-
Epicurus of Samos: His Philosophy and Life
- All the Principal Source Texts
- Narrated by: James Gillies, Jonathan Booth
- Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed

pick 2 free titles with trial.
Buy for $10.23
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Enchiridion & Discourses
- By: Epictetus
- Narrated by: Haward B. Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the second century by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a stoic in the tradition of its originators, Zeno (third Century BCE) and Seneca (first century CE).
-
-
Inspiration from thousands of years ago
- By Jose on 07-30-17
By: Epictetus
-
On the Nature of Things
- By: Lucretius
- Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This famous work by Lucretius is a masterpiece of didactic poetry, and it still stands today as the finest exposition of Epicurean philosophy ever written. The poem was produced in the middle of first century B.C., a period that was to witness a flowering of Latin literature unequaled for beauty and intellectual power in subsequent ages. The Latin title, De Rerum Natura, translates literally to On the Nature of Things and is meant to impress the reader with the breadth and depth of Epicurean philosophy.
-
-
A Masterpiece
- By Lawrence on 11-23-08
By: Lucretius
-
On the Shortness of Life, On the Happy Life, and Other Essays
- Essays, Volume 1
- By: Seneca
- Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As former tutor and adviser to Emperor Nero, philosopher and statesman Seneca was acutely aware of how short life can be - his own life was cut short when the emperor ordered him to commit suicide (for alleged involvement in a conspiracy). And Seneca proved true to his words - his lifelong avowal to Stoicism enabled him to conduct himself with dignity to the end. During his rich and busy life, Seneca wrote a series of essays that have advised and enriched the lives of generations down to the present day.
-
-
Completely relevant, ageless wisdom
- By Tobias A. Matejovsky on 12-13-18
By: Seneca
-
Apology and Memorabilia
- By: Xenophon
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Xenophon was a friend of Socrates, and yet his concise memories of the iconic philosopher have lived under the shadow of the more voluminous accounts by Plato. Yet Xenophon’s two works are, in many ways, more entertaining and more accessible, and they present a different view of the man who embodies a clear mind, temperate, ethical living, sharp intellect and humour.
-
-
An insight into Socrates the man
- By John Aaron on 10-25-19
By: Xenophon
-
Letters from a Stoic
- Penguin Classics
- By: Seneca, Robin Campbell
- Narrated by: Julian Glover
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seeing self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', the Stoic philosophy called for the restraint of animal instincts and the importance of upright ethical ideals and virtuous living. Seneca's writings are a profound, powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.
-
-
Returned - Not "Unabridged"
- By Michael Augustus Ennis on 12-03-21
By: Seneca, and others
-
Discourses and Selected Writings
- By: Epictetus, Robert Dobbin
- Narrated by: Richard Goulding
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Epictetus, a Greek stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicropolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature.
-
-
Outstanding Audible Title and performance
- By H. D. Martinez on 05-01-21
By: Epictetus, and others
-
The Enchiridion & Discourses
- By: Epictetus
- Narrated by: Haward B. Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the second century by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a stoic in the tradition of its originators, Zeno (third Century BCE) and Seneca (first century CE).
-
-
Inspiration from thousands of years ago
- By Jose on 07-30-17
By: Epictetus
-
On the Nature of Things
- By: Lucretius
- Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This famous work by Lucretius is a masterpiece of didactic poetry, and it still stands today as the finest exposition of Epicurean philosophy ever written. The poem was produced in the middle of first century B.C., a period that was to witness a flowering of Latin literature unequaled for beauty and intellectual power in subsequent ages. The Latin title, De Rerum Natura, translates literally to On the Nature of Things and is meant to impress the reader with the breadth and depth of Epicurean philosophy.
-
-
A Masterpiece
- By Lawrence on 11-23-08
By: Lucretius
-
On the Shortness of Life, On the Happy Life, and Other Essays
- Essays, Volume 1
- By: Seneca
- Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As former tutor and adviser to Emperor Nero, philosopher and statesman Seneca was acutely aware of how short life can be - his own life was cut short when the emperor ordered him to commit suicide (for alleged involvement in a conspiracy). And Seneca proved true to his words - his lifelong avowal to Stoicism enabled him to conduct himself with dignity to the end. During his rich and busy life, Seneca wrote a series of essays that have advised and enriched the lives of generations down to the present day.
