SueEllen's Reviews > What Is Ancient Philosophy?

Forgot about the importance of a commute to get reading done! I just finished this book on the commuter rail to Boston. This is the first book in the Stoned Philosophers Book Club discussion group happening at a local bar near you. I am sure that I'll have much more to say after bookclub meets, but in general, I found this book to be a great place to start delving into the philosophical tradition. Since I have never formally studied philosophy, I've had a hard time figuring out where to start. Ultimately, I decided that I need to begin with the Ancient Greeks. Pierre Hadot's "What is Ancient Philosophy?" is an accessible overview of the beginning of a formal philosophical life as it was conceived by the ancient Greeks. If you equate philosophy with theoretical discourse, this is a great book to help you parse through the true meaning behind the word and concept of "philosophy" and how modern scholastic teachings (aka - how philosophy is taught in the academy) deviates greatly from the intentions of the ancients (Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, Epicurus, etc.). The reader comes to understand that philosophy was conceived NOT as speculation/ discourse BUT rather as a way of life. It was amazing to me how much resonated with me today from 500BC - REMARKABLE! The connection of how living a philosophical life (practicing the love of wisdom) was seen as your civic duty and had a large hand in shaping the Nation. Also, coming to understand the centrality of ASKESIS, or spiritual exercises or meditations as meant to shape your intellect, and the importance of simple contemplation and convening with Nature was in incredible connection to these ancient philosophers. I'm rambling, more to come.