Publisher's Synopsis
Doubting yourself? With the right mentality, it'll be a thing of the past
Once upon a time in Ancient China, there was a farmer with a brand-new horse. One day, his horse ran away. His neighbors gathered around him and said "It is so unfortunate for your horse to run away."
The farmer said, "Maybe."
The next day, the horse returned with seven wild horses. Now the farmer had eight horses! That evening, his neighbors gathered around him and said "You have eight horses now! What good luck."
And the farmer said, "Maybe."
The next day, the farmer's son tried to ride one of the wild horses. He fell and broke his arm. The neighbors said "Your son has broken his arm. What poor luck!"
The farmer said, "Maybe."
The next day, the army came to conscript villagers. Because the farmer's son had a broken arm, he was not taken.
The villagers gathered around. "Because your son has a broken arm, he did not have to join the army! What a fortunate turn of events."
And the farmer said, "Maybe."
Are you seeing a pattern?
This farmer did not overreact one way or the other. He took events as they came and processed his emotions.
How often have you gotten some good or bad news and completely overreacted?
In hindsight, it wasn't that big of a deal. You easily see how you could've calmly navigated a situation. Why can't you think that way at the moment?
We are naturally emotional. For thousands of years, humans have struggled to think more rationally and less emotionally. And many leaders, politicians, and successful businessmen have found help in an ancient way of thinking: Stoicism.
Stoicism has been guiding people through life since the days of ancient Greece.
Stoic Philosophy In A Nutshell introduces you to the history and principles of Stoicism and guides you into applying the Stoic teachings in your everyday life.
Here's just a sampling of what you'll find inside:
- Why Stoicism is "an emotional Swiss Army knife"
- The four virtues of Stoic philosophy and how they can make each of us a better person
- Epictetus' detailed instructions on applying the Stoic teachings and attaining its ultimate goal - a flourishing life
- The three Stoic disciplines essential to turning all situations into learning experiences (mastering no. 3 will keep emotions from overwhelming you)
- How Stoicism compares to other schools of thought and how to draw upon their connections
- The Stoic principles at the core of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (keep these in mind and you'll bypass modern mental health issues)
- Marcus Aurelius' ten rules on dealing with people and our reactions to their actions
- Why a famous philosopher made his students carry a leaking pot of soup around Athens before teaching them anything!
... and much, much more.
Contrary to popular belief, Stoicism isn't about being unfeeling and unemotional. It is a versatile way of thinking that can enable you to tackle any problem in life.
Stoics are people who can process and integrate their emotions, without overwhelming their decision-making.
Applying the Stoic lessons of this book you will know how to overcome irrational fears to live a life of virtue and accomplishment.
You will develop the mental skills to deal with the problems of desire, status, and emotion in the best possible way. You'll have the calm perspective you've always wanted on things like money, hardship, and death. You will be feeling at peace with what comes.
