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A Slap in the Face
- Why Insults Hurt - And Why They Shouldn't
- Narrated by: Johnny Heller
- Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins
- Categories: Health & Wellness, Psychology & Mental Health
Non-member price: $24.37
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A Guide to the Good Life
- The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
- By: William B. Irvine
- Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
- Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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One of the great fears many of us face is that despite all our effort and striving, we will discover at the end that we have wasted our life. In A Guide to the Good Life, William B. Irvine plumbs the wisdom of Stoic philosophy, one of the most popular and successful schools of thought in ancient Rome, and shows how its insight and advice are still remarkably applicable to modern lives. In A Guide to the Good Life, Irvine offers a refreshing presentation of Stoicism, showing how this ancient philosophy can still direct us toward a better life.
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Really good introduction
- By Kindle Customer on 15-02-2016
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The Stoic Challenge
- A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient
- By: William B. Irvine
- Narrated by: Brian Troxell
- Length: 4 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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Some people bounce back in response to setbacks; others break. We often think that these responses are hardwired, but fortunately this is not the case. Stoicism offers us an alternative approach. Plumbing the wisdom of one of the most popular and successful schools of thought from ancient Rome, philosopher William B. Irvine teaches us to turn any challenge on its head. The Stoic Challenge, then, is the ultimate guide to improving your quality of life through tactics developed by ancient Stoics, from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca to Epictetus.
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not his best work
- By gerard moerdyk on 11-04-2020
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Aha!
- The Moments of Insight That Shape Our World
- By: William B. Irvine
- Narrated by: LJ Ganser
- Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Great ideas often develop gradually after studying a problem at length--but not always. Sometimes an insight hits like a bolt from the blue. For Archimedes clarity struck while he was taking a bath. For Gustav Mahler it came as the blades of his oars touched the water. And for Albert Einstein, it emerged while he was talking to a friend.
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How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
- By: Donald Robertson
- Narrated by: Donald Robertson
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with problems such as irrational fears, bad habits, anger, pain, and illness.
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Most Excellent
- By Mezm on 03-04-2020
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The Daily Stoic
- 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
- By: Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
- Narrated by: Brian Holsopple
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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Why have history's greatest minds - from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson along with today's top performers, from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities - embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise. The Daily Stoic offers a daily devotional of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations.
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Great intro to the Stoic philosphy
- By Avi Naidu on 21-01-2020
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Lives of the Stoics
- The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius
- By: Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
- Narrated by: Ryan Holiday
- Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
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For millennia, Stoicism has been the ancient philosophy that attracts those who seek greatness, from athletes to politicians and everyone in between. And no wonder: its embrace of self-mastery, virtue and indifference to that which we cannot control has much to offer those grappling with today's chaotic world. But who were the Stoics? In this book, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman offer a fresh approach to understanding Stoicism through the lives of the people who practised it.
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Great book, but lacks the 'it' factor
- By Sam on 28-09-2020
-
A Guide to the Good Life
- The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
- By: William B. Irvine
- Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
- Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the great fears many of us face is that despite all our effort and striving, we will discover at the end that we have wasted our life. In A Guide to the Good Life, William B. Irvine plumbs the wisdom of Stoic philosophy, one of the most popular and successful schools of thought in ancient Rome, and shows how its insight and advice are still remarkably applicable to modern lives. In A Guide to the Good Life, Irvine offers a refreshing presentation of Stoicism, showing how this ancient philosophy can still direct us toward a better life.
-
-
Really good introduction
- By Kindle Customer on 15-02-2016
-
The Stoic Challenge
- A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient
- By: William B. Irvine
- Narrated by: Brian Troxell
- Length: 4 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Some people bounce back in response to setbacks; others break. We often think that these responses are hardwired, but fortunately this is not the case. Stoicism offers us an alternative approach. Plumbing the wisdom of one of the most popular and successful schools of thought from ancient Rome, philosopher William B. Irvine teaches us to turn any challenge on its head. The Stoic Challenge, then, is the ultimate guide to improving your quality of life through tactics developed by ancient Stoics, from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca to Epictetus.
-
-
not his best work
- By gerard moerdyk on 11-04-2020
-
Aha!
- The Moments of Insight That Shape Our World
- By: William B. Irvine
- Narrated by: LJ Ganser
- Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Great ideas often develop gradually after studying a problem at length--but not always. Sometimes an insight hits like a bolt from the blue. For Archimedes clarity struck while he was taking a bath. For Gustav Mahler it came as the blades of his oars touched the water. And for Albert Einstein, it emerged while he was talking to a friend.
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How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
- By: Donald Robertson
- Narrated by: Donald Robertson
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
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Performance
-
Story
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with problems such as irrational fears, bad habits, anger, pain, and illness.
