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hannahcpk 's review for:
A good introduction into philosophy. I did learn quite a few things in this book, the main one being the realisation that philosophy and action go hand in hand- a philosopher and a person of action are not contradictions.
The author goes through the core of Stoicism, bringing up many examples throughout history of great men and women who utilised stoicism & philosophy in their lives and came out all the better for it. Initially I was giving it a 3 stars in my mind, but halfway through and towards the end it got bumped up to a 4 stars because it was that type of book that keeps getting better as you go on.
Perhaps it was a few disagreements in perception of certain values in the first few chapters that dropped a star, but I do understand that no one is going to agree 100% on everything, much less life philosophies.
Getting on to the book, the author is trying to tell the reader that based on ancient philosophy proven through generations of action, the obstacle is literally the way. He explains it by dividing the book into three parts: Perception, Action, and Will (which I appreciate, because it makes it organised and easy to understand).
“Perception is the discipline of the mind.
Action is the discipline of the body.
Will is the discipline of the heart and soul.
First, see clearly.
Next, act correctly.
Finally, endure and accept the world as it is.”
He blends all three together to provide the reader a deeper understanding of what is available to us at any stage in life- not a control of Fate or of life circumstances, but a control of ourselves. A response to what life throws us, instead of an immediate reaction. A mental exercise in wisdom, fortitude, persistence, and perseverance... Instead of excuses looking for the path of least resistance.
Was this book convincing? Do I feel as though I’m ready to take on those obstacles in life?
Well, this book isn’t a tactical book. It’s not a how-to. It’s a book that you read with an open mind, reflecting on your current beliefs and testing to see whether those beliefs are right in their foundations. It’s a book that lets you question your journey and make better choices based on the wisdom of the Stoics.
My favourite quote from the book:
“My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it... But love it.” Nietzsche
The author goes through the core of Stoicism, bringing up many examples throughout history of great men and women who utilised stoicism & philosophy in their lives and came out all the better for it. Initially I was giving it a 3 stars in my mind, but halfway through and towards the end it got bumped up to a 4 stars because it was that type of book that keeps getting better as you go on.
Perhaps it was a few disagreements in perception of certain values in the first few chapters that dropped a star, but I do understand that no one is going to agree 100% on everything, much less life philosophies.
Getting on to the book, the author is trying to tell the reader that based on ancient philosophy proven through generations of action, the obstacle is literally the way. He explains it by dividing the book into three parts: Perception, Action, and Will (which I appreciate, because it makes it organised and easy to understand).
“Perception is the discipline of the mind.
Action is the discipline of the body.
Will is the discipline of the heart and soul.
First, see clearly.
Next, act correctly.
Finally, endure and accept the world as it is.”
He blends all three together to provide the reader a deeper understanding of what is available to us at any stage in life- not a control of Fate or of life circumstances, but a control of ourselves. A response to what life throws us, instead of an immediate reaction. A mental exercise in wisdom, fortitude, persistence, and perseverance... Instead of excuses looking for the path of least resistance.
Was this book convincing? Do I feel as though I’m ready to take on those obstacles in life?
Well, this book isn’t a tactical book. It’s not a how-to. It’s a book that you read with an open mind, reflecting on your current beliefs and testing to see whether those beliefs are right in their foundations. It’s a book that lets you question your journey and make better choices based on the wisdom of the Stoics.
My favourite quote from the book:
“My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it... But love it.” Nietzsche