Description
Book SynopsisIn the course of this compact and insightful work, Dr. Ronald Pies, tells us a little about what happiness is, and a lot about how to achieve it. The first chapter begins with a reminder from the great Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, that things do not touch the soul. This, explains Pies, is the keystone in the arch of Stoic philosophy. In a sense, then, the rest of the book is an extended meditation on how we might avoid letting things touch our souls too much. But, it is much more than simply a meditation. From here, Pies goes on to offer readers a well-researched, often witty explanation of how Stoic philosophyas it resonates not only with Christian and Judaic, but also with Buddhist and Hindu worldviewscan guide and improve their lives. In the process, he draws on his own considerable clinical experience to offer composite case vignettes, both positive and negative, that illustrate the principles he is discussing.
Trade ReviewThe book Everything Has Two Handles by Ronald Pies presents itself as an accessible introduction into Stoicism, for the 'intelligent layperson that wants to live well,' and Pies skillfully achieves this end....It is a book that can easily be reread or referenced for continued application and guidance. The reader is not left overwhelmed but is offered a clear understanding. * Philosophical Practice, October 2008 *
In this breathtaking tour of ancient wisdom, Ron Pies, M.D., makes the philosophy of the Stoics come alive for the modern reader. Touching on our most urgent contemporary problems—the meaning of happiness, the role of pleasure, the importance of wisdom, friendship, balance, harmony, and anger—the Stoics provide a surprisingly fresh and instructive set of principles about how to live. With numerous examples from the world's philosophical and religious traditions, as well as vignettes about people struggling to understand their lives in the 21st century, Pies has created a guide filled with warmth, clear thinking, strong values, and the deep pleasure that comes from our recognition of the enduring truths. -- Richard M. Berlin, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School; poet and columnist Psychiatric Times
Table of ContentsPart 1 Acknowledgments Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Thinking and Feeling Chapter 4 Morality and Meaning Chapter 5 Morality and Self-Respect Chapter 6 Adversity and Self-Possession Chapter 7 Perfectionism, Virtue, and Self-Acceptance Chapter 8 Living in Harmony with the Universe Chapter 9 Living in the Here and Now Chapter 10 The Opinion of Others Chapter 11 The Common Bond of Being Chapter 12 Character and Happiness Chapter 13 Contentment with Our Lot Part 14 References
