Thinking About Death: Why the Stoics Recommended It

Thinking About Death: Why the Stoics Recommended It

Do you consider your mortality? Is thinking about death a good idea or a bad one? The Stoic philosophers thought it wise to think about death. They believed that considering life’s brevity has a way of getting us to focus on what matters most. In The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman share insights from the ancient Stoics like this that help us put things into perspective. Keep reading to learn more about this bit of Stoic wisdom, along with some analysis of their ideas.

3 Tips for College Students: Shape Your Own Experience

3 Tips for College Students: Shape Your Own Experience

Should college students choose a career-oriented program or a major they enjoy more? What kind of mindset will help them succeed? In Excellent Sheep, author and former Yale professor William Deresiewicz argues that college students can actively create a high-quality education for themselves. He recommends that they connect with inspiring professors, follow their interests, and expect and embrace failure. Continue reading to learn about these three tips for college students.

Humility and Kindness: Following the Stoic Path to Wisdom

Humility and Kindness: Following the Stoic Path to Wisdom

How does pride relate to suffering? Why should you be kind to others? In The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman explain that the Stoic philosophers advocated humility and kindness. The Stoics saw these qualities as a key to living wisely, which they believed was required for life’s ultimate goal—living virtuously. Continue reading to understand why the Stoics valued humility and kindness.

Expanding Access to College: A Three-Tiered Solution

Expanding Access to College: A Three-Tiered Solution

Who has access to college in America? How might that access be expanded? In Excellent Sheep, author and former Yale professor William Deresiewicz makes the case that elite colleges and universities in the U.S. are selective to the point of detriment. He explains how the government, schools, and parents can collectively overhaul U.S. higher education to alleviate the problem. Continue reading to learn Deresiewicz’s proposed solution.

Take Life as It Comes: Wisdom From the Stoics

Take Life as It Comes: Wisdom From the Stoics

Do you wish things were different? Do you hang on tightly to possessions that could be gone tomorrow? The Stoic philosophers tried to manage their lives wisely. Wisdom entails applying good judgment to the way you live life so that you can stay focused on living virtuously (the ultimate goal). An attitude of taking life as it comes is part and parcel of living wisely. Read on to learn how to take life as it comes, the Stoic way.

The Benefits of a Liberal Arts Education for Students & Society

The Benefits of a Liberal Arts Education for Students & Society

Why should you choose a liberal arts education rather than a program that emphasizes career development? How is it advantageous both to you as an individual and to society as a whole? William Deresciewicz believes that a college education should benefit both students and society. He contends that the ideal education is a liberal arts program that cultivates students’ self-insight and gives them the skills to uphold democracy. Read more to learn about the benefits of a liberal arts education, according to Deresciewicz.

How to Practice Virtue Today and Every Day (The Daily Stoic)

How to Practice Virtue Today and Every Day (The Daily Stoic)

Do you do each task to the best of your ability? Are you committed to doing the right thing? The Stoic philosophers taught that people should pursue virtuous living. They saw this as both a daily imperative and a lifelong commitment. In The Daily Stoic, authors Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman explain that you should strive to do your best on each task and avoid getting sidetracked. Continue reading for the Stoics’ advice on how to practice virtue today and every day.

How to Overcome Bias: James O’Brien’s Path Toward Change

How to Overcome Bias: James O’Brien’s Path Toward Change

Do you look down on others? Do you have empathy for all kinds of people, or does bias sometimes get in the way? Radio personality James O’Brien has been known for his ability to argue his guests into submission and prove his own rightness. In his book How Not to Be Wrong, he explains how he realized his misguided beliefs about himself and others and ultimately changed course. Continue reading to learn how to overcome bias as O’Brien has.

Pressures on Students: How Selective Admissions Criteria Harms

Pressures on Students: How Selective Admissions Criteria Harms

Why do so many students feel pressured to be perfect? Are they competing for what matters most? Admissions criteria at elite U.S. schools are so selective that they harm students. In Excellent Sheep, William Deresiewicz argues that highly-selective college admissions criteria put certain pressures on prospective students and enrolled students. The harm even extends past graduation. Keep reading to learn about these pressures on students.