What do you think?
Rate this book
Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure: Stoic Exercise for Mental Fitness
A collection of meditations in the Stoic tradition. Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure provides access to the ruminations, practices, and applications of ancient Stoic philosophy as deployed by a contemporary professional philosopher with twenty five years of experience teaching, researching, and publishing articles in academic journals. Each meditation is presented in the second person, encouraging the reader to examine their struggles and failures in the pursuit of self-improvement and enlightenment.
- GenresPhilosophy
184 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2017
108 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 22, 2017
Well...I may be a bit biased. 😏
July 5, 2017
A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are certainly some thoughts in this book that resonated with me and gave me good food for thought. But I didn't particularly enjoy this book. At first I was really looking forward to reading it, as I particularly wanted to explore the differences and similarities between Stoicism and Buddhism.
After some pages it seemed like the meditations represented in this book were recapitulated again and again, the same words and sentences over and over - it was tedious. And I didn't like the judgmental and provocative approach at all. I think it's hardly inspiring, rather dispiriting, if you are permanently confronted with statements like "Who cares what you think?", "Who, after all, do you think you are?", "Grow up!", "Stop whimpering!", "This is not the way of things.", "What do you care?", and you must do this, you are not to do that... Yes, I understand your point, but this is a really excessive and annoying way to make it clear. And furthermore, I think that some ideas, for example those regarding abortion or violence, were oversimplified and also repellent.
There are certainly some thoughts in this book that resonated with me and gave me good food for thought. But I didn't particularly enjoy this book. At first I was really looking forward to reading it, as I particularly wanted to explore the differences and similarities between Stoicism and Buddhism.
After some pages it seemed like the meditations represented in this book were recapitulated again and again, the same words and sentences over and over - it was tedious. And I didn't like the judgmental and provocative approach at all. I think it's hardly inspiring, rather dispiriting, if you are permanently confronted with statements like "Who cares what you think?", "Who, after all, do you think you are?", "Grow up!", "Stop whimpering!", "This is not the way of things.", "What do you care?", and you must do this, you are not to do that... Yes, I understand your point, but this is a really excessive and annoying way to make it clear. And furthermore, I think that some ideas, for example those regarding abortion or violence, were oversimplified and also repellent.
August 10, 2017
A digitized ARC of this book was provided to the reviewer by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
In writing this book Dr. Ferraiolo has clearly walked the hard road of Epictetus and his philosophical descendant Marcus Aurelius. Like Marcus, Dr. Ferraiolo wrote his Meditations for himself primarily. But where Marcus was writing only “ta eis heauton” (to himself), Dr. Ferraiolo has deliberately chosen to share these Stoic exercises with the rest of us. What you get is in the tradition of Marcus’ Meditations, if Marcus were being coached directly by Epictetus, in the gym with him, urging him to crank out another rep. This is a book that promises upfront to challenge its readers by confronting and provoking them: “Do not be frightened by the unpleasantness, and try not to take the criticism personally.” (Introduction). Iron weighs what it weighs. The only way to make the iron feel light is to lift it, over and over.
Meditations consists of 30 “books”, each comprised of 10 meditations. In this sense, a “meditation” is a one paragraph exploration of a theme or area of focus. Think of it as a specific type of exercise: this is a deadlift, that is a back squat; these are ring dips, that is a power clean. Book I focuses directly on what the Stoics call “the dichotomy of control”: what is up to us; what we can actually control in our lives. We start with our own “attitudes, values, and efforts directed at mental discipline”, and then widen outward to our family, friends, acquaintances, society at large…
Book II continues in this vein, but rather than talking about control directly, focuses our attention on how we react to not only the world around us, but also our own internal representation of the world and demonstrates that all of these mental wounds are self-inflicted. This is bog standard Stoicism, but presented in modern, uncompromising language that is as simple and effective as a squat rack, a straight bar and plenty of iron plates. Everything you need to get mentally strong is here, you just need to get under the bar and move the weights.
