Showing titles in History

The book explores themes of Buddhist and Stoic mindfulness, shared psychological insights, as well as Stoic and Buddhist practices for cultivating compassion and concern for others. It is for anyone who is interested in how either Stoicism or Buddhism can be a helpful and heartfelt addition to his or her life, as well as reflecting on how both Stoicism and Buddhism are undergoing dynamic "reinterpretations" in the modern world.

Lucretius' poem On the Nature of Things combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with some of the greatest poetry ever written. With intense moral fervour he demonstrates to humanity that in death there is nothing to fear since the soul is mortal, and the world and everything in it is governed by the mechanical laws of nature and not by gods; and that by believing this men can live in peace of mind and happiness. He bases this on the atomic theory expounded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus, and continues with an examination of sensation, sex, cosmology, meteorology, and geology.

Affrontare gradualmente i grandi temi dello filosofia in modo chiaro e accessibile: questo è lo scopo del libro. Attraverso un approccio innovativo gli autori ripercorrono la storia della filosofia occidentale dai presocratici fino ai pensatori contemporanei: ogni sezione del libro è dedicata a un tema particolare affiancando a un'esposizione generale una sintetica trattazione storica. Un'opera che costituisce un'affascinante introduzione alla storia del pensiero e ai grandi filosofi.

The world we live in nowadays is so frantic and full of distractions. You’re not the only one feeling anxious and unable to focus on your personal life due to this fast-paced society. The good news is the right change of perspective can offer you clarity and help you achieve the mental balance you need to live an efficient and successful life. Stoicism, as a philosophy, can help you achieve just that.

Discover the depths of Plato's timeless wisdom with this new annotated edition of "The Republic." Delve into the intricate layers of this philosophical masterpiece alongside a comprehensive exploration of Plato's life. This edition features:

Pupil of the great Plato, teacher of Alexander the Great, Aristotle is a massively influential figure in Western philosophy. Cicero described his literary style as "a river of gold". Modern ethics are based on his ideas about virtue; his writings literally encompassed all the scientific knowledge of the time and beyond, so much that many of his findings were still considered cutting-edge many century afterwards. Aristotle also shaped modern logic, and put his mark on all subsequent philosophy and theology.

"Wisdom in the Shadows" is a captivating exploration of the lives and ideas of the most influential medieval Jewish philosophers. From Saadia Gaon to Hasdai Crescas, this book takes listeners on a journey through the intellectual landscape of the Middle Ages, a time when Jewish thinkers grappled with profound questions about God, the universe, and the human soul.

Symposium by Plato is a philosophical dialogue centered around a banquet in ancient Athens, where several prominent figures, including Socrates, gather to discuss the nature of love.

Michel de Montaigne, one of the foremost writers of the French Renaissance and the originator of the genre of the essay, wrote on subjects ranging from friendship to imagination, from language to conscience. This collection includes 22 of Montaigne's essays, including "Of Prognostications," "Of the Custom of Wearing Clothes," "Of Pedantry," and "Of Friendship."

In 45 BCE, the Roman statesman Cicero fell to pieces when his beloved daughter, Tullia, died from complications of childbirth. But from the depths of despair, Cicero fought his way back. In an effort to cope with his loss, he wrote a consolation speech—not for others, as had always been done, but for himself. And it worked. Cicero's Consolation was something new in literature, equal parts philosophy and motivational speech.

Why You Think the Way You Do traces the development of the worldviews that underpin the Western world. Professor and historian Glenn S. Sunshine demonstrates the decisive impact that the growth of Christianity had in transforming the outlook of pagan Roman culture into one that—based on biblical concepts of humanity and its relationship with God—established virtually all the positive aspects of Western civilization.

"De la vie heureuse" est un traité de sagesse, intemporel et universel. Il a été écrit par Sénèque comme un dialogue avec un interlocuteur imaginaire, vers 58 après Jésus Christ. L'œuvre est dédiée à Gallion, frère aîné de Sénèque. Son principal objet est de montrer que le bonheur n'est pas matériel, mais naît d'une vie en accord avec la vertu et la raison (selon les préceptes du stoïcisme).

Stoicism is called the philosophical doctrine that practiced mastery of the passions that disturb life using virtue and reason; as such, its purpose was to achieve happiness and wisdom regardless of comfort, material goods, and fortune. Hence, it also designates a certain moral attitude related to strength and equanimity in character.

Pupil of the great Plato, teacher of Alexander the Great, Aristotle is a massively influential figure in Western philosophy. Cicero described his literary style as "a river of gold". Modern ethics are based on his ideas about virtue; his writings literally encompassed all the scientific knowledge of the time and beyond, so much that many of his findings were still considered cutting-edge many century afterwards. Aristotle also shaped modern logic, and put his mark on all subsequent philosophy and theology. We have selected for you 100 of his most profound and influent quotes, so that you can see for yourself how modern these fundamental ideas still are. Nourish your daily life with Aristotle's Ethics, strengthen your thoughts with his Logic, and adopt his scientific ways for a clearer life.

The Republic is a classic work by an ancient Greek philosopher Plato. There is one of the most famous dialogues of Plato about the arrangement of the state structure and the essence of the state (contemporary for Plato, of course, but also important nowadays because the whole modern so called "European civilisation" is based, first of all, on ancient schemes). The structure of Plato's dialogue is similar to others. Socrates and Glaucon are coming back to Athens from Piraeus. They are stopped by Polemarchus who invites them to visit him and talk.

Western philosophers have long claimed that God, if such a being exists, is a personal force capable of reason, and that the path to a good human life is also the path to a happy one. But what if these claims prove false, or at least deeply misleading? The Aztecs of central Mexico had a rich philosophical tradition, recorded in Latin script by Spanish clergymen and passed down for centuries in the native Nahuatl language—one of the earliest transcripts being the Huehuetlatolli, or Discourses of the Elders, compiled by Friar Andres de Olmos circa 1535.

Su nombre ha llegado hasta nosotros como un mito lejano y sin tiempo, uno de los filósofos más conocidos de la Antigüedad clásica. En su célebre escuela, denominada el Jardín, eran admitidos por igual hombres y mujeres, los cuales gozaban de los mismos derechos. Para él, la filosofía es un instrumento útil para conquistar la felicidad. ¿Cómo conquista el ser humano la felicidad? Cuando pone el placer como finalidad. Sin embargo, no es el placer sensual vinculado a las apetencias del cuerpo lo que el ser humano debe perseguir, sino....

Machiavelli has been among the most commented upon, criticized and feared thinkers of the modern world. Infamous for his support of brutality and repression as valid political instruments, he is often portrayed as the pantomime villain of political theorists. In this whirlwind tour of Machiavelli's writings and eventful life, Nederman highlights the complexities in his thought, showing that he actually advocated democracy as much as dictatorship, debate as much as violence.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was one of Britain's most celebrated writers with his invention of the ultimate detective, Sherlock Holmes, completely altering the crime-fiction genre of the late 19th century. As well as this, he was a pioneering sportsman, a doctor of medicine, and champion of the underdog, helping to free two men who were unjustly imprisoned. Of most importance to the man himself, however, was his belief in life after death and the spreading of the 'vital message'.

Introducing a brand new translation of Marcus Aurelius's timeless work, "Meditation," accompanied by insightful commentary from the author including a full index of historical figures mentioned in the text and a seldom seen testimony from Aurelius to the Roman Senate. This edition offers a fresh perspective on the philosophical musings of the ancient Roman emperor, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of his wisdom and teachings. With clear and engaging language, this translation and commentary bring the profound insights of Marcus Aurelius to life for contemporary audiences.