St. George Stock’s approach to Stoicism offers a unique perspective, particularly through his didactic style, where he openly disagrees and provides reasoning for his viewpoints. Encountering opposing viewpoints can be valuable, even if they are challenging. Stock’s exploration of Stoicism presents a version that often diverges from contemporary interpretations.
Stock, a follower of Aristotle, dedicates the initial chapters to introducing Greek life and philosophy. The subsequent chapters delve into a depiction of Stoicism, highlighting its contrast with Aristotelian views. The final section explores the more nuanced aspects of “physics.” Stock presents a more humanistic view of Stoicism, portraying it as a school of thought, illustrating its doctrines, the varying opinions of prominent scholars, and aspects reminiscent of religion, all while providing clear examples and acknowledging its inflexibility.
This presentation seems to favor the perspective of Marcus Aurelius. Timothy Ferriss frames Stoicism as a framework for clarity and balance. Seneca’s Moral Letters to Lucilius Volume 1 initially conveys a sense of carefree acceptance. However, while enlightening, these letters lack a clear, systematic structure. This may stem from Seneca translating Stoic principles into everyday living or from his own advanced level of equilibrium.
This contrasts sharply with Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, which, in my view, felt too disconnected from everyday human experiences to be truly realistic. Enchiridion strikes a better balance, but remains aligned with the Aurelius camp in emphasizing actionable steps.
In conclusion, Stock’s guide is valuable for beginners and seasoned philosophy enthusiasts alike. The approach is interesting from a historical and fact-checking perspective, especially given the prevalence of pseudo-historical claims in modern motivational content. While it didn’t necessarily convert me into a Stoicism devotee, it has prompted me to explore Seneca’s more rigorous works.
