We live in strange times. But few people could have expected today’s rise of a global movement of self-describing Stoic online communities numbering over 100,000 participants.
Tag: Pierre Hadot
The Real Spartacus: Or What is Philosophy as a Way of Life?
Legend tells that when the Romans defeated the slave revolt led by the gladiator Spartacus in 71 BCE, they searched in vain for the real Spartacus. Every captive proclaimed “I am Spartacus”, in a sublime gesture of solidarity.
Where to Start Reading Philosophy? Six Recommendations
Philosophy can seem a daunting subject in which to dabble. But there are many wonderful books on philosophy that tackle big ideas without requiring a PhD to digest. Here are six top picks for reading material from philosophers across Australia.
Quote: Pierre Hadot on Self Knowledge
To know oneself means, among other things, to know oneself qua non-sage: that is, not as a sophos, but as a philo-sophos, someone on the way toward wisdom.
Quote: Pierre Hadot on Philosophy as an Attempt to Transform Mankind
Contemporary historians of philosophy ... in conformity with a tradition inherited from the Middle Ages … consider philosophy to be purely abstract-theoretical activity.
Socrates: An Ugly Face, A Beautiful Soul
Socrates invented the art of cultivating a beautiful soul, perhaps because he was been born with such a famously ugly face.
Quote: Pierre Hadot on Philosophy as an Art of Living
Ancient philosophy proposed to mankind an art of living. By contrast, modern philosophy appears above all as the construction of a technical jargon reserved for specialists.
Quote: Pierre Hadot on Socrates’ New Way of Life
Socrates had no system to teach. Throughout, his philosophy was a spiritual exercise, an invitation to a new way of life, active reflection, and living consciousness.
Feral Philosophy 