-
-
Most Excellent
- By Mezm on 03-04-2020
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The Daily Stoic
- 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
- By: Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
- Narrated by: Brian Holsopple
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Why have history's greatest minds - from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson along with today's top performers, from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities - embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise. The Daily Stoic offers a daily devotional of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations.
-
-
Great intro to the Stoic philosphy
- By Avi Naidu on 21-01-2020
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Lives of the Stoics
- The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius
- By: Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
- Narrated by: Ryan Holiday
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For millennia, Stoicism has been the ancient philosophy that attracts those who seek greatness, from athletes to politicians and everyone in between. And no wonder: its embrace of self-mastery, virtue and indifference to that which we cannot control has much to offer those grappling with today's chaotic world. But who were the Stoics? In this book, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman offer a fresh approach to understanding Stoicism through the lives of the people who practised it.
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Great book, but lacks the 'it' factor
- By Sam on 28-09-2020
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Stillness Is the Key
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- Narrated by: Ryan Holiday
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Throughout history, there's been one indelible quality that great leaders, makers, artists and fighters have shared. The Zen Buddhists described it as inner peace, the Stoics called it ataraxia and Ryan Holiday calls it stillness: the ability to be steady, focussed and calm in a constantly busy world. This quality, valued by every major school of thought from Buddha to Seneca, John Stuart Mill to Nietzsche, is urgently necessary today. And, Holiday shows, it is entirely attainable.
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A worthy finale to my favourite trilogy.
- By Jackson on 13-10-2019
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Trust Me, I'm Lying
- Confessions of a Media Manipulator
- By: Ryan Holiday
- Narrated by: Ryan Holiday
- Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
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You’ve seen it all before. A malicious online rumor costs a company millions. A political sideshow derails the national news cycle and destroys a candidate. Some product or celebrity zooms from total obscurity to viral sensation. What you don’t know is that someone is responsible for all this. Usually, someone like me. I’m a media manipulator. In a world where blogs control and distort the news, my job is to control blogs - as much as any one person can.
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Incredibly depressing
- By Anonymous User on 19-11-2019
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The Beginner's Guide to Stoicism
- Tools for Emotional Resilience & Positivity
- By: Matthew J. Van Natta
- Narrated by: Steve Rimpici
- Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
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Being a stoic means embracing positivity and self-control through the ability to accept the uncertainty of outcomes. With this stoicism guide, the beginner stoic will learn how to take charge of their emotions on the path to sustained happiness and satisfaction. This easy-to-navigate stoicism guide gives you the emotional tools needed to let go of the things you can’t control and find joy in what you have.
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Of Anger
- By: Seneca the Younger
- Narrated by: Jacques Richey
- Length: 3 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Of Anger by Seneca (4 BC-65 AD) defines and explains anger within the context of Stoic philosophy, and offers therapeutic advice on how to prevent and control anger. This is achievable by the development of an understanding of how to control the passions, and to make them subject to reason. Seneca believed that the passions arise in a rational mind as a misunderstanding of reality. A passion is a defective belief which occurs when the mind makes errors about the values of things.
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The Manual
- A Philosopher's Guide to Life
- By: Epictetus, Ancient Renewal, Sam Torode
- Narrated by: Sam Torode
- Length: 47 mins
- Unabridged
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Epictetus (c. AD 50-135) was a former Roman slave (he was also lame in one leg, and walked with a crutch) who went on to become a great teacher. His philosophy, Stoicism, was practical, not theoretical - aimed at relieving human suffering here and now. The Manual is a collection of Epictetus' essential teachings and pithy sayings, compiled by one of his students.
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Live Like a Stoic
- 52 Exercises for Cultivating a Good Life
- By: Gregory Lopez, Massimo Pigliucci
- Narrated by: Rupert Farley
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
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The answers to our daily worries and anxieties - big or small - lie at the heart of Stoic philosophy. Live Like a Stoic is the essential guide to help us live the good life. It offers a yearlong programme of 52 weekly exercises aimed at mastering an array of real-life troubles. Full of practical lessons and sections for journaling, it provides all the tools needed to overcome any life obstacles we might face.
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The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness
- By: Jonas Salzgeber
- Narrated by: David Angelo
- Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
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Where can you find joy? Gain strength? How should we face our fears? Deal with the death of a loved one? And what about those reoccurring depressing thoughts? While traditional schooling doesn’t address such questions, it’s exactly what ancient schools of philosophy were all about: They taught you how to live. Even though these schools don’t exist anymore, you and I and most people are in as much need of a philosophy that guides us through life as we ever were. This compelling, highly actionable guide shows you how to deal more effectively with whatever life throws at you.
