The value of Stoicism—traditional or Pigliucci’s version—is in the universal ideas it holds about human nature.
An attempt to update the Stoic philosophy as expressed by Roman thinker and former slave Epictetus (50-130 C.E.).
Some things are within our power; most are not. Stoicism offers a path to discerning the difference. Philosophy professor Pigliucci, a staunch proponent of science education, calls his book, based on Epictetus’ Enchiridion, a “field guide” because life is lived in the field, not in theory. The Enchiridion was composed of 53 “units” or principles; Pigliucci modifies half of those to be in harmony with 21st-century realities, knowing that Stoicism, a highly cosmopolitan body of thought, has undergone many alterations through the centuries and will continue to do so. Founded by Zeno (334-262 B.C.E.), Stoicism espouses the idea that a virtuous and happy life requires applying reason to the betterment of self and society. Pigliucci has the same aim, though, like Socrates (and unlike Epictetus), he does not advise total disregard of “externals” (things not under our control), a dominant ethic of original Stoicism. Of course, the word “stoic” did not mean then what it means today. The author’s modernization of Stoicism involves accepting misfortune or adversity with equanimity but also having goals and pursuing them in a manner consistent with one’s integrity and self-respect. However, even some of Pigliucci’s revisions are ideals; there is a difference between moderation and monasticism. What’s missing here is passion. Being virtuous and phlegmatic all the time would make one admirable but rather dull, and other people’s attitudes, opinions, and actions (externals) are of no concern to us only if we live in a vacuum. While Pigliucci agrees that reading philosophy and living a philosophy are two different things, he stresses that the art of living requires discipline.
The value of Stoicism—traditional or Pigliucci’s version—is in the universal ideas it holds about human nature.Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5416-4693-3
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Basic Books
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
It’s not Shakespeare, not by a long shot. But at least it’s not James Franco.
A noted actor turns to verse: “Poems are a Saturday in the middle of the week.”
McConaughey, author of the gracefully written memoir Greenlights, has been writing poems since his teens, closing with one “written in an Australian bathtub” that reads just as a poem by an 18-year-old (Rimbaud excepted) should read: “Ignorant minds of the fortunate man / Blind of the fate shaping every land.” McConaughey is fearless in his commitment to the rhyme, no matter how slight the result (“Oops, took a quick peek at the sky before I got my glasses, / now I can’t see shit, sure hope this passes”). And, sad to say, the slight is what is most on display throughout, punctuated by some odd koanlike aperçus: “Eating all we can / at the all-we-can-eat buffet, / gives us a 3.8 education / and a 4.2 GPA.” “Never give up your right to do the next right thing. This is how we find our way home.” “Memory never forgets. Even though we do.” The prayer portion of the program is deeply felt, but it’s just as sentimental; only when he writes of life-changing events—a court appearance to file a restraining order against a stalker, his decision to quit smoking weed—do we catch a glimpse of the effortlessly fluent, effortlessly charming McConaughey as exemplified by the David Wooderson (“alright, alright, alright”) of Dazed and Confused. The rest is mostly a soufflé in verse. McConaughey’s heart is very clearly in the right place, but on the whole the book suggests an old saw: Don’t give up your day job.
It’s not Shakespeare, not by a long shot. But at least it’s not James Franco.Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025
ISBN: 9781984862105
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 15, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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