Grappling with betrayal and loss, Titus seeks solace from the Stoic sage Epictetus. But when Stoic teachings fail to ease his pain, a mysterious philosopher named Magnus enters the scene. Magnus takes his new pupil on a journey that challenges conventional wisdom, introducing Titus to an inexplicable force known as the Urge.
Amidst a tumultuous battle between reason and rage, Titus unexpectedly falls in love with Thalassa, a water nymph who claims to hold the key to his destiny. This unexpected romance further complicates his path.
'The Fall of a Stoic' invites readers on a thought-provoking adventure woven with myth, philosophy, and historical elements, delving into the depths of human desire.
The Urge comes in the form of a novel that offers a Stoic philosophical perspective on deep human issues through the ups and downs in the life of the main protagonist, Titus. It encourages readers to think critically about broad philosophical concepts and apply them to real life situations by weaving together elements of myth, philosophy, and history. For me, this approach made philosophical ideas more accessible and engaging. The author brought in well-known Stoic philosophers Epictetus and Arrian of Nicomedia as side characters who interacted with Titus and gave their perspective on the events of his life. While mainly focused on Stoicism, it also drew on other thinkers and schools, including Nietzsche, Taoism, Schopenhauer, and Jung. In fact the book challenges Stoic philosophy, mainly by contrasting it with the rites and perspectives of Dionysus (AKA Bacchus).
It started off so good. You're truly behind the character and his choices, his frustration etc. I just felt that the end was so disappointing that it almost made the rest of the book utterly pointless.
It was interesting to about half way through, showcasing Stoic principles through the plot but I didn’t personally enjoyed where it eventually went to, and the ending was a bit too fantastical.