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Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In
Practical answers to the urgent moral questions of our time from the ancient philosophy of Stoicism
Twenty-three centuries ago, in a marketplace in Athens, Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, built his philosophy on powerful ideas that still resonate today: all human beings can become citizens of the world, regardless of their nationality, gender, or social class; happiness comes from living in harmony with nature; and, most important, humans always have the freedom to choose their attitude, even when they cannot control external circumstances. In our age of political polarization and environmental destruction, Stoicism's empowering message has taken on new relevance. In Being Better, Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos apply Stoic principles to contemporary issues such as social justice, climate breakdown, and the excesses of global capitalism. They show that Stoicism is not an ivory-tower philosophy or a collection of Silicon Valley life hacks but a vital way of life that helps us live simply, improve our communities, and find peace in a turbulent world.
Twenty-three centuries ago, in a marketplace in Athens, Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, built his philosophy on powerful ideas that still resonate today: all human beings can become citizens of the world, regardless of their nationality, gender, or social class; happiness comes from living in harmony with nature; and, most important, humans always have the freedom to choose their attitude, even when they cannot control external circumstances. In our age of political polarization and environmental destruction, Stoicism's empowering message has taken on new relevance. In Being Better, Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos apply Stoic principles to contemporary issues such as social justice, climate breakdown, and the excesses of global capitalism. They show that Stoicism is not an ivory-tower philosophy or a collection of Silicon Valley life hacks but a vital way of life that helps us live simply, improve our communities, and find peace in a turbulent world.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2021
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389 people want to read
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August 28, 2022
Zeno of Citium founded Stoicism at the Stoa Poikile - the Painted Porch - a colonnade that stood outside the public market in Athens over two thousand years ago.
Zeno's followers took the name of the porch rather than Zeno's name which says a lot about this philosophy. Zeno argued that there is only one destination worthy of a lifetime's journey.
That destination is eudaimonia - happiness, flourishing, fulfillment, well-being, or the good life. Zeno believed that the path towards eudaimonia is open to all and that reaching it is the highest aim for humankind.
This book shows you how to achieve this destination today. The authors gather timeless insights from Zeno as well as those who followed him including Cleanthus, Musonius, and the outstanding Marcus Aurelius to challenge us to discover well-being not only for ourselves but those around us.
Do the right thing for the right reason.
Zeno's followers took the name of the porch rather than Zeno's name which says a lot about this philosophy. Zeno argued that there is only one destination worthy of a lifetime's journey.
That destination is eudaimonia - happiness, flourishing, fulfillment, well-being, or the good life. Zeno believed that the path towards eudaimonia is open to all and that reaching it is the highest aim for humankind.
This book shows you how to achieve this destination today. The authors gather timeless insights from Zeno as well as those who followed him including Cleanthus, Musonius, and the outstanding Marcus Aurelius to challenge us to discover well-being not only for ourselves but those around us.
Do the right thing for the right reason.
May 21, 2021
I've read three chapters into the Kai Whiting book, 'Being Better' and, my very quick review is - don't bother.
If you are familiar with Stoicism it will provide you with very little that is new; if you are unfamiliar with Stoicism, avoid it as it will not give you an accurate depiction of either Stoicism as a philosophy nor its history.
I find it both puzzling and frustrating that modern Stoicism writers seem intent upon rewriting, and to an extent 'fictionalizing' the history and actions of historical Stoics. But, even worse than that, there is simply no excuse for sloppy research. For example:
"In living out his commitment to the Stoic virtue of self-control, Cato involved himself in the more arduous tasks required on his farm and didn’t leave everything for his slaves to do. He taught himself to endure cold, heat, sickness, and self-imposed poverty without complaint. He trained himself to eat and wear nothing beyond the bare essentials, even though he could well afford luxuries. He occasionally indulged in food and wine at dinner parties..."
The authors have mixed up Cato the Elder and Cato the Younger - the Elder was famous for his austere and severe lifestyle and indeed lived on a farm, writing several books upon farming and farm management - and was *not* a Stoic. Cato the Younger, on the other hand, was known to start drinking wine shortly after getting out of bed and would sometimes stay up until the early hours, drinking by himself, and was seen drunk in public. So, they have not even done basic research and clearly neither did whoever reviewed their text before it was published.
This is merely one of the most glaring errors, others being less significant though just as incomprehensible:
"He (Cato the Younger) also made it clear to his fellow senators, who were among the worst offenders in all of Rome, that he would personally ensure that those involved in corruption would be brought before a jury and, if found guilty, exiled."
Except if it happened to be his brother-in-law, in which case he declined to prosecute on the grounds that it would have embarrassed his sister.
Despite the viciousness of Caesar’s acts, the entire Senate, except for Cato, refused to condemn Caesar. In fact, they hailed him for his heroics! This went against everything Cato stood for and led him to publicly call out Caesar’s victory brag.
Except when Cato remained silent about massacring slaves involved in Spartacus' uprising and even enlisted to assist in crushing the revolt. The authors also completely overlook the personal nature of the conflict between Cato the Younger and Caesar, in that Caesar was sleeping with Cato's half-sister at the time.
"Although war is never a reasonable person’s first choice, Cato felt he could not avoid it."
Except it was Caesar who offered the compromise to attempt to avoid civil war and Cato saw to it that the Senate rejected his offer.
"Cato showed himself to be above petty politics but not the rule of law."
Except in the case of the Catilinarian Conspiracy when Cato oversaw the execution of Roman citizens without trial, completely riding roughshod over the rule of law in favour of political expediency.
All throughout the book there is the unnecessary use of emotive language because the authors seem determined to contrast their 'good guy' protagonists with the 'bad guys':
"the tyrant Emperor Nero in his reign of terror."; "Caesar enjoyed lauding his acts of politically motivated clemency"; "objection to Julius Caesar’s power grab and his forthcoming reign of tyranny"; Cato was a brave and capable man of the military who, in sharp contrast to the brazen Caesar;"
To me, it just looks unprofessional. Also, the quality of the proofing is evident below:
"This is why Zeno and his students (particularly Sphaerus, whom we will get to know in) admired Spartan discipline."
I might be old-fashioned, but that sort of language below might be fine for facebook, but to me, it simply undermines the credibility and 'gravitas' of their message:
"You couldn’t just rock up to the Oracle, hand over some coins, and demand that she saw you."
And then we get statements like this, which, simply make little sense in the context of Stoicism:
"Cato was disciplined, and he was determined to use his position as senator and his privilege of birth to achieve virtue."
No Stoic, or philosopher of any of the Greco-Roman schools would think that position or rank can be used to achieve virtue. That statement alone should give anyone pause to ask if the authors actually 'get' Stoicism.
The authors also attempt to draw on modern examples of various reasonably famous people, the majority of whom, have no knowledge of Stoicism, but then make them out to be Stoics simply because they made ethical choices - so you get statements like this:
"In some respects, the venture capitalist Nick Hanauer is a modern-day version of Panaetius."
Really? Simply because an early investor in Amazon advocated a minimum wage in the US he is equated with a philosopher of the calibre of Panaetius? That is setting the bar so low that Mark Zuckerberg would surely qualify as a Stoic Sage for promoting global 'oikeiosis'.
Anyway, I'm not going to go through the whole book, suffice to say, I do not recommend it. The two stars are for what was clearly good intent, a key aspect of Stoicism, despite the woeful execution.
However, for me, the book exemplifies where the Modern Stoic movement is going wrong. There are better, much better books on Stoicism out there, which is ironic given the title of the book.
If you are familiar with Stoicism it will provide you with very little that is new; if you are unfamiliar with Stoicism, avoid it as it will not give you an accurate depiction of either Stoicism as a philosophy nor its history.
I find it both puzzling and frustrating that modern Stoicism writers seem intent upon rewriting, and to an extent 'fictionalizing' the history and actions of historical Stoics. But, even worse than that, there is simply no excuse for sloppy research. For example:
"In living out his commitment to the Stoic virtue of self-control, Cato involved himself in the more arduous tasks required on his farm and didn’t leave everything for his slaves to do. He taught himself to endure cold, heat, sickness, and self-imposed poverty without complaint. He trained himself to eat and wear nothing beyond the bare essentials, even though he could well afford luxuries. He occasionally indulged in food and wine at dinner parties..."
