Stoic Paradoxes: A New Translation

by Marcus Tullius Cicero, Quintus Curtius (Translator)

Cicero's "Stoic Paradoxes" is a brilliant and accessible summary of the six major ethical beliefs of Stoicism. The nature of moral goodness, the possession of virtue, good and bad conduct, the transcendence of wisdom, and the sources of real wealth are all discussed with the author's characteristic intensity and wit.

This is the only existing modern translation of this little-known classic, as well as the most detailed study.

Also included here is Cicero's visionary essay "The Dream of Scipio," which is a compelling testament to his belief in the immortality of the soul. Taken together, these two works provide a glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential thinkers of antiquity.

For this special edition, translator Quintus Curtius has returned to the original Latin texts to provide a modern, fresh interpretation of these forgotten classics. Supplementary essays, summaries, textual notes, a bibliography, and an index provide additional guidance, and help present these works to a new generation of readers.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

106 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2015

About the author

Born 3 January 106 BC, Arpinum, Italy
Died 7 December 43 BC (aged 63), Formia, Italy

Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman philosopher, statesman, lawyer, political theorist, and Roman constitutionalist. Cicero is widely considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.

Alternate profiles:
Cicéron
Marco Tullio Cicerone
Cicerone

Note: All editions should have Marcus Tullius Cicero as primary author. Editions with another name on the cover should have that name added as secondary author.

Reviews

[Benjamin M Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stoic handbook with the Enchiridion

This book should sit right next to the Enchiridion on any stoic's bookshelf. It's very short, but packs quite the punch. Cicero doesn't waste his time on small things in this book, but goes right after the heart of what people should be concerned about. Ultimately, it's a book about the ethics of being a good citizen and person. And, it connects that too happiness.

[Rob Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cicero deals with the paradoxes of Stoicism. The difference between good and virtue. The virtuous slave is freer than his master. That a man who earns enough to live can be far richer than the rich man. He is a bit laborious in this essay, but he gets his points across.

[Sean Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evidently while toxic masculinity mansplainy nation is “thinking about the Roman Empire” I coincidentally read Cicero last week and forgot to add it to Goodreads.

I’m fascinated by the idea of a paradox and finding balance on a spectrum of intention vs consequence, freedom vs discipline, passion vs purpose, tolerance vs understanding, individualism vs the collective good.

Cicero was obviously a genius. My guess these guys “thinking about the Roman Empire” aren’t concerning themselves with the philosophy that was it’s moral backbone and also deteriorated, but they should. Reading Meditations, Epictetus, Cicero, and other ancient works helps me find some semblance of perspective and balance to apply in our modern world.

This was a good one.

[Leone Mattheus · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Want de dorst naar begeerte wordt nooit gestild, noch bevredigd, en niet alleen worden degenen die bezitten gekweld door de lust om meer te vergaren, maar ook door de angst om te verliezen.'
- Cicero was slaying met deze tekst
- nog 9h en 30 minuten tot mijn laatste examen!!

[Coco · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a easy to digest edition of timeless wisdom. It's not something to read once and forget but I foresee returning to the book time and time again when I need guidance.