51–60 of 73 posts
One of the best books I ever read was from a dude named Seneca (a stoic Roman philosopher). The book is called On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use it[0]. [0]: http://amzn.to/2klxZky
I like the principle of Stoicism. But I don't see how can that help with the suffering of the people I care about. I am fine with losing my job, my home or my social position (or at least so I think), but what about my spouse? my children? How can I still feel calm when I fail to support them?
If your family can't continue "functioning" (like in pay rent maybe for a smaller place, pay for medical, pay for children's education) with only 1 active member working (your wife), you're living waaaay above the level you should be living at... Only one gaining form this is your employer because he knows you're "job addicted" and he can basically make you do anything. You're in a really bad deal, even if you're "livin' the dream" and not noticing it.
I believe that the Stoicism's appeal (for modern tech people) is that it is basically a very rational approach to life and its problems. It is also very adaptable to modern day culture: it downplays Religion but respects Society, for example.
Last but not least, the image of dour, ascetical, judgemental party poopers is a bit off mark, I think. The ideal Stoic is of course quite restrained in everything, but feeling somehow superior, a part of some elite is a mistake in itself.
One of the best books I ever read was from a dude named Seneca (a stoic Roman philosopher). The book is called On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use it[0]. [0]: http://amzn.to/2klxZky
One of the best books I ever read was from a dude named Seneca (a stoic Roman philosopher). The book is called On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use it[0]. [0]: http://amzn.to/2klxZky
Earlier quoted context omitted.
The stoicism movement has been going strong for more than a year (on HN and elsewhere).
Why, though? What has produced that effect?
One of the best books I ever read was from a dude named Seneca (a stoic Roman philosopher). The book is called On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use it[0]. [0]: http://amzn.to/2klxZky
Why is Stoicism the philosophical flavor of the month amongst tech people?
One of the best books I ever read was from a dude named Seneca (a stoic Roman philosopher). The book is called On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use it[0]. [0]: http://amzn.to/2klxZky
Written in 49 AD, so out of copyright, and available free online. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Brevitate_Vitae_(Seneca)