But we can choose how to deal with what happens. We can be obstructed only in things we don’t control.

July 13, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Gain Real Life Experience And Expertise (Epictetus’ In Plain English. Discourses II.4)

We don’t need to seek other people’s recommendations. If others are capable of judging us they will do so. If they are not, recommendations won’t help anyway. We are not able judge life situations correctly because we lack knowledge and experience.

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

Be Faithful (Epictetus In Plain English II.3)

We are born to be faithful to one another. Denying this is denying our humanity. Even if you are a scholar, if you are not faithful, your humanity is diminished.

July 5, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Achieve Tranquility By Avoiding Externals (Epictetus’ Discourses II.2)

When you are the master of your desires and emotions, you win. Going after externals makes you a slave. Do not provoke others unnecessarily.

July 1, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

You Can Be Confident As Well As Cautious (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English II.1)

We should be confident in what does not depend on our choice and be cautious in what does. But we do the opposite.

June 17, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Have These Principles Handy During Difficult Times (Epictetus Discourse in Plain English I.30)

1. No matter how powerful an authority we face, there is someone higher looking down upon us. 2. The higher authority is pleased when you show what you have learned: Good and evil come from your choices and externals are nothing to you.

June 14, 2017 - Ancient Stoicism in Plain English
Tag(s): Book Excerpts

Be Steadfast In Your Practice (Epictetus’ Discourses In Plain English I.29)

1. Good and evil come from our choices. If our judgement about externals is correct, our choice is good; if our judgement is distorted or crooked, then our choice is bad. Therefore, if you want something good, get it from yourself. 2. Someone who threatens you physically can only threaten...