The authors have mixed up Cato the Elder and Cato the Younger - the Elder was famous for his austere and severe lifestyle and indeed lived on a farm, writing several books upon farming and farm management - and was *not* a Stoic. Cato the Younger, on the other hand, was known to start drinking wine shortly after getting out of bed and would sometimes stay up until the early hours, drinking by himself, and was seen drunk in public. So, they have not even done basic research and clearly neither did whoever reviewed their text before it was published.
This is merely one of the most glaring errors, others being less significant though just as incomprehensible:
"He (Cato the Younger) also made it clear to his fellow senators, who were among the worst offenders in all of Rome, that he would personally ensure that those involved in corruption would be brought before a jury and, if found guilty, exiled."
Except if it happened to be his brother-in-law, in which case he declined to prosecute on the grounds that it would have embarrassed his sister.
Despite the viciousness of Caesar’s acts, the entire Senate, except for Cato, refused to condemn Caesar. In fact, they hailed him for his heroics! This went against everything Cato stood for and led him to publicly call out Caesar’s victory brag.
Except when Cato remained silent about massacring slaves involved in Spartacus' uprising and even enlisted to assist in crushing the revolt. The authors also completely overlook the personal nature of the conflict between Cato the Younger and Caesar, in that Caesar was sleeping with Cato's half-sister at the time.
"Although war is never a reasonable person’s first choice, Cato felt he could not avoid it."
Except it was Caesar who offered the compromise to attempt to avoid civil war and Cato saw to it that the Senate rejected his offer.
"Cato showed himself to be above petty politics but not the rule of law."
Except in the case of the Catilinarian Conspiracy when Cato oversaw the execution of Roman citizens without trial, completely riding roughshod over the rule of law in favour of political expediency.
All throughout the book there is the unnecessary use of emotive language because the authors seem determined to contrast their 'good guy' protagonists with the 'bad guys':
"the tyrant Emperor Nero in his reign of terror."; "Caesar enjoyed lauding his acts of politically motivated clemency"; "objection to Julius Caesar’s power grab and his forthcoming reign of tyranny"; Cato was a brave and capable man of the military who, in sharp contrast to the brazen Caesar;"
To me, it just looks unprofessional. Also, the quality of the proofing is evident below:
"This is why Zeno and his students (particularly Sphaerus, whom we will get to know in) admired Spartan discipline."
I might be old-fashioned, but that sort of language below might be fine for facebook, but to me, it simply undermines the credibility and 'gravitas' of their message:
"You couldn’t just rock up to the Oracle, hand over some coins, and demand that she saw you."
And then we get statements like this, which, simply make little sense in the context of Stoicism:
"Cato was disciplined, and he was determined to use his position as senator and his privilege of birth to achieve virtue."
No Stoic, or philosopher of any of the Greco-Roman schools would think that position or rank can be used to achieve virtue. That statement alone should give anyone pause to ask if the authors actually 'get' Stoicism.
The authors also attempt to draw on modern examples of various reasonably famous people, the majority of whom, have no knowledge of Stoicism, but then make them out to be Stoics simply because they made ethical choices - so you get statements like this:
"In some respects, the venture capitalist Nick Hanauer is a modern-day version of Panaetius."
Really? Simply because an early investor in Amazon advocated a minimum wage in the US he is equated with a philosopher of the calibre of Panaetius? That is setting the bar so low that Mark Zuckerberg would surely qualify as a Stoic Sage for promoting global 'oikeiosis'.
Anyway, I'm not going to go through the whole book, suffice to say, I do not recommend it. The two stars are for what was clearly good intent, a key aspect of Stoicism, despite the woeful execution.
However, for me, the book exemplifies where the Modern Stoic movement is going wrong. There are better, much better books on Stoicism out there, which is ironic given the title of the book.
April 28, 2021
Kai and Leo have made a wonderful contribution to the world of Stoicism with this book. The interesting examples they give, the references to multiple known and lesser-known Stoics of the past, the insightful questions they ask the reader, and the focus on virtue in daily living are just some of the ways that the authors help the reader to gain a deeper understanding and practical application of Stoicism in their life.
April 27, 2021
Whiting, Kai; Konstantakos, Leonidas: Stoicism for a world worth living in.
Novato (California): New World Library, 2021. 219 p. $ 16.2. ISBN 978-1-60868-693-3.
Aldo Dinucci
The book Being Better presents an introduction to contemporary Stoicism from a new angle. Instead of the individualistic selfish bias by which this ancient philosophy is commonly presented these days in the self-help field, the authors show the reader that Stoicism is, in fact, a communitarian philosophy. They demonstrate, with a firm basis in the ancient texts (the references are considerable), that Stoicism is an art of living that has always being concerned, since Antiquity, with the development of a world worth living in, as the title of the book opportunely puts it. The book is composed of an introduction followed by nine chapters: (1) The Promise of the Good Life, (2) Virtue as a Way Forward, (3) Know What’s in Your Control (and Isn’t!), (4) Recognize Luck, (5) No One Is an Island, (6) Put People in Circles, Not Boxes, (7) Only the Educated Are Free, (8) Live According to Nature, (9) Well on the Way to a Life Transformed.
In the first chapter, the authors (Kai and Leonidas) emphasis to the reader the well-known fact that “Stoicism is a practical philosophy that provides an antidote for troubled times, while it also keeps our ego and excesses in check when things are going well,” (p.2). However, they also point out, some pages later, that the reason why Stoicism has endured and it is still useful for us today is that “it provides us with useful tools and methods for reflecting upon, and reframing, our thoughts so that they serve rather than impede us, so that they build rather than destroy our communities, however difficult a challenge we face” (p.3). Kai and Leonidas stress the fact that Stoicism:
Is not about specific practices or “philosophical” life hacks or strategies for “getting ahead.” Nor does it offer up tips or tricks for shaping our abs, gaining likes on social media, doubling our salary overnight, or tidying up our living space. Instead, it makes it very clear that becoming the best version of ourselves involves striving for an excellent character — one that can effectively help us create a world worth living in — both for ourselves and others. (p. 6)
It is no secret that in recent times, Stoicism has been used as a self-help technique. Kai and Leonidas are not against this kind of appropriation, however they correctly highlight that seeing Stoicism merely as a means of self-improvement is a reduction of this philosophy, which in Antiquity formed individuals who were properly concerned with the common good. This is why many famous ancient Stoics invested in the common good, and did not adopt Stoic principles merely for personal gain. In fact, it was their unwavering commitment to the common good that saw many of them face exile (as, for e.g., Musonius Rufus and Epictetus) or a death sentence (as, for e.g. the Roman senator and philosopher Helvidius Priscus).
Following on from this foundation, Kai and Leonidas dedicate themselves to present the main tenets of Stoicism in an accessible form. In particular, they show the reader how these principles can be applied by us to improve society. They do this by illustrating key aspects of the philosophy via both ancient and contemporary examples of people who acted in a Stoic way, that is to say, with a deep understanding of the common good and the cosmopolitan community that is formed by their fellow humans.