Subsequent books circle through Stoic concepts, frequently reiterating and elaborating on ideas we’ve already encountered. Like a properly designed weight routine the “same but different” approach imposes greater demands on us and allows us to get stronger by rising to the challenge.
On the one hand, you don’t need to come to Ferraiolo’s Meditations with any understanding of Roman Stoicism. On the other hand, if you do know your Epictetus and Marcus, and if you’re truly paying attention, you will realize that reading this book and doing each exercise with focus and attention requires a Stoic approach. Are you upset or “offended” by something Dr. Ferraiolo has written? Does it hit too close to home, or disagree with your opinions? Does it slaughter one of your sacred cows, or maybe just make fun of you for curling in the squat rack? What causes this upset? The very act of reading Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure will demand that you pay attention to and identify where the source of those reactions really lies.
This book is a well planned, gym-tested, properly periodized approach to developing the only strength that really matters. It’s right there in your path. Pick it up. Get stronger.
In writing this book Dr. Ferraiolo has clearly walked the hard road of Epictetus and his philosophical descendant Marcus Aurelius. Like Marcus, Dr. Ferraiolo wrote his Meditations for himself primarily. But where Marcus was writing only “ta eis heauton” (to himself), Dr. Ferraiolo has deliberately chosen to share these Stoic exercises with the rest of us. What you get is in the tradition of Marcus’ Meditations, if Marcus were being coached directly by Epictetus, in the gym with him, urging him to crank out another rep. This is a book that promises upfront to challenge its readers by confronting and provoking them: “Do not be frightened by the unpleasantness, and try not to take the criticism personally.” (Introduction). Iron weighs what it weighs. The only way to make the iron feel light is to lift it, over and over.
Meditations consists of 30 “books”, each comprised of 10 meditations. In this sense, a “meditation” is a one paragraph exploration of a theme or area of focus. Think of it as a specific type of exercise: this is a deadlift, that is a back squat; these are ring dips, that is a power clean. Book I focuses directly on what the Stoics call “the dichotomy of control”: what is up to us; what we can actually control in our lives. We start with our own “attitudes, values, and efforts directed at mental discipline”, and then widen outward to our family, friends, acquaintances, society at large…
Book II continues in this vein, but rather than talking about control directly, focuses our attention on how we react to not only the world around us, but also our own internal representation of the world and demonstrates that all of these mental wounds are self-inflicted. This is bog standard Stoicism, but presented in modern, uncompromising language that is as simple and effective as a squat rack, a straight bar and plenty of iron plates. Everything you need to get mentally strong is here, you just need to get under the bar and move the weights.
Subsequent books circle through Stoic concepts, frequently reiterating and elaborating on ideas we’ve already encountered. Like a properly designed weight routine the “same but different” approach imposes greater demands on us and allows us to get stronger by rising to the challenge.
On the one hand, you don’t need to come to Ferraiolo’s Meditations with any understanding of Roman Stoicism. On the other hand, if you do know your Epictetus and Marcus, and if you’re truly paying attention, you will realize that reading this book and doing each exercise with focus and attention requires a Stoic approach. Are you upset or “offended” by something Dr. Ferraiolo has written? Does it hit too close to home, or disagree with your opinions? Does it slaughter one of your sacred cows, or maybe just make fun of you for curling in the squat rack? What causes this upset? The very act of reading Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure will demand that you pay attention to and identify where the source of those reactions really lies.
This book is a well planned, gym-tested, properly periodized approach to developing the only strength that really matters. It’s right there in your path. Pick it up. Get stronger.
September 1, 2017
Disclaimer: I was a given a review copy of Meditations in exchange for a honest review.
I have been an avid follower of Stoicism for quite some time and have taken great delight in reading classics like the original Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Enchiridion, and Moral Letters to Lucilius by Seneca.
Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure draws inspiration from the original Meditations and within it's pages, we are given the rare opportunity to see William's internal dialogue.
William hits on several of key Stoic concepts throughout his book such as focusing on the things you can control in Book 8.4, and not minding too much what happens to others.
He writes, "Offer your counsel when it is appropriate to do so. Offer your protection insofar as you are able. Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open to anything that might threaten their safety. Do not, however, insist that all must go well for them at all times."
We also get a glimpse of a man who judges himself to have fallen short of his own values as echoed in Book 9.9. In this section , William acknowledges the number of times that he has been looked upon unfavorably.
He writes, "You have met with disapproval more times than you can count. On each such occasion, you should consider whether the condemnation is warranted. If so, learn from it and make the requisite alterations to your behavior."
In spite of his own recognized shortcomings, we see a man that is determined to live virtuously, no matter what circumstances life may throw at him.
We can draw a direct parallel to Marcus Aurelius' Meditations where we see time and again his willing acceptance of whatever Nature bestows upon him.
While knowledge of Stoicism may be helpful, it is by no means required.
I will end by saying that this book is not for the faint of heart. It's designed to "wake you up", and get you to focus on what really matters.
In the last few sentences of the introduction, William gives us a few questions to ponder as well as some timeless insights to assist you on life's journey.
"What do you, and you alone, control? What kind of person do you want to be? Get started becoming what you want to be. You never know how much time is left. Turn your attention inside. The truth is there. You just have to be willing to look for it. Good luck."
I have been an avid follower of Stoicism for quite some time and have taken great delight in reading classics like the original Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Enchiridion, and Moral Letters to Lucilius by Seneca.
Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure draws inspiration from the original Meditations and within it's pages, we are given the rare opportunity to see William's internal dialogue.
William hits on several of key Stoic concepts throughout his book such as focusing on the things you can control in Book 8.4, and not minding too much what happens to others.
He writes, "Offer your counsel when it is appropriate to do so. Offer your protection insofar as you are able. Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open to anything that might threaten their safety. Do not, however, insist that all must go well for them at all times."
We also get a glimpse of a man who judges himself to have fallen short of his own values as echoed in Book 9.9. In this section , William acknowledges the number of times that he has been looked upon unfavorably.
He writes, "You have met with disapproval more times than you can count. On each such occasion, you should consider whether the condemnation is warranted. If so, learn from it and make the requisite alterations to your behavior."
In spite of his own recognized shortcomings, we see a man that is determined to live virtuously, no matter what circumstances life may throw at him.
We can draw a direct parallel to Marcus Aurelius' Meditations where we see time and again his willing acceptance of whatever Nature bestows upon him.
While knowledge of Stoicism may be helpful, it is by no means required.
I will end by saying that this book is not for the faint of heart. It's designed to "wake you up", and get you to focus on what really matters.
In the last few sentences of the introduction, William gives us a few questions to ponder as well as some timeless insights to assist you on life's journey.
"What do you, and you alone, control? What kind of person do you want to be? Get started becoming what you want to be. You never know how much time is left. Turn your attention inside. The truth is there. You just have to be willing to look for it. Good luck."
November 5, 2022
Every once in a while you grab a book without really having any expectations about it. After a few pages you go from having no expectations to some fairly elevated expectations. And then by the time you’re done with the book, you find that it exceeded those elevated expectations. That was the case with this book for me.
I guess I thought this was going to be another baseline book on stoicism -about what it all means, and the history of it, and what it can do for you. Blah blah blah. I’ve read more than a few of those. I’m not even sure how I found this book? I think maybe it was just searching on my library’s website? Anyway this book was not that. It was actually sort of a restating of the Meditations by Marcus Arelious, through the lens of one philosophers personal understanding, tinged with a little bit of cynicism. OK maybe quite a bit of cynicism. But a healthy dose of cynicism.
I found it refreshing and blunt. Sometimes blunt force is more effective than precision.
