First published 2023
This collection presents three pillars of ancient philosophical thought through respected nineteenth-century translations. Benjamin Jowett renders Plato's dialogues featuring Socrates in his final days, including his defense at trial, his discussion of the soul's immortality, and his reasons for accepting his death sentence. Hastings Crossley translates the practical wisdom of Epictetus, the former slave who taught that freedom comes from focusing only on what lies within our control. George Long presents the private reflections of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor who wrote his thoughts on duty, virtue, and acceptance while campaigning on distant frontiers. Each translator brings scholarly expertise to these texts that shaped Western thought. The volume includes introductions and explanatory notes to guide readers through the philosophical concepts and historical contexts. Together, these works offer a foundation in Stoic and Platonic philosophy.
Genres: philosophy, 19th-century, ancient, ancient-history
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Rome
Period: Ancient, 19th-Century
358 pages · Hardcover · Legare Street Press