The Harvard Classics: Plato, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius

Im in love with this book. When I first finished it, I immediately turned back and began again, doubtless, its a true gem. It seeks to remind you that before we, as individuals or as a race, seek to remedy our problems in the external world, we should have a care to achieving freedom, courage, and greatness of mind within. Although by this late date much of the initial vigor and authenticity of the great early Greeks such as Heraclitus, Anaxagoras, and Diogenes had given way to derivative codified systems, in this work we find the philosophers life being lived undiminished, with a broad mind, a powerful body, and an unfettered soul. We, modern citizens of the western world, with our paltry souls, shriveled from long disuse, flat and bloodless from discharge of desire, have very much to learn. I recommend it highly to anyone looking for a way to improve their existence. Giving it careful study will give you a direction in which to go in order to obtain wisdom. And wisdom is like a mountain spring to him who of it drinks; for it flows on and ever more, and never goeth dry. These golden ideas comes from his lessons on Stoicism that was recorded by one of his students. The philosophy is deceptively simple, but effective. These simple tactics are helpful in facing the daily stresses of life.… (more)