-
-
Completely relevant, ageless wisdom
- By Tobias A. Matejovsky on 12-13-18
By: Seneca
-
Apology and Memorabilia
- By: Xenophon
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Xenophon was a friend of Socrates, and yet his concise memories of the iconic philosopher have lived under the shadow of the more voluminous accounts by Plato. Yet Xenophon’s two works are, in many ways, more entertaining and more accessible, and they present a different view of the man who embodies a clear mind, temperate, ethical living, sharp intellect and humour.
-
-
An insight into Socrates the man
- By John Aaron on 10-25-19
By: Xenophon
-
Letters from a Stoic
- Penguin Classics
- By: Seneca, Robin Campbell
- Narrated by: Julian Glover
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Seeing self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', the Stoic philosophy called for the restraint of animal instincts and the importance of upright ethical ideals and virtuous living. Seneca's writings are a profound, powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.
-
-
Returned - Not "Unabridged"
- By Michael Augustus Ennis on 12-03-21
By: Seneca, and others
-
Discourses and Selected Writings
- By: Epictetus, Robert Dobbin
- Narrated by: Richard Goulding
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Epictetus, a Greek stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicropolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature.
-
-
Outstanding Audible Title and performance
- By H. D. Martinez on 05-01-21
By: Epictetus, and others
-
Early Greek Philosophy
- The Pre-Socratics
- By: John Burnet
- Narrated by: Jonathan Booth
- Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Although it was originally published in 1892, Early Greek Philosophy by John Burnet remains unquestionably one of the most respected and admired surveys of the pre-Socratics. It is an illuminating springboard into classical Greek philosophy.
By: John Burnet
-
The Complete Essays of Montaigne
- By: Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, Donald M. Frame - translator
- Narrated by: Christopher Lane
- Length: 49 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
“A faithful translation is rare; a translation which preserves intact the original text is very rare; a perfect translation of Montaigne appears impossible. Yet Donald Frame has realized this feat. One does not seem to be reading a translation, so smooth and easy is the style; at each moment, one seems to be listening to Montaigne himself - the freshness of his ideas, the unexpected choice of words. Frame has kept everything.” (Andre Maurois, The New York Times Book Review)
-
-
Stands next to the Bible and M.A.'s Meditations
- By Darwin8u on 05-21-12
By: Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, and others
-
The Moral Epistles
- 124 Letters to Lucilius
- By: Seneca the Younger
- Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
- Length: 23 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Towards the end of his life, Seneca the Younger (c4 BCE-65 CE) began a correspondence with a friend in Sicily, later collected under the title The Moral Epistles. In these 124 letters, Seneca expresses, in a wise, steady and calm manner, the philosophy by which he lived - derived essentially from the Stoics. The letters deal with a variety of specific topics - often eminently practical - such as 'On Saving Time', 'On the Terrors of Death', 'On True and False Friendships', 'On Brawn and Brains' and 'On Old Age and Death'.
-
-
Outstanding!
- By zen cowboy on 01-31-16
-
How to Be an Epicurean
- The Ancient Art of Living Well
- By: Catherine Wilson
- Narrated by: Ana Clements
- Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In How to Be an Epicurean, philosopher Catherine Wilson shows that Epicureanism isn't an excuse for having a good time: It's a means to live a good life. Although modern conveniences and scientific progress have significantly improved our quality of life, many of the problems faced by ancient Greeks - love, money, family, politics - remain with us in new forms. To overcome these obstacles, the Epicureans adopted a philosophy that promoted reason, respect for the natural world, and reverence for our fellow humans.
-
-
So important, so badly done
- By Trebla on 01-03-21
By: Catherine Wilson
-
Lectures & Fragments
- By: Musonius Rufus
- Narrated by: Robin Homer
- Length: 2 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gaius Musonius Rufus was a Roman Stoic philosopher of the first century AD. He has been referred to as the Roman Socrates and is also remembered for being the teacher of Epictetus. He taught philosophy in Rome during the reign of Nero and so was sent into exile in 65 AD, returning to Rome only under Galba. Twenty-one of his lectures survive together with a few fragmentary notes from others, all of which are contained in this narration.
