Stoicism: The Eternal Principles of the Stoic Way of Living - a New Fresh and Easy to Understand Vision of ‘the Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius, 'on the Shortness of Life’ by Seneca, and ‘Enchiridion

By Chandler Andersen

The eternal principles of the stoic way of living - A new fresh and easy to understand vision of 'The Meditations'  by Marcus Aurelius, 'On the Shortness of Life' by Seneca, and 'Enchiridion' by Epictetus

This practical guide leads you through all the major pillar thoughts of the main stoic philosophers, revealing the eternal principles of the stoic way of living in a new fresh and easy to understand style.

 

This book is a tool of empowerment.  You are going to learn the secrets that led to the growth and establishment of influential philosophers, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus, who are known to have led admirable lives

 

By the end of it, you are going to be exposed to a new way of living that can help you change your life. You are going to be equipped with the principles that guided them in this same world you are living in. You are no longer going to be a puppet, being swayed from side to side. Trying to please anyone and everyone while frustrating the most important person, you.

Even as the world changes, the relevance of these principles never changes. One thousand years from now, they are still going to make sense. Study them, practice and adopt them as your own. By doing this, you are going to live a fulfilled life, satisfied and content.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cameron Walker
• Release date: Oct 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386641681

Book preview

Introduction

This practical guide leads you through all the major pillar thoughts of the main stoic philosophers, revealing the eternal principles of the stoic way of living in a new fresh and easy to understand style.

Life is dynamic, always changing from one minute to the next. Technology, fashions, trends, and lifestyles; it’s hard to keep up. People end up losing their sense of identity as they try to fit in. What results is a group of people with no idea of who they are, no principles, and no sense of direction either.

With no sense of the self, it becomes hard to live your best life. With no principles, you cannot stand firm against the evil in the world. When you don’t know what you want nor what you live for, you conform to any lifestyle, adopt any behavior and live your life trying to fit into a world that has lost all sense of humanity.

This book is a tool of empowerment.  You are going to learn the secrets that led to the growth and establishment of influential philosophers, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus, who are known to have led admirable lives

By the end of it, you are going to be exposed to a new way of living that can help you change your life. You are going to be equipped with the principles that guided them in this same world you are living in. You are no longer going to be a puppet, being swayed from side to side. Trying to please anyone and everyone while frustrating the most important person, you.

Even as the world changes, the relevance of these principles never changes. One thousand years from now, they are still going to make sense. Study them, practice and adopt them as your own. By doing this, you are going to live a fulfilled life, satisfied and content.

Part One

The Meditations: Marcus Aurelius

The Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, also known as The Last Good Emperor of Rome lived the life of a good man. In his lifetime, he wrote the Meditations, a series of 12 books consisting of his thoughts, ideas, and perspectives about life. It is believed that he wrote them while on campaign in Europe.

The meditations were not written to an audience. He wrote the reflections as a theoretical way to guide his mentality. This new way of thinking would then shape his behavior and enable him to live a life of wisdom.

There is a lot to be learned from the meditations.

The Concept of Gratitude

One strong characteristic of Marcus that comes out in his first book is his sense of gratefulness. He takes time to appreciate the people who have been of influence in his life. He acknowledges the critical role they have played in the advancement of his life.

He does not take anyone who comes in his life for granted or talk ill of them. No one is perfect, but instead of concentrating on their flaws, he points out their strengths and goodness. From his kinsmen to his mentors, he understands there’s something to learn from each one of them.

He thanks the gods for all the good things and for all the people in his life. He acknowledges the fact that he was not entitled to any good tidings that came his way. The good events in his life could have gone differently but they didn’t.

Gratitude is a concept that everyone should embrace in their lives.

Today, everyone is thinking about the next best thing. How they can make a million dollars, move to a better house, get a better-paying job, buy a better car or invest some more.

They don’t take time to pause and appreciate what they have. Marcus in his meditations recognizes that the only thing we have is today. We cannot live life trying to secure a future that we do not have, or thinking of the past, appreciate what you have today.

Instead of thinking of making more money, take time to be grateful of the fact that you can live comfortably today, or that you can afford the basic needs. You may think it’s not enough but there’s someone out there who wishes they had half of what you have.

What is gratitude?

It is showing appreciation for the unearned and unmerited kindness and goodness in your life

Although gratitude is seen as an emotional response, it is more of an attitude towards the things in your life; a state of mind. You can choose