Stoic Ethics: The Basics provides a much-needed rethinking of ethical understanding and how to apply it. It is the link between the academic view and the real life of everyday people.
Summary
Stoic Ethics: The Basics builds out the concept of this key pillar in, not only Stoicism but life in general. Christopher Gill addresses the academic backbone of the book and Brittany Polt connects it to everyday life and practice. Each chapter continues on concepts of the previous one to create a holistic and complete idea of Stoic ethics.
Not only are the core Stoic texts used as sources, but important works by others give insights into what ethics means in Stoicism. One of the main sources of this is Cicero in his On Ends and On Duty. This is one among other references, such as Plato and Aristotle.
The authors Gill and Polat start from the ground up, looking into the importance of virtue, happiness, and nature. They also add concepts like appropriation, nurture vs. nature, emotions, and making good decisions. Ending with bringing it to our modern-day and how the need for a higher moral standard is more relevant now.
Review
Christopher Gill and Brittany Polat have teamed up to create an in-depth view of Stoic ethics. Not only is this book suitable for the curriculum of many philosophy degrees, but it brings it to the real world. Where Christopher Gill dives deep into the texts and ancient references, Brittany Polat turns it into practice with great analogies and ethics questions.
Stoic Ethics: The Basics is easy enough to read for someone who has read some of the other Stoic texts or contemporary works. It could be a bit tricky for someone who is new to the philosophy, but even then it is quite accessible. It does challenge the mind and the moral compass of the reader and leaves one to question their own behavior.
Recommendation
Any student of Stoicism or philosophy in general should read this book. But also those who are looking to live a more ethical life should have this on their bookshelf. It gives the reader the necessary tools to examine their own moral standards. It is a great stepping stone to advance your Stoic journey to the next level.
Stoic Ethics: The Basics will become a key book in the contemporary catalog of Stoic texts. It will take its place among books like How To Think Like A Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson and The Inner Citadel by Pierre Hadot. This work by Christopher Gill and Brittany Polat fills an ethical gap in the revival of Stoic philosophy.
Final thoughts
Although this might not be the best book to read at the beginning of your Stoic journey, it cannot be missed if you take this lifestyle seriously. The questions it poses, and the key information it provides will make you re-evaluate the progress you’ve made. But it also shows you that it is possible to live a more ethical life and that it is our duty to make it so.
Whether you are into Stoicism or not, reading this book will make you see the world from a different perspective. It makes the urgency clear of a higher level of moral standard for ourselves and the world around us. You can buy the book on Amazon here or directly from the publisher Routledge. If you are looking for other book reviews, you can find them here.
Are you looking for support and guidance in your life, have a look at the Stoic coaching offers we provide at Via Stoica.
Listen to our conversation with Brittany Polat and Christopher Gill on the Via Stoica Podcast
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