Lessons on Living from the Stoics
Jo-Ann Rolle, Ph.d.
Developing the Next Generation for the Future of Work and Entrepreneurship. Past President, National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable. Specialized in strategic corporate partnerships and workforce development.
Timeless Stoic Philosophy on living
I found myself reading a book on the Stoic way of life the first day of the 2018 New Year. Last year I was introduced to the Stoics by way of Ryan Holiday’s, “The Obstacle is the Way.” During the end of 2017, after reading Holiday’s modern day context of the ancient masters I was intrigued and began my own journey by reading works by Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. At times I was inspired and at other times I was confused. Therefore when Marc Wolf requested I read and review his new short book (36 pages) Stoic Strong, I was hopeful for more context, clarity, and possibly enlightenment.
One should approach Stoic Strong as a guidebook, a tool for understanding a more complicated philosophical body of work. While the book is chocked full of quotes from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, Wolf makes a good attempt to contextualize the work with methods to adopt a “stoic” mindset by incorporating several principles in everyday life. The promised rewards of practicing the 10 principles cited in the book are happiness, contentment, and a fulfilled life of living on purpose.
My favorite quote by the author is:
. . When you discover your purpose, pursue that goal and achieve it so you can add meaning to your life.. .. . . . . Figuring out your purpose in life will take some time and so will clarifying your core values. Keep trying new things. Keep thinking about what’s important to you. Give yourself the gift of time and be patient as you work to figure these things out.
If you are pondering exploring the Stoics and their philosophy, I recommend you first read, Stoic Strong; it is short and insightful.
#Stoics #Stoicism #Meditations #Seneca #Epictetus, #MarcusAurelius
midwife at hospital ippokratio of thessaloniki
7 年VERY interesting
Healthcare & Business Consulting, Author
7 年I suspected that I was a stoic for some time... but then nobody's perfect, and I only speak for myself, but I am unanimous in that! The part "I am unanimous in that" is borrowed from Mrs. Hyacinth Bucket, the most stoic character I could think of.
Deputy Director at Bank of Greece (expressing only personal views)
7 年lucius verrus in the background, M.A. in the foreground
Learning^Development Adviser * Spectre Industries | Head of Complaints * Independent Wellness Consultant | Engineer * Integrated Process Cooling Systems
7 年?? ???? Thank you too dear Dr Professor Jo-Ann Rolle, Ph.D., Quite an #inspiration; #WishingWell ?? ?? #WellnessRoady ?? #MarcusAurelius: "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be ?? ? #alive - to #breathe, to #think, to #enjoy, ?? to #love. Everything we hear is an #opinion, not a #fact. Everything we see is a #perspective, not the #truth. Very little is needed to make a #happylife; it is all #withinyourself, in your #wayofthinking".