This new edition of Stoicism provides an introduction to one of the most influential schools of philosophy in antiquity, the influence of which has persisted to the present day.Originating in Athens around 300 BCE, Stoicism flourished for some five hundred years and has remained a constant presence throughout the history of Western philosophy. This new revised edition takes into account the wealth of scholarship that has been published in the last 20 years and the explosio...

What do we really need in order to live a happy life? An Epicurean antidote to anxietyOver two thousand years ago the Greek philosopher Epicurus offered a seemingly simple answer: all we really want is pleasure.Today we tend to associate the word 'Epicurean' with the enjoyment of fine food and wine and decadent self-indulgence. But, as philosopher John Sellars shows, these things are a world away from the vision of a pleasant life ...

In this new study, John Sellars offers a fresh examination of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations as a work of philosophy by placing it against the background of the tradition of Stoic philosophy to which Marcus was committed.The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius is a perennial bestseller, attracting countless readers drawn to its unique mix of philosophical reflection and practical advice. The emperor is usually placed alongside Seneca and Epictetus as one of three great R...

Brought to you by Penguin.What aspects of your life do you really control? What do you do when you cannot guarantee that things will turn out in your favour? And what can Stoicism teach us about how to live together?In the past few years, Stoicism has been making a comeback. But what exactly did the Stoics believe? In Lessons in Stoicism, philosopher John Sellars weaves together the key ideas of the three great Roman Stoics - Seneca, Epict...

'Excellent. . . Sellars gives a lucid, easy-to-follow account of what Stoicism as a way of life amounts to, and how you might start to put it into practice' Nigel WarburtonHow can Stoicism inspire us to lead more enjoyable lives?In the past few years, Stoicism has been making a comeback. But what exactly did the Stoics believe? In Lessons in Stoicism, philosopher John Sellars weaves together the key ideas of the three great Roman S...

'John Sellars excels at writing short books for a general audience on ancient philosophy. . . A great way into one of the greatest philosophers of all time' Nigel Warburton, Five BooksWhy has Aristotle had such an astounding influence on the world? What are his key ideas? What can he still teach us today?The Lyceum in Athens, now a ruin, has a claim to be the most significant place in human history. It is the site ...

Brought to you by Penguin.There is in Athens a rather plain ruin; a simple courtyard lined with fragments of wall. Yet, this little patch of land has a claim to be the most significant place in human history. It is the Lyceum, site of Aristotle's school: here the philosopher wandered, discussing his life's work with students, proposing answers to the mysteries of the human condition.Today, it can be difficult to fully comprehend the staggering influence of ...

A thought-provoking take on the common myths and misconceptions about one of the most popular philosophical movements, StoicismStoicism is one of the world’s most popular – and misunderstood – traditions. We all know what it means to be ‘stoical’: to have a stiff upper lip, to hide or suppress one’s emotions, to be indifferent to the outside world. But is there a difference between being 'stoic' and being a 'Stoic'? Is it actually about feeling nothing? Are Stoics ...

A thought-provoking take on the common myths and misconceptions about one of the most popular philosophical movements, StoicismStoicism is one of the world’s most popular – and misunderstood – traditions. We all know what it means to be ‘stoical’: to have a stiff upper lip, to hide or suppress one’s emotions, to be indifferent to the outside world. But is there a difference between being 'stoic' and being a 'Stoic'? Is it actually about feeling nothing? Are Stoics ...

Learn how to succeed in business with the millennia-old Stoic mindset. An overview of Stoic principles alongside strategies to lead with clarity and control.Nothing great is easy, as Epictetus said. But it is achievable. The Stoic Leader brings together the five principles of Stoicism to empower you to lead with clarity and resilience and master your mindset.In The Stoic Leader, successful CEO Justin Stead and leading Stoic authority John ...

The Hellenistic period was a rich and exciting time for philosophy. It saw the birth of two new schools of thought, Epicureanism and Stoicism, and important developments in Plato's Academy. Aristotelians and Cynics were also active during the period, all of which created a vibrant philosophical landscape. Many of the ideas now associated with early modern and enlightenment philosophy - such as empiricism, materialism, and religious scepticism - were widely discussed by Hellenistic philosop...

Ancient philosophy was conceived as a way of life or an art of living, but if ancient philosophers did think that philosophy should transform an individual's way of life, then what conception of philosophy stands behind this claim? John Sellars explores this question through a detailed account of ancient Stoic ideas about the nature and function of philosophy. He considers the Socratic background to Stoic thinking about philosophy and Sceptical objections raised by Sextus Empiricus, and of...