Summary of Donald Robertson's Stoicism and The Art of Happiness

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. This title has been generated using AI Audio.

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#1

The goal of life is to live in agreement with Nature by willingly accepting things outside our control. We should also live in harmony with our own human nature by trying to cultivate reason and progress towards perfect wisdom and virtue.

#2

Stoicism is a school of ancient philosophy founded in Athens around 301 BC by a Phoenician merchant called Zeno. It was originally called Zenonism, but came to be known as Stoicism because of the Stoic school of philosophy’s meeting place, the Stoa Poikilê, or Painted Porch.

#3

The Stoics were heavily influenced by the Cynics, who were famous for their tough philosophical lifestyle and their commitment to the simple and austere way of life. However, the Stoics also valued the study of Physics and Logic.

#4

Ancient philosophy was a fairly practical business. It often emphasized training in psychological exercises or the adoption of a demanding lifestyle, which was a precursor in some ways of Christian monastic practices.