Thank you for the summary Massimo, as it's still not available in Kindle in Australia. In case you're not aware of it, this rather simplistic critique of Stoicism was published in The Conversation today "3 Reasons not to be a Stoic (and try Nietzsche instead)" https://bit.ly/3x0lZNb . He portraits the Dichotomy of Control as advocating for passivity; misrepresents the Stoic methods of managing emotions by saying we avoid experiencing the full range of emotions, especially the negative ones; and asserts that the discipline of assent, as applied to injuries, is somewhat akin to solipsism. I'm sure you & the Modern Stoicism team must get a lot of this.
Vivian, yes, someone else also sent me the article. It's a trite criticism, to which I've responded many times in the past. I will not address it directly, though, coincidentally, the next newsletter (out on Thursday) is on Epictetus, and the Fundamental Rule (aka dichotomy of control) will play a big part in the article.
I found this article very interesting and would like to read the book. Unfortunately, I can't find it on sale in the UK, except on Amazon, which I have avoided for more than two years.
Christopher, I hear you about Amazon, one of my regular Stoic practice is to try to stay away from them as much as possible.
However, the book is available in all UK bookshops, but under a different title: How to Be a Good. Don't ask why the UK publisher decided to change title and cover. They often do. Here it is from a non-Amazon seller:
"One way to improve at this might be to get into the habit of putting some change into your pocket before leaving your house, and then give that money to the first homeless person you encounter—no questions asked."
I do this. I never thought of it as 'virtue'. It came about because I meet a lot of homeless riding my recumbent trike around town. My daughters prepared bags for me to give them that had things the homeless often request in shelters and a McDonald's coupon. They cost about 20 bucks.
I gave two to a lady in downtown Ventura who didn't walk that well. Nearest McDonald's is about 4 miles away; for her, it might as well have been on the moon.
I switched to $20 cash. and keep a few in my shirt pocket for that purpose.
BTW I've met very few homeless that are drunk or high (and those 2 were passed out).
Being a woman I had never experienced the fly in the urinal. Reading that bit, I nearly dropped my phone for laughing. What a brilliant presentation of the idea of doing things for the right reason. Food for better practice for the next several days. Thanks.
Glad I subscribed here, have missed the Stoic Meditations podcast which I had started my day with. This post is similar in that it is quick to digest and reflect on. Will be getting the book soon.
Excellent read. And a fine antidote to the illogical folks who claim that church-state separation keeps teachers from inculcating virtue and encouraging good character.
There's a lot here to contemplate. You've convinced me to buy another book, one that I will have to read very slowly. The point about self- responsibility is something that most neglect. Thanks for food for thought.
Enjoyed this essay. I have read your book and found it very enlightening and useful. While i was reading it at a coffee shop another patron noticed the title and we began a discussion about character and the lack of sufficient public role models for the youth especially to follow. We both agreed that the development of character is suffering today and the onslaught of technology has abetted this by hi-jacking attention from important topics that require focused thinking. We did think that having students read your book as part of assigned summer reading would be a good place to start. Please keep up this valuable service you provide. Thanks.
I have so enjoyed your wise words. Many thanks! Worth every minute!
SueAnne, thanks, you made my day!
Thank you for the summary Massimo, as it's still not available in Kindle in Australia. In case you're not aware of it, this rather simplistic critique of Stoicism was published in The Conversation today "3 Reasons not to be a Stoic (and try Nietzsche instead)" https://bit.ly/3x0lZNb . He portraits the Dichotomy of Control as advocating for passivity; misrepresents the Stoic methods of managing emotions by saying we avoid experiencing the full range of emotions, especially the negative ones; and asserts that the discipline of assent, as applied to injuries, is somewhat akin to solipsism. I'm sure you & the Modern Stoicism team must get a lot of this.
Vivian, yes, someone else also sent me the article. It's a trite criticism, to which I've responded many times in the past. I will not address it directly, though, coincidentally, the next newsletter (out on Thursday) is on Epictetus, and the Fundamental Rule (aka dichotomy of control) will play a big part in the article.
I'm glad you'd been sent the article by someone else. Looking forward to your next newsletter.
Excellent read Massimo, thank you!
Even if I already read the book, I greatly enjoyed this summary. After all, repetita iuvant. Especially on character’s matter. :)
Thank you! Repetita iuvant indeed!
I found this article very interesting and would like to read the book. Unfortunately, I can't find it on sale in the UK, except on Amazon, which I have avoided for more than two years.
Christopher, I hear you about Amazon, one of my regular Stoic practice is to try to stay away from them as much as possible.
However, the book is available in all UK bookshops, but under a different title: How to Be a Good. Don't ask why the UK publisher decided to change title and cover. They often do. Here it is from a non-Amazon seller:
https://uk.bookshop.org/books/how-to-be-good-9781399804936/9781399804936
Ah yes, I've seen that title. Thank you for the clarification. I will order it now.
Thanks! I hope you’ll enjoy!
"One way to improve at this might be to get into the habit of putting some change into your pocket before leaving your house, and then give that money to the first homeless person you encounter—no questions asked."
I do this. I never thought of it as 'virtue'. It came about because I meet a lot of homeless riding my recumbent trike around town. My daughters prepared bags for me to give them that had things the homeless often request in shelters and a McDonald's coupon. They cost about 20 bucks.
I gave two to a lady in downtown Ventura who didn't walk that well. Nearest McDonald's is about 4 miles away; for her, it might as well have been on the moon.
I switched to $20 cash. and keep a few in my shirt pocket for that purpose.
BTW I've met very few homeless that are drunk or high (and those 2 were passed out).
Whether you call it virtuous or not, what you’ve been doing is virtuous. And good call regarding the downtown lady.
Being a woman I had never experienced the fly in the urinal. Reading that bit, I nearly dropped my phone for laughing. What a brilliant presentation of the idea of doing things for the right reason. Food for better practice for the next several days. Thanks.
There's something special about being a man... 😆
On another note, I love your illustration choices!
Thanks! I'm trying to make things a bit more interesting on the visual side as well...
Glad I subscribed here, have missed the Stoic Meditations podcast which I had started my day with. This post is similar in that it is quick to digest and reflect on. Will be getting the book soon.
Bill, appreciated, glad you are here as well!
Great way to start a Monday. Thanks Massimo. I'm buying the book!
Much appreciated, Jane!
Excellent read. And a fine antidote to the illogical folks who claim that church-state separation keeps teachers from inculcating virtue and encouraging good character.
Good point! I hadn’t thought about it that way!
There's a lot here to contemplate. You've convinced me to buy another book, one that I will have to read very slowly. The point about self- responsibility is something that most neglect. Thanks for food for thought.
Ron, appreciated. If you do get the book, feel free to use this forum to comment on it.
Enjoyed this essay. I have read your book and found it very enlightening and useful. While i was reading it at a coffee shop another patron noticed the title and we began a discussion about character and the lack of sufficient public role models for the youth especially to follow. We both agreed that the development of character is suffering today and the onslaught of technology has abetted this by hi-jacking attention from important topics that require focused thinking. We did think that having students read your book as part of assigned summer reading would be a good place to start. Please keep up this valuable service you provide. Thanks.
Glad the article generated a discussion between actual human beings, in person! And thanks for the kind words about my work.
Keep at it! As you say, it's well worth it!