Introduction Taxis in Stoicism is the principle of order, structure, and proper arrangement within the cosmos and human life. The Stoic meaning of taxis highlights how everything in nature has its rightful place and function, and how our task is to align with this natural order. For modern readers, taxis Read more
The ultimate Stoic guide to living a good life, based on psychological techniques and advice for practicing the ancient art of Stoic joy. Summary A Guide to the Good Life does exactly what Irvine promises: it provides a step-by-step guide to the most famous and effective Stoic practices. The introduction Read more
In Stoicism, Prokopē (προκοπή) is the Greek word for progress, the steady advancement toward wisdom and virtue.While the Stoic sage represents the ideal of perfect wisdom, most of us are still on the path. Prokope gives us a way to measure growth, not by how much wealth, status, or success Read more
What Is the View from Above? The Stoics taught us many ways to step back from our daily anxieties and see life as it truly is. One of their most striking practices is the Stoic View from Above (sometimes called the cosmic perspective). This exercise asks us to imagine ourselves Read more
What is Stoic Epoche? In Stoicism, epochē (ἐποχή) means suspension of judgment. It is the deliberate pause before making a mental commitment to an impression, before deciding whether something is good, bad, or indifferent. This small space between appearance and action is where our freedom lives. Sign up for our Read more
What is the Dichotomy of Control “Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is our own action. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever is not Read more
What is Prosoche In Stoicism, Prosochē (προσοχή) is the practice of constant attention, being watchful over your thoughts, judgments, and actions. It is a form of mindful awareness, not in the modern meditation sense, but as a vigilant state of moral alertness. For the Stoics, living well requires never letting Read more
What Does Memento Mori Mean? Memento mori: “remember you must die”, is one of the most striking phrases associated with Stoicism. Strictly speaking, the Stoics never used these words. The expression itself appears centuries later, first in Christian and medieval contexts. But the practice behind it, reflecting daily on mortality, Read more
One of the deepest dives into the life, philosophy, history, and methods of Epictetus which creates a well-rounded understanding of this enigmatic Stoic teacher. Summary Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life explores the depth of this ancient Stoic philosopher. Long begins by painting the intellectual and cultural context Read more
“Besides: do you think that I fall into evil voluntarily, and miss the good? Heaven forbid. What, then, is the cause of my going wrong? Ignorance.” Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1.26 When we go astray, it’s not usually because we choose evil knowingly. Epictetus tells us that the real culprit Read more