Stoicism in depth

In the previous blog we got to know the ancient philosophy:  The Power of Stoicism

The purpose of this blog is to explore the origins of Stoicism by uncovering the identities of its founders and a wealth of books to deepen our knowledge and insight.
The philosophers associated with Stoicism includes: 

-> Zenon: Revered as the pioneer of Stoicism, he crafted his philosophical school in Athens during the 3rd century BCE, later renowned as Stoicism. Zenon imparted Stoic philosophy through strolls along the Athenian colonnade (stoa), from which the school derives its name. His philosophy highlighted ethics as the cornerstone of human existence, advocating for ideals of moral excellence, moderation, and self-restraint.
-> Epictetus: Epictetus transitioned to freedom after his emancipation from slavery, thereafter immersing himself in philosophy. He emerged as a luminary of Stoic philosophy, celebrated for his teachings on personal ethics, resilience, and embracing life’s trials.
-> Seneca: A polymathic Roman statesman and playwright, Seneca penned numerous works on Stoicism, underscoring the significance of inner tranquility, self-mastery, and emotional equilibrium. He decried excessive passions, extolling moderation as pivotal to true happiness.
-> Marcus Aurelius: As both a Roman emperor and philosopher, Marcus Aurelius bequeathed a legacy through his opus “Meditations,” offering profound insights into Stoic philosophy and pragmatic wisdom for everyday life.

These thinkers collectively shaped Stoic philosophy, leaving behind a rich tradition of wisdom that continues to resonate with those seeking guidance in navigating life’s complexities.

Here are some book recommendations to familiarize yourself even more with this philosophy: 

1.”Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius – A collection of personal writings by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, offering insights into Stoic philosophy and practical wisdom.

2.”Letters from a Stoic” by Seneca – A series of letters written by the Roman philosopher Seneca, addressing various aspects of Stoic teachings and providing guidance on living a virtuous life.

3.”The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living” by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman – A modern interpretation of Stoic philosophy, providing daily reflections and practical exercises to apply Stoic principles in daily life. I have to say you should start with this one, at it gave me guidance what is actually use it in real life. 

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Dublji osvrt na Stoicizam

U prethodnom blogu upoznali smo se sa drevnom filozofijom: Moc Stoicizma

Danasnji cilj je da razumemo ko su osnivaci i otkrijemo kroz koje knjige bismo stekli jos dublje znanje i razumevanje ove filozofije.
Filozofi povezani sa stoicizmom su sledeci:

-> Zenon:  Smatran osnivacem stoicizma, jer je u Atini tokom 3. veka pre nove ere razvio svoju filozofsku skolu, koja ce postati poznata kao stoicizam. Filozofiju stoicizma Zenon je prenosio na setnjama koje su se odrzave na atinskom stubistu (stoa), odakle potiče ime skole. Zenonova filozofija isticala je etiku kao centralni deo ljudskog zivota, promovisuci ideje o moralnoj savrsenosti, umerenosti i samoodricanju.
-> Epiktet: Epiktet je postao slobodan covek nakon sto ga je njegov vlasnik oslobodio ropstva, nakon cega je poceo da se posvećuje filozofiji, Epiktet se istakao kao stoicisticki filozof, postao poznat po svojim ucenjima o licnoj etici, otpornosti i prihvatanju izazova zivota.
-> Seneka: Visestruko talentovan rimski drzavnik i dramaturg. Napisao je brojna dela na temu stoicizma, gde je naglasavao vaznost unutrasnjeg mira, samodiscipline i emocionalne stabilnosti. Bio je protivnik preterane strasti i naglašavao je umerenost kljucni element srece.
-> Marko Aurelije: Kao rimski car i filozof, Marko Aurelije je ostavio nasleđe svojim delom “Meditacije”, nudeci duboke uvide u stoicisticku filozofiju i prakticnu mudrost za svakodnevni zivot.

Ovi mislioci zajedno su oblikovali stoicisticku filozofiju, ostavljajuci iza sebe bogatu tradiciju mudrosti koja i dalje rezonira sa onima koji traze smernice kako se suociti sa kompleksnostima zivota.

Evo nekih preporuka za knjige kako biste se jos vise upoznali sa ovom filozofijom:

1. “Meditacije ili Samom sebi” Marka Aurelija – Zbirka licni dnevnik rimskog cara Marka Aurelija, nudeci uvide u stoicisticku filozofiju i prakticnu mudrost kroz razmatranja o svom zivotu,  tragedijama koje su mu se zadesile i iskreno prenosi kako se to odrazilo na njega.

2. “Pismo prijatelju” Seneka – Serija pisama koje je napisao rimski filozof Seneka, istrazujuci teme poput vrline, srece, smrti, prijateljstva i moralnosti, cineci ih dragocenim izvorom mudrosti i inspiracije za mnoge generacije.

3. “Dnevni stoic: 366 meditacija o mudrosti, istrajnosti i vestini zivljenja” Rajan Holidej i Stiven Hanselman – Moderna interpretacija stoicisticke filozofije, koja pruza prakticne vezbe za primenu stoickih principa u svakodnevnom zivotu. Moram da kazem da biste trebali poceti s ovom knjigom, jer mi je zaista puno pomogla.