By: Stephen Hanselman The Seeds Of Virtue For perception is the origin of all appropriation (oikeiosis) and alienation (allotriosis), and Zeno and his followers assert that oikeiosis (appropriation, or alliance) is the principle of justice. –Porphyry, On the Abstinence from Animal Food, 3.190 Porphyry, the great Neoplatonic philosopher writing toward the end of the third century …
By: Stephen Hanselman The English language has done a great disservice to two of ancient philosophy’s greatest schools—Stoicism and Epicureanism. In the case of Stoicism, its popular meaning today suggests little more than a stiff-upper-lip, hyper-rational, emotionless automaton, not unlike the Star Trek character Mr. Spock. Similarly, Epicureanism’s popular meaning evokes a kind of sordid indulgence in food, …
By: Stephen Hanselman [1] If You Want a Smooth Flow of Life, Live According to Nature At the core of Stoic teaching is the founder Zeno’s idea that a smooth flow of life (euroia biou) comes from “living in agreement with nature.” It was the second leader of the Stoics, Zeno’s student Cleanthes, who added the last part, “with nature” (te phusei; or …
By: Stephen Hanselman For I believe a good king is from the outset and by necessity a philosopher, and the philosopher is from the outset a kingly person.” — Musonius Rufus, Lectures, 8.33.32–34 Stoic ethics were grounded in rejecting the valuing of external things and focusing instead on valuing our reason and choices in the pursuit …
On this page, you will find: Book Review: Lives Of The Stoics Meet The Authors: Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman 5 Takeaway Lessons From Lives of the Stoics All We Control Is How We Respond Don’t Do It Alone Be The Red Thread Keep Your Head Value The Four Cardinal Virtues 10 Best Quotes From …
If you have ever looked at much ancient or medieval art, you’ll notice something: Death is everywhere. The French painter Philippe de Champaigne’s famous “Still Life with a Skull,” which shows the three essentials of existence—the tulip (life), the skull (death), and the hourglass (time). The beautiful anonymous German engraving from 1635 that features a …
Memento Mori: COVID-19 Teaches Us That Death Is Closer Than You Think Read More »
What do Nick Saban, Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick, Andy McKay and Shaka Smart all have in common? They’re all incredible coaches, sure. But a love of ancient philosophy? Surprisingly, yes. In a recent article on the power of Stoicism in professional sports, ESPN highlighted coaches and athletes from every sport who have benefitted from the …
If you’ve served in the Military, Law Enforcement, or in any government agency, you’ve probably seen challenge coins passed around. Historically, a challenge coin holds the emblem or insignia of a specific group and is carried by that group’s members. Roman Legionnaires, military personnel and private sector companies have all used challenge coins to show …
Arete—the most powerful word to the Stoics. It means excellence, and it was the ultimate expression of human greatness—moral, physical, spiritual. It’s what the Stoics were chasing. It’s what we’re all chasing. Reaching it requires a certain philosophical approach. Because brilliance and inspiration and skill are not enough. Summing up Aristotle’s thoughts on excellence, Will …
The Power of Habits: What The Ancients Knew About Making Good Ones & Breaking Bad Ones Read More »