-
-
Amazing timeless wisdom
- By Rosy on 08-16-22
By: Musonius Rufus
-
The Ethics of Aristotle
- By: The Great Courses, Father Joseph Koterski S.J.
- Narrated by: Father Joseph Koterski S.J.
- Length: 6 hrs and 9 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this 12-lecture meditation on Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, you'll uncover the clarity and ethical wisdom of one of humanity's greatest minds. Father Koterski shows how and why this great philosopher can help you deepen and improve your own thinking on questions of morality and leading the best life. The aim of these lectures is to provide you with a clear and thoughtful introduction to Aristotle as a moral philosopher.
-
-
Father Joseph is awesome!
- By DeeDeen on 04-08-17
By: The Great Courses, and others
-
What Is Metaphysics, What Is Philosophy and Other Writings
- By: Martin Heidegger
- Narrated by: Martyn Swain
- Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This recording contains four important and related works by Heidegger: 'What Is Philosophy', 'What Is Metaphysics', 'On the Essence of Truth' and 'The Question of Being'.
-
-
Highly performed 🎭
- By Roman Greenberg on 09-06-22
By: Martin Heidegger
-
The Consolation of Philosophy
- By: Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Consolation of Philosophy is one of the key works in the rich tradition of Western philosophy, partly because of the circumstances in which it was written. Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (c480-c524) was of aristocratic Roman birth and became consul and then master of offices at Ravenna, one of the highest posts under the Ostrogothic Roman ruler Theodoric. But Boethius was unjustly charged with treason in 524, and this led to house arrest, then torture and execution.
-
-
A Self-Help Bestseller since 524 AD
- By John on 01-25-17
-
The Histories
- By: Polybius, W. R. Paton - translator
- Narrated by: Jonathan Booth
- Length: 37 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The rise of Rome is one of the great stories of world history and fortunately we have a reliable and at times an eyewitness account, from the Greek historian Polybius of Megalopolis. Polybius reports on the main confrontations with the authority of a man who was present at many events and also visited historic sites of importance to ensure his accounts of the past were accurate.
-
-
One of the greatest works of history ever!
- By damianvincent on 03-11-22
By: Polybius, and others
-
The Art of Living
- The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness
- By: Epictetus, Sharon Lebell - translator
- Narrated by: Richard Bolles
- Length: 1 hr and 31 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Epictetus, one of the greatest of the ancient thinkers, believed that the primary mission of philosophy is to help ordinary people meet the challenges of daily life and deal with losses, disappointments, and grief. His prescription for the good life: master desires, perform one's duties, and learn to think clearly about oneself and the larger community. This recording includes an interview with philosopher Jacob Needleman on the significance of Epictetus' work.
-
-
Atrocious reading of a vapid mistranslation
- By Joseph M. on 06-25-09
By: Epictetus, and others
-
Think like a Stoic
- Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World
- By: Massimo Pigliucci, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Massimo Pigliucci
- Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Distilled to its essence, the ancient Greco-Roman philosophy known as Stoicism is a philosophy of personal betterment. Professor Pigliucci, who knows firsthand just how transformative a Stoic approach to life can be, has designed these 25 lessons as an enlightening introduction to the basics of Stoic philosophy and ways to incorporate its lessons into your own life.
-
-
A lot to love. A little to object to.
- By Amazon Customer on 08-20-21
By: Massimo Pigliucci, and others
-
Twilight of the Idols, On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense
- How to Philosophise with a Hammer
- By: Friedrich Nietzsche
- Narrated by: Michael Lunts
- Length: 4 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Though Twilight of the Idols (written in a week in 1888 and subtitled How to Philosophise with a Hammer) came near the end of Nietzsche’s creative life, he actually recommended it as a starting point for the study of his work. This was because from the beginning he viewed it as an introduction to his wide-ranging views.
-
-
Concept king
- By Anonymous User on 05-24-23
Publisher's Summary
Epicurus of Samos (341-270 BCE) was the founder of the philosophical system to which he gave his name: Epicureanism. It is a label that is often misused and misunderstood today, with ‘a life of pleasure’ as the key aim misinterpreted as a life of indulgence. In fact, the philosophy of Epicurus demonstrated also by his life, was anything but! He established a school in Athens called The Garden, underpinned by his system of ethics.