I’m giving this book 5 stars because it really made me think. It really made me consider. It really made me roll the ideas presented here, around in my head. Isn’t that wonderful? What more can you want from a book?
I guess I thought this was going to be another baseline book on stoicism -about what it all means, and the history of it, and what it can do for you. Blah blah blah. I’ve read more than a few of those. I’m not even sure how I found this book? I think maybe it was just searching on my library’s website? Anyway this book was not that. It was actually sort of a restating of the Meditations by Marcus Arelious, through the lens of one philosophers personal understanding, tinged with a little bit of cynicism. OK maybe quite a bit of cynicism. But a healthy dose of cynicism.
I found it refreshing and blunt. Sometimes blunt force is more effective than precision.
I’m giving this book 5 stars because it really made me think. It really made me consider. It really made me roll the ideas presented here, around in my head. Isn’t that wonderful? What more can you want from a book?
January 9, 2019
Of all the Philosophies, Stoicism is probably among the most necessary but also one of the hardest to practice in times of stress. The philosophy began by Zeno of Citium taught that virtue was based on knowledge and wisdom could be obtained by Reason, and that it's practitioners should withstand pain, pleasure, and fortune.
Nowadays people are described as having a stoic personality when they endure hardship without expressing much outward emotion. They are not always incapable of feeling. They just prefer not to display it. Instead they just keep going.
Dr. William Ferraiolo, professor of philosophy at San Joaquin Delta College, added to Stoicism by creating this book of meditations that put this ancient philosophy into a modern setting.
In his introduction, Ferraiolo wrote that he was greatly inspired by the works of of philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius and the stoic, Epictetus. However he is less interested in writing about the past than he is about the present. The history of stoicism isn't as important as what the modern Reader can obtain from it. The meditations are in the second person, “you” so every Reader can feel like Ferraiolo is writing to them directly. It allows for the Stoic practice of (as Ferraiolo explicitly illustrates) “Think for yourself.”
The meditations are very simple, filled with common sense advice, and free of flowery language. One meditation talks about success and failure:
“Success and failure do not in any way down on states of affair that lie beyond the direct control of your will. Your performance is largely up to you (providing your body does not fail to your will.) Another person's assessment of your performance is entirely beyond your control…..Do not lie. Tell the truth and do not concern yourself with anyone who says that you lie. Do not commit adultery. Ignore those who accuse you of committing adultery. Be conscientious about your work. Do not concern yourself with those who question your diligence. Be a good person. Be an honorable person. That is enough.”
The meditations are deceptively simple. They make suggestions like “do not lie” that seem easy but allows the Reader to question how often do they not do these things and how they can change following these suggestions.
While the meditations seem easy, stoicism is a complex mindset to manage because it runs contrary to human nature. Humans are emotional complicated beings and advice that suggests to repress those emotions can be very difficult to heed. Advice like telling someone not to despair after a friend dies can backfire and leave the Reader feel like they are being insulted even when they are aware Ferraiolo is trying to help.
That is what makes stoicism such an intriguing philosophy and one that can benefit the Reader as this book shows. The philosophy allows its practitioner to step back and analyze their reaction to exterior problems and improve on their behavior towards them. The book is not suggesting an avoidance of emotion just obtaining stronger control over them.
Dr. Ferraiolo's book gives an ancient philosophy a modern twist. While it can be difficult to master, no one can deny that it is sorely needed.
Nowadays people are described as having a stoic personality when they endure hardship without expressing much outward emotion. They are not always incapable of feeling. They just prefer not to display it. Instead they just keep going.
Dr. William Ferraiolo, professor of philosophy at San Joaquin Delta College, added to Stoicism by creating this book of meditations that put this ancient philosophy into a modern setting.
