Comment

Comment by Jdog on December 12, 2011 at 9:27pm

Read "Meditations" by MA. Enjoyed it thoroughly but it must be taken with a grain of salt. 

One book also worthy of mention, though not a book about Stoicism (the author did behave stoically) is "Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor E. Frankl. 

Comment by platypanda on November 27, 2010 at 3:09pm

First became "attracted" to stoicism when hearing about Admiral Stockdale's experiences in Vietnam. (Comedian Dennis Miller's defense of Admiral Stockdale was truly moving). But, I don't really quite "get it" beyond a version of "accept what is happening" and some vaguely understood implication as to what truly exists and what is false. Tried reading Epictetus a few times, and it didn't go too well... Any ideas for books that may be interesting? (for me, I almost have to read about it well before doing anything about it). Mahalo.

Comment by John Thomas on August 17, 2010 at 11:36am

Stoicism and Manliness~
Greeks are often depicted as aloof rational thinkers, but the real ethos was quite different. The values associated with manliess transfered to Rome, later through Christianity to the rest of the west. Stoicism if not the main impetus, was an essential component. Since the death of Socrates, an example was set as the philosopher to be "scholar-warrior". Willing to suffer and die for truth.

Stoicism in the Hellenistic age epitomised maniliness. Modeling Spartan values rather than Athens the value of Androsyne was to be cultivated by a philosopher.Androsyne means, manliness, courage, fortitude. It is derived from the Greek word for man, andros. This meant the philospher is fearless, and does not shy from even death if necessary.

The Romans later accepted stoicism as a philosophy wholeheartedly because it resonated with Roman traditional values. The very word virtue actually means manliness. The roman ethic of virtus, or bravery, was derived from vir meaning man.

Early evangalizing Christians accepted this classical ideal to represent the zeal in working for Christ. They called themselves, agonistes or strugglers or athletes/champions of the Christian message. This effort was part of the ethos of the western world ever since.

Comment by John Thomas on August 17, 2010 at 11:11am

First off hello, I'm suprised no one has anything to say on a site about manhood, anything to say on Stoicism. I think it was a good idea to create this group.