In accordance with this communitarian presentation of Stoicism, Kai and Leonidas point out that “Stoicism is a big tent that caters to all walks of life, but people who are only interested in themselves and refuse to engage in anything that might perturb their peace are not pursuing Stoicism, but Epicureanism.” (p. 12). This is a reference to the “Stoic philosophy” promoted nowadays on social media that stresses the Stoic search for tranquillity (in Greek, ataraxia), but putts aside the Stoic fight for civic duty and justice. This is not Stoicism at all. In other words, they are correct to argue that a Stoic will not content herself in her own tranquillity while her fellow citizens are suffering injustice. Instead, a Stoic will do what she can to help them, which may include risking her own life. The authors are also right to highlight that peace of mind, for the Stoics, is only a means to act in a socially responsible manner, not an end in itself. As Kai and Leonidas correctly observes:
Nothing in Stoicism is merely done for our own sake. In fact, a Stoic would go as far to say that if our thoughts, actions, and attitude do not benefit the whole (world, country, community, family, and so on), then we are very much mistaken in thinking that they will benefit us! (p. 12)
Keeping this in mind, we come to understand that the Stoic philosopher, acting within her own responsibility for the good of humanity (and consequently the good of Nature as a whole), is remarkably courageous in her deeds, and does not need to take into account poorly expressed ignorant people, who hide being their need for tranquillity rather than get behind Stoicism’s unmistakable call for action. As the authors assert, while talking about the restriction of food choices they practice for the sake of reducing their impact on the environment:
We don’t do it to impress the neighbors or to prove to ourselves how disciplined we are. Choosing not to do something requires discipline, but if building discipline were the goal, we’d join (or rejoin) the army. Avoiding dairy is one small way we try to live out Stoic values and principles by fostering a better world. (p. 16)
The second chapter starts with a quotation of the Stoic philosopher Musonius Rufus, who was often referred to as the Roman Socrates. He neatly summarizes all I have discussed thus far about the communitarian aspect of Stoicism:
Evil consists in injustice, cruelty, and indifference to a neighbor’s trouble, while virtue is brotherly love, goodness, justice, beneficence, and concern for the welfare of one ’s neighbor. (Musonius Rufus, Discourses, Lecture 14.9)
Musonius’ deeds explored in this chapter, show him to be a consistent philosopher that practiced what he preached. Every Stoic was called to work in accordance with his/her own words and coherence and consistency were essential parts of the philosophical exercise for the Ancient Stoics. They were not simply intellectuals, as Kai and Leonidas point out:
For Stoics, a perfect person is someone who has perfected their character to the point that their thoughts and actions are in complete harmony with the universe. Such persons were referred to as sages and thought to be as rare as the phoenix… That said, and the sage aside, no one is truly without flaws, even our role models and heroes. However, we can hold someone up for their great feats in one area of life, and follow their example, while at the same time recognizing their less-than-exemplary behavior in other areas. We can also challenge or disagree with those things. As Stoics, we should be capable of simultaneously doing both at once. (p. 28 - note)
For the Stoics, especially from Posidonius on, strictly speaking there are no sages among humans, but progressors. And, to help us to make progress toward virtue, we may look at and follow the good examples of those who, by their courageous and just deeds, seem to have progressed more than us in different aspects of life.
Many examples of such people whose actions and attitude illustrate the Stoic practice of virtues (both in Ancient and Modern times) are given by Kai and Leonidas. In their book, they tell us the story of Pat Tillman, who prioritized good character and exemplified good behavior over the trappings of fortune; Katharine Gun, who leaked a top-secret memo from the US National Security Agency (NSA) because it represented a request for assistance in the blackmailing or bribing; Rosa Parks, who defied the Montgomery bus segregation policies; Claudette Colvin, who also refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus, among many others.
In summary, the book, provides good and plenty of information concerning Stoicism and its fundamental concepts from the philosophy’s communitarian vision and foundation. Kai and Leonidas correctly underline that Stoicism, as an ancient art of living, was not and should never be a refuge for those who do not want to face the world and its difficulties. Quite the contrary, they are right to show Stoicism as an ancient philosophy that can help us to fight against social injustices and environmental degradation. After all the ancient Stoic motto, live in accordance with nature, is something that we moderns should understand not only in the sense of achieving inner peace individually, but in the civic sense of helping our fellow humans to live in harmony with each other and with Nature as a whole.
Novato (California): New World Library, 2021. 219 p. $ 16.2. ISBN 978-1-60868-693-3.
Aldo Dinucci
The book Being Better presents an introduction to contemporary Stoicism from a new angle. Instead of the individualistic selfish bias by which this ancient philosophy is commonly presented these days in the self-help field, the authors show the reader that Stoicism is, in fact, a communitarian philosophy. They demonstrate, with a firm basis in the ancient texts (the references are considerable), that Stoicism is an art of living that has always being concerned, since Antiquity, with the development of a world worth living in, as the title of the book opportunely puts it. The book is composed of an introduction followed by nine chapters: (1) The Promise of the Good Life, (2) Virtue as a Way Forward, (3) Know What’s in Your Control (and Isn’t!), (4) Recognize Luck, (5) No One Is an Island, (6) Put People in Circles, Not Boxes, (7) Only the Educated Are Free, (8) Live According to Nature, (9) Well on the Way to a Life Transformed.
In the first chapter, the authors (Kai and Leonidas) emphasis to the reader the well-known fact that “Stoicism is a practical philosophy that provides an antidote for troubled times, while it also keeps our ego and excesses in check when things are going well,” (p.2). However, they also point out, some pages later, that the reason why Stoicism has endured and it is still useful for us today is that “it provides us with useful tools and methods for reflecting upon, and reframing, our thoughts so that they serve rather than impede us, so that they build rather than destroy our communities, however difficult a challenge we face” (p.3). Kai and Leonidas stress the fact that Stoicism:
Is not about specific practices or “philosophical” life hacks or strategies for “getting ahead.” Nor does it offer up tips or tricks for shaping our abs, gaining likes on social media, doubling our salary overnight, or tidying up our living space. Instead, it makes it very clear that becoming the best version of ourselves involves striving for an excellent character — one that can effectively help us create a world worth living in — both for ourselves and others. (p. 6)
It is no secret that in recent times, Stoicism has been used as a self-help technique. Kai and Leonidas are not against this kind of appropriation, however they correctly highlight that seeing Stoicism merely as a means of self-improvement is a reduction of this philosophy, which in Antiquity formed individuals who were properly concerned with the common good. This is why many famous ancient Stoics invested in the common good, and did not adopt Stoic principles merely for personal gain. In fact, it was their unwavering commitment to the common good that saw many of them face exile (as, for e.g., Musonius Rufus and Epictetus) or a death sentence (as, for e.g. the Roman senator and philosopher Helvidius Priscus).
Following on from this foundation, Kai and Leonidas dedicate themselves to present the main tenets of Stoicism in an accessible form. In particular, they show the reader how these principles can be applied by us to improve society. They do this by illustrating key aspects of the philosophy via both ancient and contemporary examples of people who acted in a Stoic way, that is to say, with a deep understanding of the common good and the cosmopolitan community that is formed by their fellow humans.
In accordance with this communitarian presentation of Stoicism, Kai and Leonidas point out that “Stoicism is a big tent that caters to all walks of life, but people who are only interested in themselves and refuse to engage in anything that might perturb their peace are not pursuing Stoicism, but Epicureanism.” (p. 12). This is a reference to the “Stoic philosophy” promoted nowadays on social media that stresses the Stoic search for tranquillity (in Greek, ataraxia), but putts aside the Stoic fight for civic duty and justice. This is not Stoicism at all. In other words, they are correct to argue that a Stoic will not content herself in her own tranquillity while her fellow citizens are suffering injustice. Instead, a Stoic will do what she can to help them, which may include risking her own life. The authors are also right to highlight that peace of mind, for the Stoics, is only a means to act in a socially responsible manner, not an end in itself. As Kai and Leonidas correctly observes:
Nothing in Stoicism is merely done for our own sake. In fact, a Stoic would go as far to say that if our thoughts, actions, and attitude do not benefit the whole (world, country, community, family, and so on), then we are very much mistaken in thinking that they will benefit us! (p. 12)
Keeping this in mind, we come to understand that the Stoic philosopher, acting within her own responsibility for the good of humanity (and consequently the good of Nature as a whole), is remarkably courageous in her deeds, and does not need to take into account poorly expressed ignorant people, who hide being their need for tranquillity rather than get behind Stoicism’s unmistakable call for action. As the authors assert, while talking about the restriction of food choices they practice for the sake of reducing their impact on the environment:
We don’t do it to impress the neighbors or to prove to ourselves how disciplined we are. Choosing not to do something requires discipline, but if building discipline were the goal, we’d join (or rejoin) the army. Avoiding dairy is one small way we try to live out Stoic values and principles by fostering a better world. (p. 16)
The second chapter starts with a quotation of the Stoic philosopher Musonius Rufus, who was often referred to as the Roman Socrates. He neatly summarizes all I have discussed thus far about the communitarian aspect of Stoicism:
Evil consists in injustice, cruelty, and indifference to a neighbor’s trouble, while virtue is brotherly love, goodness, justice, beneficence, and concern for the welfare of one ’s neighbor. (Musonius Rufus, Discourses, Lecture 14.9)
Musonius’ deeds explored in this chapter, show him to be a consistent philosopher that practiced what he preached. Every Stoic was called to work in accordance with his/her own words and coherence and consistency were essential parts of the philosophical exercise for the Ancient Stoics. They were not simply intellectuals, as Kai and Leonidas point out:
For Stoics, a perfect person is someone who has perfected their character to the point that their thoughts and actions are in complete harmony with the universe. Such persons were referred to as sages and thought to be as rare as the phoenix… That said, and the sage aside, no one is truly without flaws, even our role models and heroes. However, we can hold someone up for their great feats in one area of life, and follow their example, while at the same time recognizing their less-than-exemplary behavior in other areas. We can also challenge or disagree with those things. As Stoics, we should be capable of simultaneously doing both at once. (p. 28 - note)
For the Stoics, especially from Posidonius on, strictly speaking there are no sages among humans, but progressors. And, to help us to make progress toward virtue, we may look at and follow the good examples of those who, by their courageous and just deeds, seem to have progressed more than us in different aspects of life.