In his introduction, Ferraiolo wrote that he was greatly inspired by the works of of philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius and the stoic, Epictetus. However he is less interested in writing about the past than he is about the present. The history of stoicism isn't as important as what the modern Reader can obtain from it. The meditations are in the second person, “you” so every Reader can feel like Ferraiolo is writing to them directly. It allows for the Stoic practice of (as Ferraiolo explicitly illustrates) “Think for yourself.”
The meditations are very simple, filled with common sense advice, and free of flowery language. One meditation talks about success and failure:
“Success and failure do not in any way down on states of affair that lie beyond the direct control of your will. Your performance is largely up to you (providing your body does not fail to your will.) Another person's assessment of your performance is entirely beyond your control…..Do not lie. Tell the truth and do not concern yourself with anyone who says that you lie. Do not commit adultery. Ignore those who accuse you of committing adultery. Be conscientious about your work. Do not concern yourself with those who question your diligence. Be a good person. Be an honorable person. That is enough.”
The meditations are deceptively simple. They make suggestions like “do not lie” that seem easy but allows the Reader to question how often do they not do these things and how they can change following these suggestions.
While the meditations seem easy, stoicism is a complex mindset to manage because it runs contrary to human nature. Humans are emotional complicated beings and advice that suggests to repress those emotions can be very difficult to heed. Advice like telling someone not to despair after a friend dies can backfire and leave the Reader feel like they are being insulted even when they are aware Ferraiolo is trying to help.
That is what makes stoicism such an intriguing philosophy and one that can benefit the Reader as this book shows. The philosophy allows its practitioner to step back and analyze their reaction to exterior problems and improve on their behavior towards them. The book is not suggesting an avoidance of emotion just obtaining stronger control over them.
Dr. Ferraiolo's book gives an ancient philosophy a modern twist. While it can be difficult to master, no one can deny that it is sorely needed.
March 4, 2018
This book is written in the style of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. Both that book and this one are rocket fuel and show me my short comings and where I can work on my mental fitness and ‘adulting’.
I get a real sense that these meditations are “self talk”. Written with the intention of encouraging one self. Pointing out clumsiness and blindness to reality. Written in the style where the adult “me” is mentoring a troubled and confused “me”. Not meant for consumption by anyone else. And why would they be relevant to anyone else?
This encourages me to look at my own meditations.
I get a real sense that these meditations are “self talk”. Written with the intention of encouraging one self. Pointing out clumsiness and blindness to reality. Written in the style where the adult “me” is mentoring a troubled and confused “me”. Not meant for consumption by anyone else. And why would they be relevant to anyone else?
This encourages me to look at my own meditations.
May 26, 2019
Really good.
It’s a great modern stoic reading. More based on tough love. Still a great read for those who need a good butt kick.
It’s a great modern stoic reading. More based on tough love. Still a great read for those who need a good butt kick.
January 25, 2024
Excellent book on Stoic ideas and practices/disciplines and how they apply to the reader's life. Be advised: this is not the happy-clappy sort of book that a lot of "self-help Stoic" books advertise themselves to be.
July 12, 2018
Come back to ground book
A very self depreciating book. When you want to be reminded of your mortality and humanity pick up this book.
A very self depreciating book. When you want to be reminded of your mortality and humanity pick up this book.
September 30, 2018
Incredibly thought-provoking!
May 7, 2018
I read it in one day and slept 12 hours that night (never do that) so what does that mean? I think I was relieved that someone else is perplexed by as many rules as I am. As the reader, I had to remind myself that the author is talking to himself. This is what he thinks he should be doing and not doing. He gives assent to God while not being certain that God exists. It doesn't make sense to me to use the Bible for counsel when you're still trying to figure out if its author is fact or fiction. There are many reminders that death is coming and there's nothing that can be done to prevent it. The reader can come away feeling small and insignificant which is probably the way we should feel but our culture wants us to feel large and important. Toyota has unleashed Olympic commercials stating, "If you can move, you can do anything." Most people think nothing of the expression but I think, "I can move and I'm not an Olympian." I appreciated the book because it's genuine and says things that I would rather not be reminded of. Tony Robbins would be appalled.