He promoted, by his own example, a simple, ordered, calm and reflective life.
A life of true pleasure, he proposed, is only possible when unharnessed desire for wealth, position, luxury and power has been dissolved and instead steady living and friendship are the watchwords. It is against this background that the understanding and acceptance of the vicissitudes of life, and the inevitability of death, are the rules by which to live.
This was in contrast to Platonism on the one hand and the Cynics on the other. The second major facet of Epicurus’ philosophy was his physics, in which he adopted and furthered the theory of atomism introduced by Democritus (460-370 BCE): there was no ‘first mover’, no creation myth, no afterlife. Atoms underpinned all existence. Epicurus was a prodigious author, producing many books - yet very few survive.
Diogenes Laertius, the third-century Greek biographer, in his sizeable Lives of Eminent Philosophers, devotes Book X, the final book, to Epicurus. In it he gives an account of the life of the philosopher and including three letters from Epicurus to friends, to Herodotus, Pythocles and Menoeceus.
The biography concludes with the concise The Principal Doctrines of Epicurus. Then there are various fragments which have come down to us: The Vatican Sayings (a collection found in the Vatican Library, originally compiled in the 14th century and rediscovered in the 19th century); Epicurean Fragments collected in the 19th century from many classical authors; further fragments included in the collection The Villa of the Papyri; and Diogenes’ Wall Inscription.
There are also important works clearly influenced by Epicurus, notably the long important poem De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things) by Lucretius (c99 BCE-c55 BCE). And finally, there is a chapter on The Legacy.
This represents comments by such figures as Cicero (who though principally a Stoic clearly retained an admiration for Epicurus) and later Epicureans, including Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the US. In Epicurus of Samos, His Life and Philosophy, Hiram Crespo, (founder of the Society of Epicurus) has compiled all the source texts and provided introductions to the topic and each chapter. The title is an original commission by Ukemi Audiobooks.
More from the same
What listeners say about Epicurus of Samos: His Philosophy and Life
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jock Little
- 05-27-22
Not What It Seems And Full Of Hypocrisy
This book does not live up to its promise. One would think that the title and subtitle of this work would mean that this book is purely original sources excepting a brief introduction of explanation before each source. Similar to what Ukemi has done for Xenophon's Apology and Memorabilia and Plato's Socratic Dialogues, both of which were beautifully done. But no, nearly half the book is Crespo's pontification and praise of the superiority of Epicurean thought and philosophy. He bashes other philosophies, beliefs, and religions while all but declaring Epicureanism the one true religion. Crespo then has the ineptitude to criticize rhetoricians for their flowery words and disregard for truth and open-mindedness while he consistently presents his own opinions as fact and drives his own conclusions at the listener like a hammer.
The worst part is the summation, at length, of classical texts that are then not actually included in the book. Mr. Crespo must have a different definition of the word "all" than is usually meant. When the subtitle says, "All the Principal Source Texts" I expect that to actually mean what it says.
The whole thing comes across more like a fanboy thesis rather than an actual compilation of texts.
Overall, I was greatly disappointed. If you, like me, want to hear the original sources unadulterated by someone else's thoughts and opinions, do not waste your time and money on this book.
Personally, I will be much more cautious with my Ukemi purchases in the future.
P.S. I gave 4 stars for performance because James Gillies and Jonathan Booth both do a fantastic job reading. It's just that the material they read is not worth much.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Kunde
- 10-25-20
good Information
very good Information, the concept of pleasure and pain. Gratitude. The understanding that we are just visiters here and that the best way leaving is, yes, i enjoyed it.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mike
- 06-15-22
A synopsis of his philosophy on pleasure over pain
It was well narrated and gave much food for thought. I found it an Excellent read.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Aran
- 01-05-22
Perfect
This is a collection of primary sources on Epicurus and Epicurean philosophy, with short introductions to each piece. I'm no expert but it seems to quite comprehensively cover the small number of works left to us in the present day. The narration is superb. Likely the best way to study Epicurean philosophy through audio.