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In the Buddha's Words
- An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon
- By: Bhikkhu Bodhi - editor and translator
- Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi
- Length: 18 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
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This landmark collection is the definitive introduction to the Buddha's teachings - in his own words. The American scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi, whose voluminous translations have won widespread acclaim, here presents selected discourses of the Buddha from the Pali Canon, the earliest record of what the Buddha taught. Divided into 10 thematic chapters, In the Buddha's Words reveals the full scope of the Buddha's discourses, from family life and marriage to renunciation and the path of insight.
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amazing! for fans of the pali canon!
- By Anonymous User on 30-07-2018
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How to Be a Stoic
- Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
- By: Massimo Pigliucci
- Narrated by: Peter Coleman
- Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
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Stoicism teaches us to acknowledge our emotions, reflect on what causes them and redirect them for our own good. Whenever we worry about how to be happy, we are worrying about how to lead a good life. No goal seems more elusive. Massimo Pigliucci explores this remarkable philosophy and how its wisdom can be applied to our everyday lives in the quest for meaning. He shows how Stoicism teaches us the importance of a person's character, integrity and compassion.
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Ego Is the Enemy
- By: Ryan Holiday
- Narrated by: Ryan Holiday
- Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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"While the history books are filled with tales of obsessive visionary geniuses who remade the world in their images with sheer, almost irrational force, I've found that history is also made by individuals who fought their egos at every turn, who eschewed the spotlight, and who put their higher goals above their desire for recognition." (From the prologue)
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I learned new things from this book
- By Shokoufeh on 01-12-2016
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A Lot of People Are Saying
- The New Conspiracism and the Assault on Democracy
- By: Nancy L. Rosenblum, Russell Muirhead
- Narrated by: Katherine Fenton
- Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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Conspiracy theories are as old as politics. But conspiracists today have introduced something new - conspiracy without theory. And the new conspiracism has moved from the fringes to the heart of government with the election of Donald Trump. In A Lot of People Are Saying, Russell Muirhead and Nancy Rosenblum reveal how the new conspiracism differs from classic conspiracy theory, why so few officials speak truth to conspiracy, and what needs to be done to resist it.
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The Rudest Book Ever
- Insanely Practical Ideas to Free Your Mind from All Bulls--t
- By: Shwetabh Gangwar
- Narrated by: Shwetabh Gangwar
- Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
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Shwetabh Gangwar is a professional problem-solver - and he’s ace at it. For the past five years, people from all over the world have contacted him with their troubles, and he’s worked these out for them. In the process, he has picked up on a simple pattern: people need a set of principles and perspectives to protect them from all the unnecessary bulls--t they go through. Codes to live by, essentially. But be warned: Gangwar has no desire to spare your feelings.
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An amazing eye opener
- By tarantej singh on 16-05-2020
Publisher's Summary
Insults are part of the fabric of daily life. But why do we insult each other? Why do insults cause us such pain? Can we do anything to prevent or lessen this pain? Most importantly, how can we overcome our inclination to insult others?
In A Slap in the Face, William Irvine undertakes a wide-ranging investigation of insults, their history, the role they play in social relationships, and the science behind them. He examines not just memorable zingers, such as Elizabeth Bowen's description of Aldous Huxley as "The stupid person's idea of a clever person", but subtle insults as well, such as when someone insults us by reporting the insulting things others have said about us: "I never read bad reviews about myself," wrote entertainer Oscar Levant, "because my best friends invariably tell me about them." Irvine also considers the role insults play in our society: They can be used to cement relations, as when a woman playfully teases her husband, or to enforce a social hierarchy, as when a boss publicly berates an employee.
He goes on to investigate the many ways society has tried to deal with insults - by adopting codes of politeness, for example, and outlawing hate speech - but concludes that the best way to deal with insults is to immunize ourselves against them: We need to transform ourselves in the manner recommended by Stoic philosophers. We should, more precisely, become insult pacifists, trying hard not to insult others and laughing off their attempts to insult us.
A rousing follow-up to A Guide to the Good Life, A Slap in the Face will interest anyone who's ever delivered an insult or felt the sting of one-in other words, everyone.
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What listeners say about A Slap in the Face
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Kyara McAfee
- 24-12-2018
Kicks off great, slows down tremendously, and then picks up again and ends great
This is a really good and interesting book. You really just have to bare with chapters 2-3 though.
2 people found this helpful
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- Babyface
- 02-03-2019
imperative for the world we live in today.
a matter of fact way of dealing with insults. I like that the author implores the reader to think about what he is saying and to decide if it is relatable for them. I will listen again ever so often.
1 person found this helpful
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- Tintin
- 04-02-2019
Interesting and useful
Had to hear this after Guide to the Good Life and wasn't disappointed. Although I agree with the other reviewer that it was slow in the middle (a bit repetitive, possibly obvious) but it certainly ended very well. Love the Stoic Philosophy! I want more!
1 person found this helpful
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- milene
- 25-09-2020
amazing
irvine breaks down all the annoying things I saw people do, but didn't have a name for it or for the irritation it caused.
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