The Scholarch’s Permanent Collection

TitleAuthorDateSummary
Book Review of AA Long's Epictetus (updated 2021) Mark Stary2021 (updated)Review of "Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life"
by A.A. Long
Stoic Hypomnemata Avilés, César2021Hypomnemata written by Cesar Avilés in 2020, while a student in the Marcus Aurelius Programa. Compiled and edited in 2021.
Duty and Right Action Toward Hierocles' GodsAvilés, César2020In this reflective essay, Cesar Avilés examines Hierocles’ theory of duty towards what he considers the three most important relationships. In his treatise On Appropriate Acts, he labels them as “kinds of god” and exhorts us to honor them above all other relationships.
Thirty-Two Principal Doctrines of the Classical StoaWiegardt, Erik2020This volume by our founding Scholarch focuses on the three fundamental areas of study (topoi) – logic, physics, and ethics—during the period of Classical Stoa, from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius.
The Mneme Manual, 2nd EditionWiegardt, Erik2020Mneme, or memory exercises, were very much a part of a classical Stoic's education. What you will find here is an extreme synthesis of the Epictetus' Discourses, organized and composed into a common poetic style, blank verse by Scholarch Erik Wiegardt.
Some Logical Reasonings About Schizophrenia Ribeiro, Joao2019The author argues that to understand schizophrenia, there is nothing better than Epictetus’ s saying:” It is not the things that trouble you, but your opinions on them” (Encheiridion 5). This can then open a door to a better and more empathic understanding of people with this disease.
Polygamy, Faith, and ReasonStoddard, Scott2019Scott Stoddard recounts his own very personal journey from religious fundamentalism to Stoicism; a journey many have travelled through the application of Reason.
In Support of Zeno’s MetaphysicsGlassborow, Nigel2019Nigel Glassborow examines where the rationale of Zeno's original Stoic metaphysics takes us when considered against knowledge obtained from the modern sciences.
How Zeno’s Stoicism is still relevant todayGlassborow, Nigel2019Nigel Glassborow argues that Zeno's Stoicism remains relevant to contemporary society.
Control, Determinism and Providence according to Stoic rationaleGlassborow, Nigel2019Practical ruminations on control, determinism and Providence for the practicing Stoic.
Against overly intellectualising the simplicity that is the Stoic rationaleGlassborow, Nigel2019Nigel Glassborow explains that the Athenian intellectual ethos meant that "every aspect of the teachings of any of the schools of thought were gone over with a fine tooth comb". As such, he continues "the simplicity of the rationale of Zeno's teachings tended to be overlooked."
The Stoic’s need for a sound mindGlassborow, Nigel2019In this interesting reflection on consciousness, Nigel Glassborow attempts to answer this question: "[I]f we are not responsible for what our minds dish up and are not in conscious control of the decisions that our physical brains have already made for us how can we ever become better than we are?"
The Stoic rationale and ‘Emotions’ in today’s worldGlassborow, Nigel2019Nigel Glassborow argues that "The current emphasis on a person 'expressing' their emotions is leading to ever more people with emotional problems in that their emotions are getting out of balance with their rationality of the mind".
The rationale of the Stoic trainingGlassborow, Nigel2019In this essay, Nigel Glassbow distinguishes between 'aretê' and 'virtue' within Stoicism, and their relationship to 'eudaimonia'. He concludes that Stoic rationale tells us that to a great extent 'aretê' and 'eudaimonia' have little to do with what the Stoic is really aiming for.
Restating Stoicism – not reinventing itGlassborow, Nigel2019Just as was the case two millennia ago, Stoic ethics are only to be perceived through an understanding of the Stoic physics and metaphysics, argues Nigel Glassborow.
Socrates’ ‘Divine Something’ considered against the rationale of Zeno’s MetaphysicsGlassborow, Nigel2019This essay explores Stoic metaphysics in an effort to understand why what the ancients called 'natural', is often disparagingly and incorrectly referred to as 'supernatural' in the contemporary world.
Talking with the CosmosGlassborow, Nigel2019In this exploration, Nigel Glassborow explains that, "from the Stoic perspective it makes perfect sense to recognise that we can commune with the Cosmos in that we share in its Logos – its mind faculty." He continues, "Through the ‘active principle’ we
are individuals while also being one with the Cosmos and all that is manifested within it. This aspect of our metaphysics offers a place for such matters as Socrates’ daimonion, whereby we can be guided by a ‘divine something’."
Taking the Blindfold off the JudgeGlassborow, Nigel2019Making decisions based on ‘what is’, and not on one’s view of how one thinks it should be, is key to a healthy mentality.
Hierocles Concentric Circles and Caring for Mother EarthGlassborow, Nigel2019Hierocles the Stoic suggested that while the animal nature of any species is to look to its own perceived self-interest, especially in matters that relate to survival, as rational and social animals we humans also have a need to include in our purview the interests of all the other 'circles' of society that we are a part of, including that of the world and the Cosmos.
Aretê, Character and the GoodGlassborow, Nigel2019When it comes to the study of Stoicism, discussions often swing back and fore between the use of modern English, Latin and ancient Greek, and in the process the original intent of the Athenian Stoics can be overlooked.
Thinking like a StoicGlassborow, Nigel2019Nigel Glassborow explains that if one believes in the Stoic metaphysics and its rationale, then many issues will be seen from a different perspective to that which is prevalent today. And for the good.
The Blind Scientist and other SpeculationsGlassborow, Nigel2019Is it the watchmaker or the scientist that is blind?