November 18, 2017
A real paradigm on the self-help genre. Puts practicality in the right lens of perceptive A very much useful yet (to some, perhaps) harsh book of sorts that is to be kept close as a reminder of how to remain sane in our chaotic world. Each page riddles with instances that I resonated with greatly and I continually found myself writing over what Ferraiolo made note of (several relevant topics of self) that has helped me better understand my emotional state and the world around me.
Definitely a worthy gift to anyone, too. It is a declaration of disciplining to be a better you. Who in their right mind wouldn't want that? This is a very much needed text that, if implemented, can do some (good) damage on our own failures to become and remain virtuous human beings.
Definitely a worthy gift to anyone, too. It is a declaration of disciplining to be a better you. Who in their right mind wouldn't want that? This is a very much needed text that, if implemented, can do some (good) damage on our own failures to become and remain virtuous human beings.
February 19, 2018
An outstanding read. While some may find elements of the text provocative, Dr Ferraiolo touches on some truths people may not want to read. At the end of the day as long as a book can impact the reader in some way and that individual makes their own inferences then it has arguably achieved its objective, this text had a profound impact on myself and will be re-read for years to come. Do yourself a favour and absorb the contents then take away your own learnings. Thank you Dr Ferraiolo for a memorable book.
January 8, 2018
Great Book
A great book to reflect on and often gives you difficult questions, be honest and it'll be a great read
A great book to reflect on and often gives you difficult questions, be honest and it'll be a great read
July 29, 2018
Fantastic!
Mr. Ferraiolo does not waste time with his writing.
Like a razor, this book cuts directly at the source, leaving only wisdom.
Mr. Ferraiolo does not waste time with his writing.
Like a razor, this book cuts directly at the source, leaving only wisdom.
August 21, 2022
MEDITATIONS ON SELF-DISCIPLINE AND FAILURE: STOIC EXERCISE FOR MENTAL FITNESS (Meditações sobre Auto-Disciplina e Fracasso: Exercícios Estóicos para Ginástica Mental) - William Ferraiolo | Filosofia, Auto-Ajuda |184 pgs, Ed. O Books, 2017 | Lido de 20/08/22 a 21/08/22 | NITROLEITURAS
Uma excelente coleção de meditações na tradição estóica, inspirado no clássico "Meditações" de Marco Aurélio, onde o autor William Ferraiolo, revela, de maneira direta e "sem censura", os seus diálogos internos, e assim, oferece duras reflexões para o leitor também aplicar os conceitos estóicos de auto-suficiência, resiliência e prática da virtude.
Meditações sobre autodisciplina e fracasso fornece acesso às ruminações, práticas e aplicações da antiga filosofia estóica, conforme implantado por um filósofo profissional contemporâneo com vinte e cinco anos de experiência ensinando, pesquisando e publicando artigos em revistas acadêmicas.
Cada meditação é apresentada no ponto de vista de segunda pessoa, incentivando o leitor a examinar suas lutas e fracassos na busca de auto-aperfeiçoamento e iluminação.
Ao longo da leitura, que é repleta de palavras duras em direção ao leitor, vemos um narrador que está determinado a viver virtuosamente, não importa quais circunstâncias a vida possa lançar sobre ele.
Um excelente livro tanto para inciantes no estoicismo quanto para veteranos!
CITAÇÕES
“Seus detratores fornecem lições valiosas. Pergunte a si mesmo se suas críticas estão corretas. Se sim, então melhore a si mesmo e seja grato pela orientação deles. Se, por outro lado, suas críticas forem equivocadas, então reconheça que o erro deles não é nada para você. Deixe-os persistir em suas percepções errôneas, se necessário. Se eles mudarem de ideia e passarem a respeitá-lo, reconheça que isso é igualmente insignificante. Talvez o elogio se mostre tão bem ou mal colocado quanto a crítica. Talvez ambas as avaliações se mostrem inadequadas e imprecisas. O que é que tem? O vento sopra, as pessoas formam crenças, o rio corre e, no final, o mundo engole tudo.”