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
How to Be an Epicurean
- The Ancient Art of Living Well
- By: Catherine Wilson
- Narrated by: Ana Clements
- Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In How to Be an Epicurean, philosopher Catherine Wilson shows that Epicureanism isn't an excuse for having a good time: It's a means to live a good life. Although modern conveniences and scientific progress have significantly improved our quality of life, many of the problems faced by ancient Greeks - love, money, family, politics - remain with us in new forms. To overcome these obstacles, the Epicureans adopted a philosophy that promoted reason, respect for the natural world, and reverence for our fellow humans.
-
-
So important, so badly done
- By Trebla on 01-03-21
By: Catherine Wilson
-
On the Nature of Things
- By: Lucretius
- Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This famous work by Lucretius is a masterpiece of didactic poetry, and it still stands today as the finest exposition of Epicurean philosophy ever written. The poem was produced in the middle of first century B.C., a period that was to witness a flowering of Latin literature unequaled for beauty and intellectual power in subsequent ages. The Latin title, De Rerum Natura, translates literally to On the Nature of Things and is meant to impress the reader with the breadth and depth of Epicurean philosophy.
-
-
A Masterpiece
- By Lawrence on 11-23-08
By: Lucretius
-
Epicurus
- The Principal Doctrines
- By: Epicurus
- Narrated by: Josh Verbae
- Length: 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For Epicurus, the purpose of philosophy was to attain the happy, tranquil life, characterized by peace and freedom from fear, the absence of pain, and by living a self-sufficient life surrounded by friends. He taught that pleasure and pain are the measures of what is good and evil; death is the end of both body and soul and should therefore not be feared; the gods neither reward nor punish humans; the universe is infinite and eternal; and events in the world are ultimately based on the motions and interactions of atoms.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Brian B on 04-24-16
By: Epicurus
-
Epicurean: Introduction to the Epicurean Way of Life
- Epicurean Philosophy Series, Book 1
- By: Alex Caras
- Narrated by: Colleen Crimmins
- Length: 1 hr and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is the purpose of this book, the first of a two-part series, to, through an Epicurean lens, examine the obstacles to a good life and introduce solutions. Most of what this book says, the sequel will expand on, but much must be left to the listener to develop in their own mind and in their own way.
-
-
Decent Overview of Epicurianism
- By Audiobookphile on 07-15-20
By: Alex Caras
-
The Enchiridion & Discourses
- By: Epictetus
- Narrated by: Haward B. Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the second century by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a stoic in the tradition of its originators, Zeno (third Century BCE) and Seneca (first century CE).
-
-
Inspiration from thousands of years ago
- By Jose on 07-30-17
By: Epictetus
-
Stoics and Epicureans
- By: Daryl Hale
- Narrated by: Lynn Redgrave
- Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stoics and Epicureans date from the Hellenistic period, but the debate between these two modes of thought continues today. For the Stoics, the goal of human life was to align one's nature with the rational order of all things by cultivating pure reason. Through the practice of dialectic, they aimed for ethical righteousness and self-control. In sad or turbulent times, stoical endurance has appealed to many people as a way of coping.
-
-
Insulting
- By Kevin on 10-28-20
By: Daryl Hale
-
How to Be an Epicurean
- The Ancient Art of Living Well
- By: Catherine Wilson
- Narrated by: Ana Clements
- Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In How to Be an Epicurean, philosopher Catherine Wilson shows that Epicureanism isn't an excuse for having a good time: It's a means to live a good life. Although modern conveniences and scientific progress have significantly improved our quality of life, many of the problems faced by ancient Greeks - love, money, family, politics - remain with us in new forms. To overcome these obstacles, the Epicureans adopted a philosophy that promoted reason, respect for the natural world, and reverence for our fellow humans.
-
-
So important, so badly done
- By Trebla on 01-03-21
By: Catherine Wilson
-
On the Nature of Things
- By: Lucretius
- Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This famous work by Lucretius is a masterpiece of didactic poetry, and it still stands today as the finest exposition of Epicurean philosophy ever written. The poem was produced in the middle of first century B.C., a period that was to witness a flowering of Latin literature unequaled for beauty and intellectual power in subsequent ages. The Latin title, De Rerum Natura, translates literally to On the Nature of Things and is meant to impress the reader with the breadth and depth of Epicurean philosophy.
