Stoicism by Tony Bennis

I originally download the unabridged audio version of Stoicism by Tony Bennis from Chirp Books around 3 to 4 years ago. However, Chirp Books no longer seems to carry this audiobook title for whatever reason!

I meant to initially listen to Stoicism by Tony Bennis when I first purchased it 3 to 4 years ago, but I kept putting it off and reading other books instead. I am into philosophy and also self-help books that will hopefully inspire change within. Since stoicism is an ancient philosophy, I figured learning more about stoicism may help give me a new perspective on how to inspire change within vs. a more current psychologically based self-help based book.

Stoicism by Tony Bennis is a quick read... Or in my case, a quick listen as the audio edition is less than four hours in length. Stoicism by Tony Bennis is a beginner's overview of stoicism for the uninitiated who desires to to gain basic knowledge about stoicism to hel facilitate practical change. I found this book to be a nice introduction to stoicism that I may refer back to repeatedly as needed. There are also exercises to complete at the end of each chapter to solidify the points made within each chapter. I look forward to exploring more in depth books about stoicism in the future.

Below is the summary for Stoicism by Tony Bennis from Bookshop.org:

Are the troubles of modern life getting to you?

The solution to your troubles is contained in the wisdom of the ancients.

Stoicism is a philosophy that was started in Ancient Greece, but this two-thousand-year-old worldview is enjoying a modern rebirth. All across the globe, people are coming to appreciate the timeless wisdom of Stoicism.

You don't have to suffer. You may not be able to control the path your life will take, but Stoicism teaches that you can control the way you see life. By shifting your way of thinking you can eliminate unnecessary suffering, reshape your thought patterns, and achieve that sense of calm you've always wanted.

In this book, you will find all of the information you need to understand Stoic thought and put it into action in your life.

• Start by understanding what Stoicism is and isn't. Once you understand the basic concepts you'll learn the history of this storied Philosophy. From there you will build up your understanding while learning how to put each new concept into practice.

• Gain insight into the emotions that can keep you from living the life that you want to lead. Find out how to master your heart by feeding positive emotions while starving the negative.

• Learn a strategy for success that has helped some of history's greatest heroes to triumph in the face of tragedy. When you learn to see obstacles as opportunities you can rise to the top while others fall behind.

• Find out how to prepare yourself for any challenge life may hand you. Don't wait for tragedy to strike before you learn how to handle it. Start building the skills that will allow you to weather any storm.

• Take steps today to change your life. This isn't a self-help book for you to read and forget, it calls for real action that will create real results.

All throughout the book, you will find a treasure trove of Stoic wisdom in the form of quotes from history's greatest Stoic thinkers. Learn the lessons taught by history's greatest teachers, passed onto you in plain English.

You don't have to live a life ruled by stress and worry. No matter who you are, you can learn how to master your own mind and retake control of your life.

The power to change is inside of you, the ancient secrets of Stoicism will show you how to unlock your full potential.

I am giving giving Stoicism by Tony Bennis a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

My Conversations With Black: 13 People, 1 Body by Bill Puett, Ph.D.

I recently read Conversations With Black: 13 People, 1 Body by Bill Puett, Ph.D. This is a work of nonfiction which explores concepts such as multiple systems, the nature of consciousness, personhood, the mechanics of hypnosis, past lives, and more.

I ended up reading Conversations With Black: 13 People, 1 Body by Bill Puett, Ph.D. because Bill Puett was one of my college professors back in the day. In fact, he was one of my favorite professors in college. I took 2 (or maybe 3??) of his philosophy courses during college and at one point thought I wanted to major in philosophy. But I ended up sticking with my original major (BA in Russian language) instead. 

I'm glad I read Conversations With Black: 13 People, 1 Body by Bill Puett, Ph.D. This book is not a lengthy book as it is under 200 pages, but it isn't a light read in the slightest.

Conversations With Black: 13 People, 1 Body by Bill Puett, Ph.D. is epistolary in nature as it is written mainly as a series of emails between the author and various persons that inhabit a single body... think 13 different people inhabiting one body verses one person with 13 different personalities. 

This book covers what it is like for one specific 'body' that lives with dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder) and their journey. This book goes a lot deeper than exploring what it's like to live with 13 individuals in one body and it's more than simply a biography. The author largely communicates with Black, who is one individual that lives in this multiple system. Bill and Black delve into some deep philosophical discussions that are a lot to intake and absorb at times about topics like consciousness, past lives, and the mechanics of hypnosis. Additionally, there are some new to me concepts/terminology/vocabulary that I'm still trying to fully grasp, so I will need to do another pass through of Conversations With Black: 13 People, 1 Body.

Below is the summary for Conversations With Black: 13 People, 1 Body by Bill Puett, Ph.D. from Amazon:

For more than 18 years, I have had many conversations with Black and the thirteen people of a multiple system who share the same physical body. I have been for some their closest friend and for all a counselor and life coach. They are a wonderful and extraordinary group whose lives have touched me deeply. Here is a book about multiplicity, consciousness, personhood, souls, past lives, ethics, and friendships over lifetimes, written through the lens of our deep friendship and concern for each other.

I'm giving Conversations With Black: 13 People, 1 Body by Bill Puett, Ph.D. a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!