"Quem é você para reclamar de alguma coisa? Você afirma ter sido maltratado? Você afirma ter sofrido desnecessariamente? Quem não sofreu? Cujo sofrimento era mais ou menos “necessário” que o resto? Quantos sofreram muito mais do que você? A maioria tem, não tem? Chorar e lamentar seu destino é ingratidão, auto-absorção e fraqueza. Você se humilha com todas as queixas e queixas alegadas. Sua obrigação é melhorar a si mesmo o melhor que puder no tempo que lhe for concedido - e nunca se esqueça de que você não sabe quanto tempo é. Isso não é feito choramingando e lançando acusações. Continue com isso! Ninguém pode ter abusado, prejudicado ou vitimizado tão frequentemente quanto você fez essas coisas para si mesmo. Você desperdiça seu tempo e energia com bobagens.”
“O mundo está, de fato, repleto de perigos. O perigo real, aquele com o qual você deve estar mais profundamente preocupado, é o perigo de se tornar um covarde e um fraco. O mundo pode (e vai) matar você, quebrar seu corpo e privá-lo de bens materiais, mas só você pode se privar de dignidade e honra.”
Newton Nitro
https://linktr.ee/newtonnitro
Uma excelente coleção de meditações na tradição estóica, inspirado no clássico "Meditações" de Marco Aurélio, onde o autor William Ferraiolo, revela, de maneira direta e "sem censura", os seus diálogos internos, e assim, oferece duras reflexões para o leitor também aplicar os conceitos estóicos de auto-suficiência, resiliência e prática da virtude.
Meditações sobre autodisciplina e fracasso fornece acesso às ruminações, práticas e aplicações da antiga filosofia estóica, conforme implantado por um filósofo profissional contemporâneo com vinte e cinco anos de experiência ensinando, pesquisando e publicando artigos em revistas acadêmicas.
Cada meditação é apresentada no ponto de vista de segunda pessoa, incentivando o leitor a examinar suas lutas e fracassos na busca de auto-aperfeiçoamento e iluminação.
Ao longo da leitura, que é repleta de palavras duras em direção ao leitor, vemos um narrador que está determinado a viver virtuosamente, não importa quais circunstâncias a vida possa lançar sobre ele.
Um excelente livro tanto para inciantes no estoicismo quanto para veteranos!
CITAÇÕES
“Seus detratores fornecem lições valiosas. Pergunte a si mesmo se suas críticas estão corretas. Se sim, então melhore a si mesmo e seja grato pela orientação deles. Se, por outro lado, suas críticas forem equivocadas, então reconheça que o erro deles não é nada para você. Deixe-os persistir em suas percepções errôneas, se necessário. Se eles mudarem de ideia e passarem a respeitá-lo, reconheça que isso é igualmente insignificante. Talvez o elogio se mostre tão bem ou mal colocado quanto a crítica. Talvez ambas as avaliações se mostrem inadequadas e imprecisas. O que é que tem? O vento sopra, as pessoas formam crenças, o rio corre e, no final, o mundo engole tudo.”
"Quem é você para reclamar de alguma coisa? Você afirma ter sido maltratado? Você afirma ter sofrido desnecessariamente? Quem não sofreu? Cujo sofrimento era mais ou menos “necessário” que o resto? Quantos sofreram muito mais do que você? A maioria tem, não tem? Chorar e lamentar seu destino é ingratidão, auto-absorção e fraqueza. Você se humilha com todas as queixas e queixas alegadas. Sua obrigação é melhorar a si mesmo o melhor que puder no tempo que lhe for concedido - e nunca se esqueça de que você não sabe quanto tempo é. Isso não é feito choramingando e lançando acusações. Continue com isso! Ninguém pode ter abusado, prejudicado ou vitimizado tão frequentemente quanto você fez essas coisas para si mesmo. Você desperdiça seu tempo e energia com bobagens.”