Using Actors' Techniques as Stoic ExercisesEverett, Martha2018Martha Everett studied Stage Management at Guildhall in London where she received her BA Degree with Honors. She has been working as a freelance Stage Manager for 13 years in everything from fringe theater to national opera. Martha said, “I have always been fascinated by the daily discussions about the human condition that my job allows me to be part of; it’s been really fun feeding that experience in to my Stoic practice.”
Hypomnemata and the HumoristNielsen, Steen2018Steen Nielsen is a stand-up comedian, the kamikaze of the theater, who also writes cartoon captions and just about anything that requires an exceptional sense of humor and pays money. Recently, he was out of work, lost his apartment, and separated from his wife and children. So, no money, no home, and a family lost–all at the same time. Steen was also a student in his final term in the Marcus Aurelius School program, the term when original hypomnemata is required. Here’s what he wrote about this extraordinary time in his life. . . .
Is the Cosmos Conscious and Providential?Jenkins, Ryan2017In this issue, Ryan Jenkins, Ph.D., examines the validity of the traditional Stoic claim as preserved by the Society of Epictetus that the cosmos is conscious and providential.
The Stoic Handbook, Prep EditionWiegardt, Erik2016Designed for mature teenagers who are preparing to embark on their Stoic journey. Written by the founder of the College of Stoic Philosophers.
Favorite Quotes from AntiquityJudge, Bob2016A creative mashup of wonderful quotes from classical antiquity.
Stoicism for Those in DespairKnighton, John R. R.2016In this article John Knghton draws together several truths from his own experience, links them to truths out of Stoic doctrine, and presents these as tools for certain people - particularly people who have lost hope, who are suffering, who cannot see a way forward, or who are contemplating self-destruction as a solution. The author asks such readers to tarry a while and contemplate his viewpoint, which might be beneficial.
Without the Divine, there is no StoicismGlassborow, Nigel2015Can Stoicism really be called Stoicism, without divinity? Nigel Glassborow aims to show that one cannot take the Divine out of Stoicism.
Stoicism and the Philosophies of the Jedi and the SithStephens, William O.2014“Stoic ideas have influenced the history of Western philosophy for centuries. This is because Stoic ideas provide effective strategies for addressing conflicts, interacting positively with people, and coping with adversities. Stoic ideas also appear in Hollywood science fiction films, including the Star Wars movies. Many elements of the Jedi philosophy, and even a couple of elements of the Sith philosophy, are very Stoic in character . . . .”
Artwork inspired by Stoic ethicsvan Wieringen, Marije2014Artist Marije van Wieringen produced a series of paintings inspired about moral development, inspired by her study of Stoic ethics.
Prosoche: Illuminating the Path of the ProkoptonFisher, Christopher 2013In this essay Chris Fisher explains the meaning of prosochē, and why it is a necessary element of Stoicism practiced as a way of life.
Self-Coherance: The Fundamental Intuition of StoicismFisher, Christopher 2013Scholarch Chris Fisher explains that self-coherence is a disposition of the soul where your Self—your guiding principle or rational nature—is united with universal Reason, universal Nature, and humanity as a whole. Self-coherence is the fulfillment of the Stoic maxim “live according to Nature". Better still, Stoicism offers a method to achieve self-coherence and achieve freedom from psychological distress.
Some Reflections about Stoic Ethics at WorkTrueba, Manolo2013“The Stoic, like any other man, by the mere fact of being human, takes part in several social circles at a time: family, work, neighborhood, country, et cetera. This necessarily involves the assumption of certain obligations that must be met in order to . . . . “
Stick Action Meditation ManualWiegardt, Erik2012Developed by College founder Erik Wiegardt, Stick Action Meditation includes flexibility, fitness, & mindfulness meditation all in one program.
Pneuma Will Power MeditationWiegardt, Erik2013Developed by College founder Erik Wiegardt, Pneuma Will Power Meditation assists with developing the ruling center that guides the decisions we make and the actions we take. According to Wiegardt, "Having a strong will allows you to become your best, which to a Stoic means cultivating a noble character.
Stoic Glossary and Pronounciation GuideWasson, Greg2012A useful companion guide for the serious student of Stoic philosophy.
Heraclitus StudiesWiegardt, Erik2011Scholarch Erik Wiegardt studies Heraclitus' fragments as one would study Zen koans, and with similar results.
The Stoic Handbook, 2nd EditionWiegardt, Erik2010An essential introduction to Stoicism for the new student. written by the founder of the College of Stoic Philosophers.
The Stoic Handbook (Spanish)Wiegardt, Erik2010Una introducción esencial al estoicismo para el nuevo estudiante. escrito por el fundador del Colegio de Filósofos Estoicos.
Path of the Sage, 4th EditionWiegardt, Erik2009A concise, comprehensive introduction to Stoic philosophy.
The Book of DoubtWiegardt, Erik2009Philosophy requires questioning and doubt. Scholarch Erik Wiegardt recounts his personal philosophical journey with Stoicism.
Beyond TheoryWiegardt, Erik2009A book of practical principles and Stoic exercises by Scholarch Erik Wiegardt.
God Is a Stoic: A JournalWiegardt, Erik2009Hypomnemata on Stoic theology by Scholarch Erik Wiegardt.
The Path of the Sage (eBook Condensed Version)Wiegardt, Erik2008A concise, comprehensive introduction to Stoic philosophy.
The Pyrrhonean SkepticWiegardt, Erik2008Doubt is the natural result of a rational mind. In this work, Scholarch Erik Wiegardt writes, "After several years of focused study on the lives and thoughts of the ancient Stoa, one day for no apparent reason, I stopped and asked myself how I knew any of what I had learned was true..."