Xenophon records several examples of situations in which Socrates would help his friends to cope with difficulties. He was perceived as having a talent for giving sound practical advice. When someone had a problem that could be resolved by knowledge, he would try to educate them. When they faced practical obstacles he would encourage his […]
Category archives: Stories
Stoicism and Parenting (Stoic Mums and Dads)
I have a seven year old daughter and since she was born I’ve been interested in how Stoicism relates to parenting. People sometimes ask me if there’s anything “out there” on Stoicism for parents. There are a growing number of resources online so I thought it was time to do a blog post listing some […]
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
Aesop’s Fable of the town mouse and the country mouse in Marcus Aurelius, as an allegory for Stoicism.
Socrates and Forgiveness
This is the text of a ten-minute talk I gave about Socrates to an audience of people who were mostly new to philosophy… My daughter, Poppy, is six years old. She loves Greek mythology. She’s Nova Scotia’s leading expert on Hercules and she loves Wonder Woman – an Amazonian princess created by Zeus. Poppy also […]
The Royal Purple of Stoicism
Short story about Tyrian purple dye and the origins of Stoicism.
Marcus Aurelius and the Civil War in the East
Biographical fiction recounting the rebellion of Avidius Cassius in the Eastern Provinces, against the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and the way Marcus may have responded by using Stoic psychological exercises, philosophical doctrines, and the therapy of the passions.
Marcus Aurelius: the Civil War in the East (Children’s Version)
Piece of biographical fiction about Marcus Aurelius and the civil war in the eastern empire, triggered by Avidius Cassius, written for my five-year old daughter, Poppy, and other children.
The Emperor Meditates Before Battle
Short vignette based on events in the life of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, incorporating a description of a Stoic contemplative exercise.
The Dog of Philosophy
Children’s story about Diogenes the Cynic.
Socrates the Stonemason
This is a draft of a story I wrote for my three-year old daughter, Poppy, because she keeps asking me to tell her more about Socrates.