-
-
A Masterpiece
- By Lawrence on 11-23-08
By: Lucretius
-
Epicurus
- The Principal Doctrines
- By: Epicurus
- Narrated by: Josh Verbae
- Length: 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For Epicurus, the purpose of philosophy was to attain the happy, tranquil life, characterized by peace and freedom from fear, the absence of pain, and by living a self-sufficient life surrounded by friends. He taught that pleasure and pain are the measures of what is good and evil; death is the end of both body and soul and should therefore not be feared; the gods neither reward nor punish humans; the universe is infinite and eternal; and events in the world are ultimately based on the motions and interactions of atoms.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Brian B on 04-24-16
By: Epicurus
-
Epicurean: Introduction to the Epicurean Way of Life
- Epicurean Philosophy Series, Book 1
- By: Alex Caras
- Narrated by: Colleen Crimmins
- Length: 1 hr and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It is the purpose of this book, the first of a two-part series, to, through an Epicurean lens, examine the obstacles to a good life and introduce solutions. Most of what this book says, the sequel will expand on, but much must be left to the listener to develop in their own mind and in their own way.
-
-
Decent Overview of Epicurianism
- By Audiobookphile on 07-15-20
By: Alex Caras
-
The Enchiridion & Discourses
- By: Epictetus
- Narrated by: Haward B. Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the second century by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a stoic in the tradition of its originators, Zeno (third Century BCE) and Seneca (first century CE).
-
-
Inspiration from thousands of years ago
- By Jose on 07-30-17
By: Epictetus
-
Stoics and Epicureans
- By: Daryl Hale
- Narrated by: Lynn Redgrave
- Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stoics and Epicureans date from the Hellenistic period, but the debate between these two modes of thought continues today. For the Stoics, the goal of human life was to align one's nature with the rational order of all things by cultivating pure reason. Through the practice of dialectic, they aimed for ethical righteousness and self-control. In sad or turbulent times, stoical endurance has appealed to many people as a way of coping.
-
-
Insulting
- By Kevin on 10-28-20
By: Daryl Hale
-
On Living and Dying Well
- By: Cicero, Thomas Habinek
- Narrated by: John Hastings
- Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the first century BC, Marcus Tullius Cicero, orator, statesman and defender of republican values, created these philosophical treatises on such diverse topics as friendship, religion, death, fate and scientific inquiry. A pragmatist at heart, Cicero's philosophies were frequently personal and ethical, drawn not from abstract reasoning but through careful observation of the world. The resulting works remind us of the importance of social ties, the questions of free will and the justification of any creative endeavour.
By: Cicero, and others
-
On the Ends of Good and Evil
- By: Marcus Tullius Cicero
- Narrated by: Derek Le Page
- Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Towards the end of his life and his career as one of the leading politicians and orators in Rome, Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BCE-43 BCE) was exiled to his country house. It was a time of political turmoil in the capital of the empire, caused by the power-grab of Julius Caesar. In the quiet of the countryside, Cicero began to write on philosophy. In On the Ends of Good and Evil, he set out to consider three major traditions of Greek philosophy - Epicureanism, Stoicism and a branch of Platonism.
-
-
Engaging
- By Jean on 12-27-17
-
Travels with Epicurus
- A Journey to a Greek Island in Search of a Fulfilled Life
- By: Daniel Klein
- Narrated by: James Jenner
- Length: 4 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Daniel Klein journeys to the Greek island Hydra to discover the secrets of aging happily. Drawing on the lives of his Greek friends, as well as philosophers ranging from Epicurus to Sartre, Klein learns to appreciate old age as a distinct and extraordinarily valuable stage of life. He uncovers simple pleasures that are uniquely available late in life, as well as headier pleasures that only a mature mind can fully appreciate.
-
-
Privileged white male musing about death
- By Ludmilla on 05-08-13
By: Daniel Klein
-
The Art of Living
- The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness
- By: Epictetus, Sharon Lebell - translator
- Narrated by: Richard Bolles
- Length: 1 hr and 31 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Epictetus, one of the greatest of the ancient thinkers, believed that the primary mission of philosophy is to help ordinary people meet the challenges of daily life and deal with losses, disappointments, and grief. His prescription for the good life: master desires, perform one's duties, and learn to think clearly about oneself and the larger community. This recording includes an interview with philosopher Jacob Needleman on the significance of Epictetus' work.
-
-
Atrocious reading of a vapid mistranslation
- By Joseph M. on 06-25-09
By: Epictetus, and others
-
The Enneads Volume 1 (1-3)
- By: Plotinus, Stephen McKenna - translator
- Narrated by: Peter Wickham
- Length: 14 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Plotinus (204/5 -270 CE), born in Lycopolis, Egypt, when it was part of the Roman Empire, was a major figure in the philosophical school later called Neoplatonism. Neoplatonists viewed reality as deriving from a single force or figure expressed as 'the One'. Two further concepts from Plotinus, 'the Intellect' and 'the Soul', are also principal features of his philosophy. These proposals led to the work of Plotinus forming a bridge between Plato and the monotheistic religions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam as well as Gnosticism.
-
-
An Exemplar for Spirituality
- By Gary on 02-10-18
By: Plotinus, and others
-
On the Shortness of Life, On the Happy Life, and Other Essays
- Essays, Volume 1
- By: Seneca
- Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As former tutor and adviser to Emperor Nero, philosopher and statesman Seneca was acutely aware of how short life can be - his own life was cut short when the emperor ordered him to commit suicide (for alleged involvement in a conspiracy). And Seneca proved true to his words - his lifelong avowal to Stoicism enabled him to conduct himself with dignity to the end. During his rich and busy life, Seneca wrote a series of essays that have advised and enriched the lives of generations down to the present day.
-
-
Completely relevant, ageless wisdom
- By Tobias A. Matejovsky on 12-13-18
By: Seneca
-
The Consolation of Philosophy
- By: Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius
- Narrated by: Peter Wickham
- Length: 4 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Charged with treason under Theodoric the Great in sixth-century Rome, Boethius served one year's imprisonment, awaiting trial and eventual execution. During this time, he wrote The Consolation of Philosophy, which would go on to be one of the most popular philosophical works of all time, contributing much to medieval thought and influencing the likes of Dante and Chaucer, as well as Renaissance writers, such as Milton and Shakespeare.
-
-
The Bestseller for a 1000 Years
- By Ken on 02-05-22
-
The Nature of Things
- By: Lucretius
- Narrated by: Andrea Giordani
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Nature of Things was written in the 1st century BC by Roman polymath Lucretius. It is written as a didactic poem, and explains Epicurean physics.
By: Lucretius
-
Discourses and Selected Writings
- By: Epictetus, Robert Dobbin
- Narrated by: Richard Goulding
- Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Epictetus, a Greek stoic and freed slave, ran a thriving philosophy school in Nicropolis in the early second century AD. His animated discussions were celebrated for their rhetorical wizardry and were written down by Arrian, his most famous pupil. Together with the Enchiridion, a manual of his main ideas, and the fragments collected here, The Discourses argue that happiness lies in learning to perceive exactly what is in our power to change and what is not, and in embracing our fate to live in harmony with god and nature.
-
-
Outstanding Audible Title and performance
- By H. D. Martinez on 05-01-21
By: Epictetus, and others
-
Lives of the Eminent Philosophers
- By: Diogenes Laertius, Pamela Mensch - translator, James Miller - editor
- Narrated by: Jennifer M. Dixon
- Length: 28 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This anthology is a miscellany of maxims and anecdotes that generations of Western readers have consulted for edification as well as entertainment ever since Lives of the Eminent Philosophers, first compiled in the AD third century, came to prominence in Renaissance Italy. To this day, it remains a crucial source for much of what we know about the origins and practice of philosophy in ancient Greece.
-
-
Could be worse ....
- By Mohad Cheridi on 01-31-19
By: Diogenes Laertius, and others
-
Moralia Volume 1
- 26 Ethical Essays
- By: Plutarch
- Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies
- Length: 15 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Though best known now for his collection of lively and vivid Parallel Lives from ancient Greece and Rome, Plutarch (c46 CD-120 CE) was, for centuries, more respected for his Moralia, a remarkable and wide-ranging collection of essays and speeches. No fewer than 78 in total, they range over a broad list of topics in which Plutarch observes, dispenses wisdom, admonishes, entertains and informs: covering social issues and politics, manners and religion - in short, life in general.