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Pupil of the great Plato, teacher of Alexander the Great, Aristotle is a massively influential figure in Western philosophy. Cicero described his literary style as "a river of gold". Modern ethics are based on his ideas about virtue; his writings literally encompassed all the scientific knowledge of the time and beyond, so much that many of his findings were still considered cutting-edge many century afterwards. Aristotle also shaped modern logic, and put his mark on all subsequent philosophy and theology.

Distraction isn't a new problem. We're also not the first to complain about how hard it is to concentrate. Early Christian monks beat us to it. They had given up everything to focus on God, yet they still struggled to keep the demons of distraction at bay. But rather than surrender to the meandering of their minds, they developed powerful strategies to improve their attention and engagement. How to Focus is an inviting collection of their strikingly relatable insights and advice—frank, funny, sympathetic, and psychologically sophisticated.

How to Say No is a delightful collection of brief ancient writings about Cynicism that captures all the outrageousness, wit, and wisdom of its remarkable cast of characters—from Diogenes in the fourth century BCE to the column-stander Symeon Stylites in late antiquity.

Le Meditazioni di Marco Aurelio, un'opera fondamentale della filosofia stoica, offrono un'immersione profonda nelle riflessioni personali dell'ultimo dei "Cinque Buoni Imperatori" romani. Scritto come un diario durante le sue campagne militari, questo testo rivela l'intima lotta di un imperatore con questioni di moralità, destino e virtù. Marco Aurelio, regnante dal 161 al 180 d.C., incarna l'ideale stoico di virtù e saggezza attraverso la pratica dell'autodisciplina, della resilienza e del controllo delle passioni, sottolineando che la vera felicità deriva dall'interno.

Discover timeless guidance for modern life in this fresh, accessible translation of Epictetus’s Enchiridion, the cornerstone of Stoic philosophy. Written nearly two thousand years ago, this powerful handbook offers practical advice on how to live with resilience, clarity, and inner peace—even in the face of chaos.

The life and thought of Diogenes the Cynic, an iconoclastic philosopher who pioneered a brash and free-thinking vision of life that inspired the philosophy of Stoicism—“a rich, engaging portrait of intellectual fearlessness” (Stacy Schiff, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Cleopatra) In...

Unlock the ancient wisdom of the Corpus Hermeticum, the cornerstone of the Hermetic tradition, in this powerful translation by G.R.S. Mead. These mystical teachings—attributed to the legendary Hermes Trismegistus—reveal timeless truths about the creation of the universe, the nature of the soul, and the path to divine union. Part philosophy, part spiritual guide, this classic work blends Egyptian, Greek, and early Christian thought into a vision of reality that still inspires seekers today. Perfect for those drawn to Gnosticism, esotericism, and the deeper mysteries of existence.

Does Plato matter? An ancient philosopher whose work has inspired and informed countless thinkers and poets across the centuries, his ideas are no longer taught as widely as they once were. But, as Angie Hobbs argues in this clear-sighted book, that is a mistake. If we want to understand the world we live in – from democracy, autocracy and fake news to celebrity, cancel culture and what money can and cannot do – there is no better place to start than Plato.

Can jokes win a hostile room, a hopeless argument, or even an election? You bet they can, according to Cicero, and he knew what he was talking about. One of Rome's greatest politicians, speakers, and lawyers, Cicero was also reputedly one of antiquity's funniest people. After he was elected commander-in-chief and head of state, his enemies even started calling him "the stand-up Consul". How to Tell a Joke provides a lively new translation of Cicero's essential writing on humor alongside that of the later Roman orator and educator Quintilian.  

There are times when we've all felt that we haven't been treated as we deserve—that we've been misjudged, shortchanged, or given a raw deal. And, at one time or another, other people have probably felt that we've treated them just as unfairly. How to Do the Right Thing draws on the principles of ancient Stoicism as articulated by the Roman statesman and philosopher Seneca to help listeners better navigate one of the most important practical questions of daily life—how to do right by others.

Pragmatism, America's homegrown philosophy, has been a major intellectual movement for over a century. Unlike its rivals, it reaches well beyond the confines of philosophy into concerns and disciplines as diverse as religion, politics, science, and culture. In this concise, engagingly written overview, John R. Shook describes pragmatism's origins, concepts, and continuing global relevance and appeal.

Philosophy for busy people. Listen to this succinct account of the philosophy of Machiavelli in just one hour. Niccolò Machiavelli’s work remains misunderstood – synonymous with wicked scheming and underhand politics – nearly 350 years after his death. His philosophy of statecraft was...

At a time of unprecedented interest in Stoicism, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to Stoic ethics for students and for listeners interested in Stoic life-guidance. It combines an explanation of the main philosophical ideas in ancient Stoic ethics by Christopher Gill with discussion...

In times of great pain and upheaval, people’s minds turn to “the end of the world.” According to author Gregg Braden, this is one of those historical moments—a period of change and turmoil that summons intense anxiety and causes us to wonder if we are approaching the culmination of human...

Aristotle's most complicated and academic work. This is a challenging work for even those who admire his other seven books. Incomparable analysis in language and thought, with a clear, succinct prose touch.

Socrates created and embodied a living holistic philosophy that integrated mind, body and soul. He asked the timeless question that affects us all: What is the right way to live?

The Story of Philosophy is a captivating intellectual journey that explores the evolution of human thought and the enduring legacy of great thinkers throughout history. Written by the renowned author Will Durant, this monumental work provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the world's philosophical traditions, from ancient Greece to the modern era.

In this short book, Roger Scruton presents an original and radical defense of human uniqueness. Confronting the views of evolutionary psychologists, utilitarian moralists, and philosophical materialists such as Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett, Scruton argues that human beings cannot be understood simply as biological objects. 

Written by the medieval Indian Buddhist monk Shantideva, The Bodhicaryavatara is one of the most beloved and frequently taught works in Buddhism and a favorite of the Dalai Lama. An inspiring and powerful poem that uses a gripping, first-person, confessional voice, it is the most systematic work of ethical thought in the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition. And its invaluable insights, exhortations, and encouragements about how we can relieve suffering by becoming more caring and compassionate are universal.

Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations in Koine, Greece as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement.