The Archetypes of Wisdom Seventh Chapter’s Summary
The chapter discussed hedonism as a doctrine, a system of views and beliefs that form a system of values, according to which pleasure is the highest good and the meaning of human life. Further, few other concepts are mentioned. Stoicism, which was founded in Greece by Zeno, is the idea of a strong and active life position based on the discipline of the mind (Soccio, 2015). Stoics are referred to as individuals who attempt to live according to the same-named doctrine and striving to understand the terminology of fate and follow the structure and order as a “bits” of Logos.
Further, Marcus Aurelius is described, whose philosophy can be considered as the last completion of ancient Stoicism and at the same time its complete internal decay. Additionally, the chapter discusses disinterest as a concept and its applicability to relationships, the presence of destiny but open will, lack of control over certain aspects, and the value of everything. Next, the author discusses the perception of suffering and trials as a gift to the Stoics (Soccio, 2015). In the concluding part, it is mentioned that James Bond Stockdale was a philosopher who refined Epictetus’s Principle of Life and brought it to a large audience.
What is the concept of Cynicism?
Cynicism is a school of thought in ancient Greek philosophy practiced by the Cynics. By reasoning about creations, people could find happiness by training hard and living their natural life, rejecting all convenient desires for power and glory. Instead, they were to lead a simple life, free from all possessions (Soccio, 2015). Currently, the concept of cynicism is interpreted differently.
What is the background of Epicureans’ philosophy?
The main interest for the Epicureans is the sensual world, therefore their main ethical principle is pleasure. Epictetus showed that a slave could be more optimistic than an emperor and described the ideas of asceticism and the dichotomy of power.
Reference
Soccio, D. J. (2015). Archetypes of wisdom: An introduction to philosophy. Cengage Learning.