The Philosopher's Tome

103 Ancient Greek and Roman Teachings for Contemporary Life

The ancients knew how to make us mentally tough and resilient.

What did Epictetus mean by “If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid"?
What can we learn from this statement from Epicurus: “He who has peace of mind disturbs neither himself nor another"?
Why did Xenophon urge us to "be eager, not intimidated” in the face of danger?

Centuries ago, some of the wisest people who have ever lived wrote down invaluable pieces of advice that many of us today, so burdened with the stresses and chaos of modern life, desperately need to hear.

What advice is out there for a teen being bullied on social media?
Or for a middle-aged office worker struggling with work-life balance?
How about someone becoming obsessed with the inevitability of their own mortality?

This collection of 103 quotes from 13 of the wisest philosophers of ancient Greece and Rome offers motivational and thought-provoking guidance for contemporary living. It is meant for professionals, students, managers, workers, parents, or just anyone seeking timeless wisdom to help us bear the weight of our daily grind.

No previous knowledge of history or philosophy is needed. Just open the book to any page at random and take onboard its teaching. Use it as a motivational self-help guide, or as a primer into the fascinating and fulfilling world of philosophy.

The author, Professor Raywat Deonandan, is a multiple award-winning writer and a highly decorated educator. The passages he has chosen to highlight in this volume reflect the words he has found most useful in his own life and in the lives of his students.