Many examples of such people whose actions and attitude illustrate the Stoic practice of virtues (both in Ancient and Modern times) are given by Kai and Leonidas. In their book, they tell us the story of Pat Tillman, who prioritized good character and exemplified good behavior over the trappings of fortune; Katharine Gun, who leaked a top-secret memo from the US National Security Agency (NSA) because it represented a request for assistance in the blackmailing or bribing; Rosa Parks, who defied the Montgomery bus segregation policies; Claudette Colvin, who also refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus, among many others.
In summary, the book, provides good and plenty of information concerning Stoicism and its fundamental concepts from the philosophy’s communitarian vision and foundation. Kai and Leonidas correctly underline that Stoicism, as an ancient art of living, was not and should never be a refuge for those who do not want to face the world and its difficulties. Quite the contrary, they are right to show Stoicism as an ancient philosophy that can help us to fight against social injustices and environmental degradation. After all the ancient Stoic motto, live in accordance with nature, is something that we moderns should understand not only in the sense of achieving inner peace individually, but in the civic sense of helping our fellow humans to live in harmony with each other and with Nature as a whole.
April 25, 2021
One of my favorite books on Stoicism so far. Less focused on Stoic practices than other modern Stoicism books, it provides lots of insights on virtuous living by digging deeper into the lives of both ancient and modern Stoics.
Really liked the approach of detaching from practices and focusing on asking better questions and improving judgment in general. I. myself, tend to bias in favor of practices in general. But this book opened my mind to the fact that if I really grasp the right judgments, action follows smoothly. Highly recommended for any human being :D
Really liked the approach of detaching from practices and focusing on asking better questions and improving judgment in general. I. myself, tend to bias in favor of practices in general. But this book opened my mind to the fact that if I really grasp the right judgments, action follows smoothly. Highly recommended for any human being :D
October 9, 2021
Excellent book with an interesting subject. I listened to the audio book while rereading the paperback.
April 11, 2021
This book works great both as an introduction to Stoicism as well as a more in-depth perspective on the pro-social and political thoughts of the Stoics. I especially enjoyed the chapters where the authors argued against the concept of self-made men.
February 16, 2022
This is definitely one of the better books on stoicism. When I first got into stoicism, I loved it because I saw a lot of parallels with the 12-step programs where I got sober. Soon, I saw that stoicism was being pushed by a lot of bro entrepreneurs, and it didn’t seem like it aligned with stoic values. This book from Whiting and Konstantakos takes a unique stance on stoicism and really discusses what it means to be stoic as well as virtuous. While it’s great to learn how to manage emotions and accept what we can’t change, the good life involves living a meaningful life while causing as little harm as possible. This is a quick read, but it’s extremely impactful and I really hope a lot of people check it out.
June 21, 2021
Remains consistent with Stoicism while also expanding our concerns towards the environment
I've really enjoyed this book. It's a great read for people new to Stoic philosophy and for people who have had a long-time interest in the philosophy.
I like that this book does the good thing and contrasts Stoicism with Aristotle off the bat and discusses how Aristotle thinks that people should meet certain material/biological qualifications to live the good life, whereas the Stoics basically require nothing for people to reach the good life.
I learned a lot of great things about Cato the Younger that cast him in a better light especially with regard to his interactions with Cicero. There were definitely some things I learned about Cicero that I didn't know before; things about his character.
I like that virtue is defined as a form of knowledge that shapes one's character. This idea is borrowed from Christopher Gill. And it's consistent with the Socratic idea of virtue as a form of knowledge.
You can tell that this book is not deviating from the essence or core of the Stoic teachings. It's already explaining what Stoicism is that is consistent with the whole philosophy. In my mind, the book doesn't actually add anything new to Stoicism but simply elucidates the concepts to a modern audience and reveals their applicability even now.
The Stoics were concerned with nature and the harmony of the universe. So they would've been particularly concerned with the environment. It's important to realize that the industrial revolution made our environmental impact greater and, so, it's hard to imagine that the Stoics wouldn't also be concerned with how we treat the world around us. I like that this book doesn't deviate from the core teachings of Stoic philosophy and uses it to help us apply it to modern problems that involve everything from fossil fuels to factory farming.
I like the real examples of people who exhibited Stoic characters like Katherine Gun and Pat Tillman and Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks. Many people know about Tillman and Parks but they know little about Gun and Colvin and it's important that you know them as well. You should certainly read all their stories. How they had really great characters and stood up to injustices. I'm not uncomfortable calling people Stoics who don't necessarily subscribe to the philosophy itself (or are unaware). Largely because I think Stoicism describes human nature and so we all do have a predisposition to virtue anyway. Kids can recognize kindness and fairness at an early age. A lot of the values we teach today in elementary education are basic Stoic virtues. Because Stoic virtues are human virtues. The philosophy of Stoicism should theoretically just speed up people's maturation into being fully rational human beings.
I've really enjoyed this book. It's a great read for people new to Stoic philosophy and for people who have had a long-time interest in the philosophy.
I like that this book does the good thing and contrasts Stoicism with Aristotle off the bat and discusses how Aristotle thinks that people should meet certain material/biological qualifications to live the good life, whereas the Stoics basically require nothing for people to reach the good life.
I learned a lot of great things about Cato the Younger that cast him in a better light especially with regard to his interactions with Cicero. There were definitely some things I learned about Cicero that I didn't know before; things about his character.
I like that virtue is defined as a form of knowledge that shapes one's character. This idea is borrowed from Christopher Gill. And it's consistent with the Socratic idea of virtue as a form of knowledge.
You can tell that this book is not deviating from the essence or core of the Stoic teachings. It's already explaining what Stoicism is that is consistent with the whole philosophy. In my mind, the book doesn't actually add anything new to Stoicism but simply elucidates the concepts to a modern audience and reveals their applicability even now.
The Stoics were concerned with nature and the harmony of the universe. So they would've been particularly concerned with the environment. It's important to realize that the industrial revolution made our environmental impact greater and, so, it's hard to imagine that the Stoics wouldn't also be concerned with how we treat the world around us. I like that this book doesn't deviate from the core teachings of Stoic philosophy and uses it to help us apply it to modern problems that involve everything from fossil fuels to factory farming.
I like the real examples of people who exhibited Stoic characters like Katherine Gun and Pat Tillman and Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks. Many people know about Tillman and Parks but they know little about Gun and Colvin and it's important that you know them as well. You should certainly read all their stories. How they had really great characters and stood up to injustices. I'm not uncomfortable calling people Stoics who don't necessarily subscribe to the philosophy itself (or are unaware). Largely because I think Stoicism describes human nature and so we all do have a predisposition to virtue anyway. Kids can recognize kindness and fairness at an early age. A lot of the values we teach today in elementary education are basic Stoic virtues. Because Stoic virtues are human virtues. The philosophy of Stoicism should theoretically just speed up people's maturation into being fully rational human beings.
May 8, 2021
I received (gratefully) a copy of the book from Kai and volunteered to review it. I don't write reviews in the same way other people do, so I won't blame you if you would rather not go to the trouble of reading this review.
I won't rehash the synopsis nor the contents of non-fiction books, there are other reviews if you prefer those instead. My review is purely based on my experience of reading the contents and how it will (or do) impact my life as a Stoic practitioner.
That being said, let's get stuck in.
I have been a student and practitioner of Stoicism going for five years now. I started the practice because I needed to learn to deal with the incredibly stressful environment of the industry I was working in at the time. Since leaving my last employer, I am now fully self-employed, I have continued the practise purely because of the benefits to myself.
This book has enriched my practice but also increased my understanding of Stoicism as being more than a way of improving myself. Studying translations of the original texts of the Stoics is not easy for someone who is not a linguist nor a trained philosopher. Being Better, and the work done by the authors helps to make the original texts more palatable for a modern mind.
“Stoicism is a practical philosophy that provides an antidote for troubled times, while it also keeps our ego and excesses in check when things are going well. Stoicism helps us to understand ourselves and other people better and to navigate a path through life’s challenges and successes. Zeno and his Stoics understood that the “good life” is rooted in communal living, which includes partaking in civic duties, building strong local ties, and being open to, and appreciative of, the universal community that extends across the whole world.
Stoicism won’t remove all of life’s obstacles, but it helps us to think differently about them. It won’t provide us with all the answers, but it gives us the ability to form the questions that ultimately lead to the solutions. Stoicism may be more than two thousand years old, but Zeno’s wisdom is as powerful as ever.”
Although a very practical philosophy, I found that there is more to learn about Stoicism and to understand my place in the greater society I live in. Oftentimes we see ourselves as an island, but with more study and greater understanding, it has become clear that my life has an impact on more than my own improvement as a person.
Using my work as a consulting engineer to explain: What I do directly impacts the products and companies that I work with. This then ripples out to the people and industries that end up using these products worldwide.
Although I have been aware of this for some time, the greater influence of what I do (or neglect to do) could have a much wider impact than what I thought at first. The details are not important, but what is important is that I need to be continually aware that I have to do the right thing, make the right decisions, and advise my clients to the best of my knowledge and abilities. This is not easy to do, but a constant reminder of the Stoic principles of wisdom, self-control, justice, and courage makes it possible.
Being Better reminded me that slacking on my own learning, could be detrimental to others around me. I love learning, but it is the awareness that it is continuous learning that contributes to living a virtuous life. I am by no means the only person who does what I do, so it also brings the added responsibility of bringing this mindset to those within my influence, Stoic philosophy notwithstanding.
One thing about Being Better that particularly spoke to me was “the principle of 'Only the educated are free' [which] embodies a continual search for wisdom and a perpetual questioning in order to know what to do or not to do and how best to succeed.”
Only once I understood the impact this had on Sparta (discussed in chapter 7) did it resonate with my own opinion of the situation in my own country. South Africa has had turbulent times due to corruption and crime at the highest levels of government.
Overcoming the wrongs of decades of history, by the more wrongdoing of the “uneducated recent past” will not be simple. But learning from the Stoics like Sphaerus could provide a way forward even for the modern problems that countries dragged down by corruption could benefit from.
This sounds like an impossible task for a modern country with massive issues of which economic decline is just one. But what will happen if I in my own small way manages to influence someone, who then influences someone else, who eventually is in the right position to make the right impact at the right time? I am not that important, nor do I think that it will necessarily be because of me living a virtuous life, but what if it does?
Another aspect that was clarified (at least to my mind) is the principle of “living in accordance with nature”.
“...a Stoic’s appreciation of Nature goes beyond taking selfies and a superficial enjoyment of breathtaking sights and sounds. It involves a profound thirst for the kind of knowledge that helps us understand how the world works and our position within it.”
Living in accordance with nature has always been a matter of interpretation in many articles on the subject that I have read over the years, but I think that the authors explained it in a way that makes sense irrespective of my own beliefs.
Being Better is a book to introduce people to think about these things, and could have a much wider impact on how we think about our roles, our circles, our lives, than what we can imagine.
The questions posed at the end of each chapter raised my thinking about these issues. The book does not provide the answers, because the answers cannot be given. After all, it is up to us, up to me, to ask the right questions for our situations, to seek the answers that we need for our own lives and communities.
“Stoicism is not about doing the impossible or trying to singlehandedly solve complex social or environmental issues. It’s about consistently doing what you can within the life you lead using the personality, knowledge, social role, network, and skillset that you already have.”
And this in essence is why I decided to study Stoicism and why I wanted to read this book. To practice Stoic philosophy and to live a virtuous life with “the decision to strive for eudaimonia, that is to say, for a life worthy of being lived and for a world worth living in.”
I recommend reading Being Better because it increased my understanding of some of the practical aspects of Stoicism. The examples (both historical and modern) provided the practical ways that people have lived their lives in a way that can inspire every one of us to strive for eudaimonia, a life worth living.
A last comment: I own and study several translations of the works by Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. If you are interested in learning more about Stoicism, a comprehensive list is given at the end of the book with the appropriate references to the text in each chapter.
My rating: 4.5 stars
I won't rehash the synopsis nor the contents of non-fiction books, there are other reviews if you prefer those instead. My review is purely based on my experience of reading the contents and how it will (or do) impact my life as a Stoic practitioner.
That being said, let's get stuck in.
I have been a student and practitioner of Stoicism going for five years now. I started the practice because I needed to learn to deal with the incredibly stressful environment of the industry I was working in at the time. Since leaving my last employer, I am now fully self-employed, I have continued the practise purely because of the benefits to myself.
This book has enriched my practice but also increased my understanding of Stoicism as being more than a way of improving myself. Studying translations of the original texts of the Stoics is not easy for someone who is not a linguist nor a trained philosopher. Being Better, and the work done by the authors helps to make the original texts more palatable for a modern mind.
“Stoicism is a practical philosophy that provides an antidote for troubled times, while it also keeps our ego and excesses in check when things are going well. Stoicism helps us to understand ourselves and other people better and to navigate a path through life’s challenges and successes. Zeno and his Stoics understood that the “good life” is rooted in communal living, which includes partaking in civic duties, building strong local ties, and being open to, and appreciative of, the universal community that extends across the whole world.
Stoicism won’t remove all of life’s obstacles, but it helps us to think differently about them. It won’t provide us with all the answers, but it gives us the ability to form the questions that ultimately lead to the solutions. Stoicism may be more than two thousand years old, but Zeno’s wisdom is as powerful as ever.”
Although a very practical philosophy, I found that there is more to learn about Stoicism and to understand my place in the greater society I live in. Oftentimes we see ourselves as an island, but with more study and greater understanding, it has become clear that my life has an impact on more than my own improvement as a person.
Using my work as a consulting engineer to explain: What I do directly impacts the products and companies that I work with. This then ripples out to the people and industries that end up using these products worldwide.
Although I have been aware of this for some time, the greater influence of what I do (or neglect to do) could have a much wider impact than what I thought at first. The details are not important, but what is important is that I need to be continually aware that I have to do the right thing, make the right decisions, and advise my clients to the best of my knowledge and abilities. This is not easy to do, but a constant reminder of the Stoic principles of wisdom, self-control, justice, and courage makes it possible.
Being Better reminded me that slacking on my own learning, could be detrimental to others around me. I love learning, but it is the awareness that it is continuous learning that contributes to living a virtuous life. I am by no means the only person who does what I do, so it also brings the added responsibility of bringing this mindset to those within my influence, Stoic philosophy notwithstanding.
One thing about Being Better that particularly spoke to me was “the principle of 'Only the educated are free' [which] embodies a continual search for wisdom and a perpetual questioning in order to know what to do or not to do and how best to succeed.”
Only once I understood the impact this had on Sparta (discussed in chapter 7) did it resonate with my own opinion of the situation in my own country. South Africa has had turbulent times due to corruption and crime at the highest levels of government.
Overcoming the wrongs of decades of history, by the more wrongdoing of the “uneducated recent past” will not be simple. But learning from the Stoics like Sphaerus could provide a way forward even for the modern problems that countries dragged down by corruption could benefit from.
This sounds like an impossible task for a modern country with massive issues of which economic decline is just one. But what will happen if I in my own small way manages to influence someone, who then influences someone else, who eventually is in the right position to make the right impact at the right time? I am not that important, nor do I think that it will necessarily be because of me living a virtuous life, but what if it does?
Another aspect that was clarified (at least to my mind) is the principle of “living in accordance with nature”.
“...a Stoic’s appreciation of Nature goes beyond taking selfies and a superficial enjoyment of breathtaking sights and sounds. It involves a profound thirst for the kind of knowledge that helps us understand how the world works and our position within it.”
Living in accordance with nature has always been a matter of interpretation in many articles on the subject that I have read over the years, but I think that the authors explained it in a way that makes sense irrespective of my own beliefs.
Being Better is a book to introduce people to think about these things, and could have a much wider impact on how we think about our roles, our circles, our lives, than what we can imagine.
The questions posed at the end of each chapter raised my thinking about these issues. The book does not provide the answers, because the answers cannot be given. After all, it is up to us, up to me, to ask the right questions for our situations, to seek the answers that we need for our own lives and communities.
“Stoicism is not about doing the impossible or trying to singlehandedly solve complex social or environmental issues. It’s about consistently doing what you can within the life you lead using the personality, knowledge, social role, network, and skillset that you already have.”
And this in essence is why I decided to study Stoicism and why I wanted to read this book. To practice Stoic philosophy and to live a virtuous life with “the decision to strive for eudaimonia, that is to say, for a life worthy of being lived and for a world worth living in.”
I recommend reading Being Better because it increased my understanding of some of the practical aspects of Stoicism. The examples (both historical and modern) provided the practical ways that people have lived their lives in a way that can inspire every one of us to strive for eudaimonia, a life worth living.
A last comment: I own and study several translations of the works by Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. If you are interested in learning more about Stoicism, a comprehensive list is given at the end of the book with the appropriate references to the text in each chapter.
My rating: 4.5 stars
January 3, 2024
“Virtue does not exist in a vacuum, and therefore it cannot be contained in the mind of the person who works on being better. [..] This is why Stoicism isn’t really about personal development but rather the effort made to know who you are and what you must do to create a harmonious world.”
If you’re a male between the ages of 18 and 30, odds are you’ve come across the idea of Stoic philosophy somewhere on your respective feed. Oftentimes pitched by a slick looking self proclaimed entrepreneur, the 2024 version of the philosophy will tell you that you need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps, display little to no emotions, and avoid seed oils (for a whole host of pseudoscientific reasons). It essentially becomes ancient heresy to justify modern incarnations of toxic masculinity.
Thankfully, this book is NOT that. Rather than the superficial and out of context meme you might encounter from your favorite influencer, this quote features the words and ideas of the great Stoic philosophers themselves. It turns out, in it’s properly represented form, Stoicism tells us that things like universal justice and caring for nature are important, and Stoicism is quite against the idea of the “self made” individual, despite the caricature you have probably seen represented elsewhere. This is not to say Stoicism does not place emphasis on personal responsibility and proper action. Rather, Stoicism is a much more wholistic and progressive philosophy than you might hav previously thought, even if you are somewhat read on the subject (I’ve read primary works of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius in the past)
Do yourself a favor, read this, thank me later
March 4, 2022
An excellent introduction to some of the core tenets of Stoicism. I've listened to these two authors on various podcasts, and was impressed enough to pick up their book when it was released, and it didn't disappoint. Covers topics like:
1. The potential for achieving , or a good life.
2. Virtue, especially the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice.
3. Focusing on what is in your control, not that which lies outside of your control.
4. Recognizing the role of luck or fate.
5. The communitarian focus of Stoicism - we have an obligation to serve others and to get involved in society for the good of others.
6. The fifty thousand foot view and circles of concern.
7. Education is freedom.
8. That we live according to nature (I tend to disagree with this one in one sense - I think we ought to work to rise above our natures)
9. A few final thoughts on how to transform one's life through Stoicism.
I don't entirely buy in to Stoicism the way some do, but I absolutely agree that there are some very helpful practices/exercises and insightful ideas found therein. This book is a good resource toward understanding both.
1. The potential for achieving , or a good life.
2. Virtue, especially the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice.
3. Focusing on what is in your control, not that which lies outside of your control.
4. Recognizing the role of luck or fate.
5. The communitarian focus of Stoicism - we have an obligation to serve others and to get involved in society for the good of others.
6. The fifty thousand foot view and circles of concern.
7. Education is freedom.
8. That we live according to nature (I tend to disagree with this one in one sense - I think we ought to work to rise above our natures)
9. A few final thoughts on how to transform one's life through Stoicism.
I don't entirely buy in to Stoicism the way some do, but I absolutely agree that there are some very helpful practices/exercises and insightful ideas found therein. This book is a good resource toward understanding both.
November 16, 2021
This book seemed too academic at times reviewing the history of great stoics, their lives and teachings. This was my first time learning about stoicism so i thought this would be a good introduction to apply concepts to my life instead of learning theories. I liked the parts that gave applicable information about what the stoics believed in easy to understand terms but there was maybe 1-3 pages of that per chapter, and instead more time was spent on the history.
November 14, 2021
A refreshing read in Stoicism and its values, told through a combination of old and new stories, exemplifying the relevance and applicability of this philosophy over the millennia.
While the core principles remain the same, I believe it is important to have more books like this one, not only bridging the old theories with new applications, but posing questions relevant to our times and gently guiding the readers to engage further with the topics at hand. Really well done.
While the core principles remain the same, I believe it is important to have more books like this one, not only bridging the old theories with new applications, but posing questions relevant to our times and gently guiding the readers to engage further with the topics at hand. Really well done.
October 26, 2021
Solid introduction to the philosophy for busy people.
April 30, 2021
Being Better is accessible, conversational, and friendly. Many favorite parts but I particularly loved being introduced to the ancient Greek philosophers -especially the ever curious and dedicated nature observer and astronomer Posidonius: Five stars and highly recommended!
We are introduced to Panaetius of Rhodes (a wealthy Greek Stoic who taught that no man is an island or self-made) and Nick Hanauer (a modern day Panaetius); to Marcus Aurelius who used his position of power to help the underprivileged and excelled as a leader, always with cosmopolitanism in mind -and Hamdi Ulukaya who demonstrated to the business world that the most successful companies are those who take care of their employees and reward their loyalty and hard work; to Sphaerus (a student of Zeno, and respectful listener of others' stories who proved you could use philosophically influenced principles not just for the good of the individual but for the common good) and Adichie, a modern Nigerian novelist who talks about the danger of the single story/stereotyping.
The authors, Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos expand Hierocles' original circles of concern to include the earth. In doing so they focus on our connection to the earth and the Stoics understanding that the more man brings himself in harmony with nature, the more he fulfills his role; that there are profound lessons to be learned by closely observing nature. And, of course, our fossil fuel based economy continues to devastate the natural world (our teacher and home). Kai and Leonidas give us many examples of personal and societal things we can do to protect and preserve the environment.
An inspiring and uplifting book!
We are introduced to Panaetius of Rhodes (a wealthy Greek Stoic who taught that no man is an island or self-made) and Nick Hanauer (a modern day Panaetius); to Marcus Aurelius who used his position of power to help the underprivileged and excelled as a leader, always with cosmopolitanism in mind -and Hamdi Ulukaya who demonstrated to the business world that the most successful companies are those who take care of their employees and reward their loyalty and hard work; to Sphaerus (a student of Zeno, and respectful listener of others' stories who proved you could use philosophically influenced principles not just for the good of the individual but for the common good) and Adichie, a modern Nigerian novelist who talks about the danger of the single story/stereotyping.
The authors, Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos expand Hierocles' original circles of concern to include the earth. In doing so they focus on our connection to the earth and the Stoics understanding that the more man brings himself in harmony with nature, the more he fulfills his role; that there are profound lessons to be learned by closely observing nature. And, of course, our fossil fuel based economy continues to devastate the natural world (our teacher and home). Kai and Leonidas give us many examples of personal and societal things we can do to protect and preserve the environment.
An inspiring and uplifting book!
September 1, 2021
image: 
Stoicism is not a dry, academic philosophy--it is a system for living that Kai and Leonidas lay out in compelling fashion. Fans of the superhero genre know that origin stories are powerful, and here, the authors tell the life stories of the key philosophers that originated and popularized Stoicism in Greece and Rome, mixing in accounts of modern day personages who are exemplars of Stoic virtue. What are you living for? Things that can be taken away, that can fail? Or are you trying to be the best person you can be given your life circumstances. Stoicism suggests the latter is the reliable path to happiness, and sets out a path of virtuous behavior that is in reach for all of us as we act in the interest of our family, our friends, our community and the world. For each of a number of Stoic philosophers, we get their back story, understand how they originated, developed, diverged from or made Stoicism into influential thought system it became. And in a fashion that Quakers may recognize, we get queries for each--questions that our readings of these philosophers pose -- things we can ask ourselves and use to explore our own lives and value systems.
A quick read, a transformative read. A thought provoking read. Pairs well with Marquette wine and cheese ...
Stoicism is not a dry, academic philosophy--it is a system for living that Kai and Leonidas lay out in compelling fashion. Fans of the superhero genre know that origin stories are powerful, and here, the authors tell the life stories of the key philosophers that originated and popularized Stoicism in Greece and Rome, mixing in accounts of modern day personages who are exemplars of Stoic virtue. What are you living for? Things that can be taken away, that can fail? Or are you trying to be the best person you can be given your life circumstances. Stoicism suggests the latter is the reliable path to happiness, and sets out a path of virtuous behavior that is in reach for all of us as we act in the interest of our family, our friends, our community and the world. For each of a number of Stoic philosophers, we get their back story, understand how they originated, developed, diverged from or made Stoicism into influential thought system it became. And in a fashion that Quakers may recognize, we get queries for each--questions that our readings of these philosophers pose -- things we can ask ourselves and use to explore our own lives and value systems.
A quick read, a transformative read. A thought provoking read. Pairs well with Marquette wine and cheese ...
July 2, 2021
I forgot to mark this is Currently Reading because it was on my lap the entire time - truly difficult to put down. My favourite chapter was the last, I won't spoil it for potential/current readers. I especially enjoyed and appreciated the focus being more on the environment, and the living according to nature chapter.
Kai and Leonidas, well done!
P.S. I'm only slightly envious you travel so much! :)
Kai and Leonidas, well done!
P.S. I'm only slightly envious you travel so much! :)
July 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. In the Stoicism ecosystem there are all too many people quick to show how to life-hack Stoicism into making more money or building confidence. Although those are possible outcomes of virtuous decisions, they ultimately aren't what is important. Kai and Leonidas do a good job of bringing the importance of social virtue to the forefront of Stoic thinking and offer some great (and lesser known) examples of how that is done.
June 30, 2021
As the subtitle indicates, this book intends to guide readers through how Stoicism can contribute to a “world worth living in". This intention is clearly and usefully articulated throughout each chapter. The authors, Whiting and Konstantakos, present a coherent structure for the proposed application of Stoicism to our current world, while drawing adeptly from both primary and secondary Stoic texts. Given this dual commitment, both practical and theoretical, the authors want readers to not only become familiar with key principles forwarded by Stoics of the classical and modern eras, but also try to assist readers to identify the currently occurring contexts in which one can enact such principles.
Regarding style, the book comprises accessible language without losing its theoretical edge. In terms of structure, each chapter introduces readers to key Stoic ideas or personalities, and links such ideas to relatable or relevant contemporary issues or circumstances. One of the most important aspects of the work, and that which sets it apart from many other Stoic books on the market, is that it doesn't laboriously focus on the Stoic dichotomy of control as a way to improve one's own life. Rather, the authors bring our attention to the Stoic call to actually be a better person, to contribute to something beyond oneself, or in other words, to be aware of how one is connected to the rest of the world.
This focus on what we might call the Stoic prioritisation of virtue, is perhaps best illustrated in their application of ancient Stoic ideas to environmental concerns. Whiting and Konstantakos have a real pedigree when it comes to integrating Stoic philosophy with discussions of environmental ethics. Their extension of Hierocles' theory of circles to considerations of our responsibilities to an entire ecological arena (i.e., the entire planet) makes for exciting reading. Similarly, their awareness of the application of Stoic principles to present day social justice debates situates this work well in terms of where it contributes to recent Stoic commentaries.
I encourage new and experienced readers of Stoicism to explore this book. It is unique amongst recent Stoic books, and in some regards is a call to action. Given that the ancients indeed conceived of philosophy as action rather than simply as theory, this work satisfies a fundamental feature of the Stoic school's vision.
Regarding style, the book comprises accessible language without losing its theoretical edge. In terms of structure, each chapter introduces readers to key Stoic ideas or personalities, and links such ideas to relatable or relevant contemporary issues or circumstances. One of the most important aspects of the work, and that which sets it apart from many other Stoic books on the market, is that it doesn't laboriously focus on the Stoic dichotomy of control as a way to improve one's own life. Rather, the authors bring our attention to the Stoic call to actually be a better person, to contribute to something beyond oneself, or in other words, to be aware of how one is connected to the rest of the world.
This focus on what we might call the Stoic prioritisation of virtue, is perhaps best illustrated in their application of ancient Stoic ideas to environmental concerns. Whiting and Konstantakos have a real pedigree when it comes to integrating Stoic philosophy with discussions of environmental ethics. Their extension of Hierocles' theory of circles to considerations of our responsibilities to an entire ecological arena (i.e., the entire planet) makes for exciting reading. Similarly, their awareness of the application of Stoic principles to present day social justice debates situates this work well in terms of where it contributes to recent Stoic commentaries.
I encourage new and experienced readers of Stoicism to explore this book. It is unique amongst recent Stoic books, and in some regards is a call to action. Given that the ancients indeed conceived of philosophy as action rather than simply as theory, this work satisfies a fundamental feature of the Stoic school's vision.
November 24, 2022
Kai and Leonidas’ book is one of a kind, expertly weaving timeless wisdom with practical modern lessons that can be easily implemented by either newcomers to Stoicism or those that have been practicing for years. I really enjoyed the structures of the chapters which use real life examples of people living out the concepts described. Then at the end of each chapter there are engaging questions that allow you to map the concepts onto your own life to better incorporate them and improve your practice.
It’s a really inspiring read, that allows you to elevate your Stoic practice above mere personal development with lessons and ways of thinking that places your stoic practice in the wider context of your family, your community and the entire cosmos.
I have read a lot of books on Stoicism yet Being Better is really the only one that captures, what I call, the “Social Kindness” I feel when I read Mediations or the Enchiridion. So many books of modern stoicism focus intensely only on self-development (which has its place). But Being Better takes the concept of social kindness and places it at the centre of the book, giving a much needed answer to the question of “who are we being better for?” The answer – Fellow humans, animals and the environment.
If you haven’t already you should really check this book out, it may just widen your understanding and appreciation of Stoicism in a larger context… it certainly did for me.
It’s a really inspiring read, that allows you to elevate your Stoic practice above mere personal development with lessons and ways of thinking that places your stoic practice in the wider context of your family, your community and the entire cosmos.
I have read a lot of books on Stoicism yet Being Better is really the only one that captures, what I call, the “Social Kindness” I feel when I read Mediations or the Enchiridion. So many books of modern stoicism focus intensely only on self-development (which has its place). But Being Better takes the concept of social kindness and places it at the centre of the book, giving a much needed answer to the question of “who are we being better for?” The answer – Fellow humans, animals and the environment.
If you haven’t already you should really check this book out, it may just widen your understanding and appreciation of Stoicism in a larger context… it certainly did for me.
May 20, 2021
I've been practicing Stoicism and running a local Stoic chapter for about a year now. And I've delved pretty deeply into the philosophy and my training. This book is a fantastic introduction for those just beginning their journey in Stoicism, or who are interested but don't know much about it. But more than that, it's also a inspiring read for experienced Stoics. Regardless of how long you've been practicing Stoicism, you feel inspired when reading this book; Dr. Whiting and Dr. Konstantakos blend very well a broad yet detailed explanation of the history of and principles behind Stoic philosophy, and many real-life examples throughout history of public figures who have gone out of their way to live virtuously and act justly, with an especial emphasis on Stoicism as applied to environmental, economic, and social rights. It does a lot to demystify those common myths about Stoicism, including hyper-individualism and passivism, and highlight the cosmopolitanism, solidarity, and community elements already embedded in the philosophy. Reading a chapter or two a day, I was easily able to get through in about a week, not long, but not short and definitely a clear yet nuanced picture of Stoicism is painted. I especially recommend those just being introduced to the subject to start here! --Steve, Berlin Stoics
April 23, 2021
This book offers a fresh and relieving perspective on Stoicism and its value to a "world worth living in". Stoicism is nowadays widely spread among entrepreneurs, "self-made men" and the general "lifehack" community. By these people many ideas of Stoicism that are just against the ideals of big-business, chasing success or only caring about oneself, are ignored, side brushed or declared as "antiquated".
Against this big stream of modern Stoics, this book offers many examples and claims to the contrary.
It inspires with stories about people fighting for civil rights, helping their communities or just doing what is right, regardless if it would end badly for them.
The book also has information about many of the older Stoics whose writings only survived in fragments, so seldom one finds things written about them.
Overall I would suggest this book to all people interested in Stoicism, to not just find the modern Stoicism but the REAL Stoicism, and how this philosophy can truly be used to improve the world, rather than just improving oneself.
Just one critique, the book is a bit short, so I suggest either reading each chapter slowly or re-reading the book, I promise that re-reading is certainly on my bucket list!
Against this big stream of modern Stoics, this book offers many examples and claims to the contrary.
It inspires with stories about people fighting for civil rights, helping their communities or just doing what is right, regardless if it would end badly for them.
The book also has information about many of the older Stoics whose writings only survived in fragments, so seldom one finds things written about them.
Overall I would suggest this book to all people interested in Stoicism, to not just find the modern Stoicism but the REAL Stoicism, and how this philosophy can truly be used to improve the world, rather than just improving oneself.
Just one critique, the book is a bit short, so I suggest either reading each chapter slowly or re-reading the book, I promise that re-reading is certainly on my bucket list!
May 24, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Kai and Leo's book, starting from the title (from the outset you are told Stoicism is not about the art of happiness, but rather about the art of being a better human being) through to the explanation of some of the key Stoic concepts to the various contemporary figures being cited as an example of "virtue", of a life spent doing the right honourable thing (Rosa Parker, Claudette Colvin, Katharine Gun, Alex Zanardi and many others). I also enjoyed the way in which the author creates a direct channel of communication with the reader by asking her questions at the end of each chapter, so she can think about the best course of action to take and not just go through life on auto-pilot. I also found out about some lesser known figures which perhaps deserve more credit and renown, like the philosopher Sphaerus or Agiatis, the Spartan queen. If you are interested in Stoicism you will have a difficult job sifting through the many offerings available today (may I kindly nvite all the Stoic authors out there to take a collective sabbatical please lol), but if you have to choose a book, let this be the one, as it rightly tries to redress the balance in favour of the less glamorous pro-social aspect of the Philosophy and away from self-serving goals.
August 18, 2021
Being Better: Stoicism For a World Worth Living In.
Being Better is a combination between Stoicism and making better life choices using ancient philosophy in a modern world.
Bring Better not only mentions ancient Stoics including Zeno of Citium, Cato the Younger, it also includes short summaries of Stoic actions throughout history which highlight the act of virtue which is paramount to Stoicism.
Unlike most modern books on Stoicism, Being Better has something for everybody - whether it be for the practicing Stoic at the beginning of their journey or a Stoic scholar.
Until reading Being Better I didn't realise how many daily choices are available to practice Stoicism. I had never considered that my diet and the clothes I buy can be an act of virtue and expanding the Stoic circle to concern to include the environment is something that I haven't noticed from most contemporary writers.
Being Better is simple to read and includes thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter. The authors are educated in sustainability and the book is printed on recycled paper with soy ink, which is a touch of class.
If I tried to find a fault, it would be that the book could have been longer.
10/10.
Being Better is a combination between Stoicism and making better life choices using ancient philosophy in a modern world.
Bring Better not only mentions ancient Stoics including Zeno of Citium, Cato the Younger, it also includes short summaries of Stoic actions throughout history which highlight the act of virtue which is paramount to Stoicism.
Unlike most modern books on Stoicism, Being Better has something for everybody - whether it be for the practicing Stoic at the beginning of their journey or a Stoic scholar.
Until reading Being Better I didn't realise how many daily choices are available to practice Stoicism. I had never considered that my diet and the clothes I buy can be an act of virtue and expanding the Stoic circle to concern to include the environment is something that I haven't noticed from most contemporary writers.
Being Better is simple to read and includes thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter. The authors are educated in sustainability and the book is printed on recycled paper with soy ink, which is a touch of class.
If I tried to find a fault, it would be that the book could have been longer.
10/10.
July 18, 2021
I picked up interest in stoicism and then this book by osmosis from someone close to me who has a deep interest in it and practises it.
My history and philosophy background is quite poor so when I initially read up about stoicism I was quite discouraged because of how abstract this ancient philosophy sounded to me. I thought I wouldn't be able to grasp it good enough to ever be able to try and live its values. I didn't understand how to port courage, self control, wisdom and justice to the world we live in right now so I gave up.
...and then I was recommended this book. The authors talk about the world we live in, to name a few topics: climate change, racism, consumption, money, empathy. Most of the ethical dilemmas we face everyday right now do not resemble the ones from over two thousand years ago. The authors managed to tie the world we live in right now to the world from back then. (The book cover depicts it so nicely)
Reading this book was exactly the puzzle I was missing to connect the dots and finally understand stoicism concepts and thanks to that taking one step closer towards eudaimonia. Thanks so much, Kai and Leonidas!
My history and philosophy background is quite poor so when I initially read up about stoicism I was quite discouraged because of how abstract this ancient philosophy sounded to me. I thought I wouldn't be able to grasp it good enough to ever be able to try and live its values. I didn't understand how to port courage, self control, wisdom and justice to the world we live in right now so I gave up.
...and then I was recommended this book. The authors talk about the world we live in, to name a few topics: climate change, racism, consumption, money, empathy. Most of the ethical dilemmas we face everyday right now do not resemble the ones from over two thousand years ago. The authors managed to tie the world we live in right now to the world from back then. (The book cover depicts it so nicely)
Reading this book was exactly the puzzle I was missing to connect the dots and finally understand stoicism concepts and thanks to that taking one step closer towards eudaimonia. Thanks so much, Kai and Leonidas!
May 4, 2021
A core message in the book is that Stoicism is a philosophy of life for guiding us toward being better people and that becoming better people involves working to improve not only our own character, but the world. From ancient Stoics to contemporary role models, the authors provide inspirational examples of people whose strength of character positively impacted the world. Thought-provoking questions are posed throughout the book to emphasize the necessity of fully utilizing our capacity for reason in applying Stoic principles to personal challenges and societal issues. This practical approach to bettering oneself will resonate with both those new to Stoicism and experienced Stoics. In fact, my Philadelphia Stoic group is preparing to have chapter-by-chapter discussions of the book aimed at helping us to live more virtuously and do what is in our power to make the world a better place.
April 24, 2021
A lot of the discussion around Stoicism (or self-help / philosophy / psychology in general), focuses on how it can make YOU more successful or have a 'better life', without really examining what that means. This book really gets to grips with examining how Stoicism helps us to make the WORLD better. It could not be a better time to start asking that question. With fascinating examples from real life, this is not one of those books that you buy and keep meaning to read, it zips along and leaves you feeling in a more energised, engaged and hopeful place, something we could do with right now. A must read.
May 20, 2021
This I a very well-written book on Stoicism. It's not particularly long, but it manages to cover what Stoicism is all about, the history of Stoicism, and the most famous ancient Stoics. It also manages to clearly connect the ancient philosophy with modern times.
What particularly stood out for me is the focus on critical thinking. Stoicism is a great philosophy, but it is not perfect; truly no philosophy is. The authors ensure to mention that, although Stoicism offers a great guide on how to live the "good life", we must all take on the personal responsibility of critically thinking about the decisions we make and the life we live.
What particularly stood out for me is the focus on critical thinking. Stoicism is a great philosophy, but it is not perfect; truly no philosophy is. The authors ensure to mention that, although Stoicism offers a great guide on how to live the "good life", we must all take on the personal responsibility of critically thinking about the decisions we make and the life we live.
April 26, 2021
This is an excellent book that, through examples of ancient and modern characters, provides the reader with motivation and tools for becoming the best version of herself/himself. The book not only explains what Stoicism is but also helps people embark on the journey to eudaimonia. It is easy to read even for those (such as myself) who barely knew what Stoicism was about. In addition to helping readers become better, the book can be used as a handbook for those who want to learn about Stoicism in an easy and interesting way.
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