Stoic Wisdom

Abstract

Abstract Stoicism has made a comeback as the ideal ancient philosophy for those seeking calm in times of stress and uncertainty. For many, it has become the new Zen, with meditation techniques that help individuals face whatever life throws their way. The Stoics address a key question of the time: how can one be master of one’s fate when the outside world threatens to unmoor one’s well-being? Making Stoic wisdom relevant and accessible, Sherman distills time-honored techniques for building modern resilience. Drawing on the thought of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, and others, Sherman argues that Stoic resilience is miscast as rugged self-reliance. One is at home in the world, the Stoics taught, when one is connected to others in cooperative efforts. While self-mastery is essential, one draws on one’s deepest relationships for true strength and resilience. Bringing ancient wisdom to bear on twenty-first-century settings—from Silicon Valley leaders in search of lifehacks, to first responders in a pandemic, to soldiers on the battlefield—Sherman shows how Stoicism can both prepare individuals for an uncertain future and help them reduce the stress and anxiety of modern life. Stoic Wisdom will appeal to anyone feeling helpless or looking for deeper, meaningful strength and goodness in addressing life’s biggest and smallest challenges.

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