“O mundo está, de fato, repleto de perigos. O perigo real, aquele com o qual você deve estar mais profundamente preocupado, é o perigo de se tornar um covarde e um fraco. O mundo pode (e vai) matar você, quebrar seu corpo e privá-lo de bens materiais, mas só você pode se privar de dignidade e honra.”
Newton Nitro
https://linktr.ee/newtonnitro
December 21, 2025
This book has stuck with me, so I want to recommend it. I will read it again soon because it's real and original. I read it a few months ago, and I can recall only a fraction of it. This review will suck a bit, deal with it.
If you liked Marcus Aurelius meditations, you will like this book too. It has less of a focus on the observation of things as they are and more on the inner contents of one's mind (M.A.'s book is more philosophical, focusing a lot on observing the way of things, the cycles in nature, the place one has in this world).
I'll paraphrase my favorite quote, in the context of a person who makes your life worse, remember that having "their character or being them is their punishment". This makes me so conscious about not having to respond to anybody who wants to start a fight or a discussion. Why share their misery?
So, read it if you like the idea of taking out the mental trash that's been piling up.
If you liked Marcus Aurelius meditations, you will like this book too. It has less of a focus on the observation of things as they are and more on the inner contents of one's mind (M.A.'s book is more philosophical, focusing a lot on observing the way of things, the cycles in nature, the place one has in this world).
I'll paraphrase my favorite quote, in the context of a person who makes your life worse, remember that having "their character or being them is their punishment". This makes me so conscious about not having to respond to anybody who wants to start a fight or a discussion. Why share their misery?
So, read it if you like the idea of taking out the mental trash that's been piling up.
January 13, 2020
★½
There were some good stoic ideas, (nothing that I haven't already read). I had high hopes for this book because the theme sounded kinda promising, but unfortunately the book is not well written. For anyone who's trying to learn more about stoicism, I'd recommend them to read "how to be a stoic -Massimo Pigliucci.
There were some good stoic ideas, (nothing that I haven't already read). I had high hopes for this book because the theme sounded kinda promising, but unfortunately the book is not well written. For anyone who's trying to learn more about stoicism, I'd recommend them to read "how to be a stoic -Massimo Pigliucci.
October 27, 2024
This is the best book on Stoic practice that I've read so far and I've read 10+ at this point. There's no filler down to the individual sentence and each sentence is meaningful and/or thought provoking, while not being too difficult to parse as in a more academic book like Tad Brennan's Stoic Life book. It's easy to read and practical.
April 27, 2022
Modern take Meditations The author gives himself advice in every section. Sometimes he is a little harsh. But he always gets to the heart.
October 9, 2020
This book was recommended to me by a you tube video of William Fernando. It is based on the stock philosophy of Marcus Aurelius . You stay strong through wisdom of your own path and are not swayed by this minutia of daily life. It is a book of affirmation for the nature reader to tell you that you should stay on the path of greatness, appreciate what you and don't compare yourself to others and be grateful for what you have and have accomplished and mentor others.. Buckle up and keep going, stop feeling sorry about ypurself. I have to read it in chunks and put it down for a while. There is a point in the book where it seems like he is telling at you but it ends. well.
January 19, 2021
Fantastic read. The author seems to have a smaller following, but is one of the better Stoic writers I've come across. Some of these big timer authors just rehash the old stuff over and over. But this? What an angle to look at life. A bit harsh at times, sometimes incoherent or confusing, but very real. Very visceral. Ive read nothing else like it. 5 stars for originality. Also, I took the profs classes back in the day and this book reads just like you would think if you took his courses. Get it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews