The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen

by Barbara Stegemann

"The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen examines the root of these and other big issues facing society today and suggests a path each of us can take toward reversing these challenges. T his will mean a return to philosophical thinking."

Genres: Philosophy

203 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Beth Crowell]

I had this book for a year before I started reading it. I didn't really understand philosophy, and didn't really think the book would hold my interest. Boy was I wrong. One day I picked it up and started going through it and came across this quote from Barb “No one can teach you how to become yourself. Only you can. Some people are fortunate to find a clear path in their youth, and others recreate themselves mid-life.” This resonated with me so much. I had started my own business the year I turned 40 and really re-invented myself. I found a corner, make a cup of coffee and started reading from page one. With my highlighter in hand I read the entire book - reading and re-reading many parts. My book is well used, ear-marked and highlighted and I find myself going back to it again and again as I make my way though this entrepreneurial journey. A must read for all women. (and men too).

[Carol P]

Total pretentious twaddle is what I thought of the book! Why, other than vanity and self-promotion, would she think she had to re-package Marcus Aurelius, and lard it with vacuous anecdotes. Ok, so she won a Dragon’s Den show, and she has a successful perfume company that sources essential oils from conflict zones. That is admirable. That she “self-publishes” 240 pages of patronizing self-help advice. Not at all admirable!

[Christine Jennings]

I was given a signed copy of this book and read it many years ago. The most inspiring part of the book for me was what she wrote about loving the body she had, which included her (and I'm paraphrasing here) small dancers breasts. This hit home with me, for all through my adolescence and early adulthood, I was self -concience of my rail thin, curveless body which included my AA chest. Insensitive comments from other women in my circle, friends and family, added to my insecurities regarding my negative self-image. Then I met the author and her "augments". My own body issues were behind me long before she wrote this book and I learned to love myself years before, but I was still very disappointed that her words were just words. Because of that, she has lost all creadability with me as a writer (and speaker), especially one who offers philosophical advice to other women, I'm afraid. It made me wonder how much more fiction than truth the book contains.

[Missy]

This book was on the shelf in my office (an entrepreneurial education training company) and I would skim through it. I did this for four years. Then one day, I got a copy of my own, for myself. And I shut everything off and started reading it. I put it down, purchased stickies and a journal. And started reading it again. It is a must read for any woman, but especially for those who are rediscovering themselves, starting a new career or conquering life's challenges. Thanks to Barb for a very well written book, introducing me to the Virtues and really helping me WAKE UP.

[Erica Lynn]

This. Book. Could. Be. A. Pamphlet!!

[Beth Thompson]

This book should be on the must-read list of every woman trying to figure out how to make a difference in today's world!

[Sharon]

ho hum

[Mike Velemirovich]

Great book for men too.

[Jan McClelland]

An excellent resource for those who want to do SOMETHING to make this world a better place. Filled with examples and good ideas for making a difference. Plus it woke me up to the value of philosophers and philosophy - hadn't really ever considered either as adding meaning to modern day life.

This was my book club choice for our May read. As the day approached I had two concerns, one was that I didn't have time to read the book and I was hosting - what to do? And the second was that no one would have enjoyed it so there would be little discussion, which is something our group is REALLY enthusiastic about. To solve problem 1 I suggested that everyone choose any 2 of the 7 virtues and come prepared to explain why those virtues in particular spoke to them. We started at 2:30. At 5:30 we still had 2 virtues left to touch on. So much for concern #2! Several thanked me for choosing this book as they would never have read it otherwise and loved it.

One of my book buddies shared the book with one of her daughters who, in her own words, is "obsessed" with both book and author. She has collected copies of the book for every one of her managers (she owns a speech pathology clinic) and has plans to host a women's event in her city in the near future, hoping to have Barb Stegemann as a keynote speaker. Oh, BTW, 7 Virtues fragrances are as lovely as their creator.

[Huda]

Lately, I've been having an interest in everything philosophy, so I was very excited when I found this book. It is a fact that women philosophers are not as commonly known or read as much as their male counterparts, finding a book that is written by a woman and has "Philosophy" in the title seemed enough reason for me to pick it up.
I wish it was a little bit more focused and organized. Sometimes I felt lost and it was not easy for me to figure out where the paragraphs are heading? what is it exactly she is trying to say here? etc.
I am not disappointed at all, I did learn a lot from the book. I do appreciate the overall message Barbara is trying to convey, a calling for us to remember we are all the same after all, aspiring to have a good life for ourselves and our families.

[Kathleen]

Barb is one of those women with such wisdom and insight that it's hard to believe you're not reading the works of a famous philosopher.
This book I have had to read in small doses so I could really appreciate and absorb everything she discusses. I am truly blessed to have come across this book and will definitely be referring to it often as a manual for being a powerful woman in today's society.
I can't recommend this book enough.

[Paula]

The level of delusional of this book is incredible, the dedication and prologue are straight up white supremacy, eulogizing a colonizing genocidal soldier that “risked his life to liberate women in Afghanistan from the most extreme version of patriarchal society - terrorism”. I can’t wrap my head around the brain rot necessary to write such a prologue. Absolute trash.

[Mary Beth]

A different perspective on some common career and life advice. It's not much of a guide for gaining power and changing the systems that be by being your best philosopher self as much as it is a guide for navigating the world as it is today, picking battles on when to apply philosophy.

[Red Lioness]

Really good points made in the book, especially about business and care of self.

[Trevor Greene]

Barb Stegemann blows the dust off the classics and delivers an effervescent, eminently readable guidebook drawn from the wisdom of ancients for success in today's contrary, often confusing world. Judging from the runaway success of her beautiful line of perfumes, she took the advice of such greats as Plato and Aurelius to heart. Bravo Barb and bring on more...

[Taylin Ashlee]

I just dont think philosophy is my thing

[Michelle]

Loved the philosophical wisdom and how it applies to women.

[Debra Quartermain]

After having watched Dragon's Den when Barb first appeared and then recently having the wonderful opportunity to hear Barb Stegeman speak and personally meet her I was looking forward to her book. The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen is a book everyone should read. It is a guide for any woman engaged in business and in the entrepreneurial world but more than that as Barb says in the book, it is a book for all humanity. It is a guide on how to live, work and be in this world and more importantly how to make a difference. How to be successful in real terms, to empower everyone you come in contact with and to change lives. The book provides thoughtful questions to engage the reader to really think about the life and business they want to lead. A Social Entrepeneur leaves a legacy where every step in their journey has been to better lives and build the resources to serve those who follow. Reading Barb's book is a life changer.

[Jennifer Hayes]

This is an excellent book for any entrepreneur looking to make a difference in the modern world. Very inspiring!!

[Precious]

The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen was a great book in many respects. Generally the book is an easy read with good flow, despite the short introduction to politics which seemed somewhat out of place and dry. I also found the book somewhat repetitive, which is annoying for me because I'm naturally very analytical and like the point to made quickly and clearly. That being said the value of what can be gained from reading outweighs the negative aspects listed here.

I wouldn't say that I loved it, but I defiantly love what I gained from reading it. I love how Stegemann does not allow us to be a passive readers; Instead the book is full of exercises and questions to guide you on your own unique journey. I truly believe there many great lessons and take aways in this book for both men and women. The lessons learned from the 7 virtues can be applied to an every day healthy and happy lifestyle. My favourite aspect of this book is the empowerment of women as leaders in todays society.

Overall I think it was a great read, I will recommend it to other aspiring women, and I probably will read it again or at least utilize the pieces I found valuable.

Miigwetch!