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Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure: Stoic Exercise for Mental Fitness Paperback – October 27, 2017

by William Ferraiolo (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 142 ratings
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A collection of meditations in the Stoic tradition. Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure provides access to the ruminations, practices, and applications of ancient Stoic philosophy as deployed by a contemporary professional philosopher with twenty five years of experience teaching, researching, and publishing articles in academic journals. Each meditation is presented in the second person, encouraging the reader to examine their struggles and failures in the pursuit of self-improvement and enlightenment.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    184 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    O-Books
  4. Publication date
    October 27, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    5.47 x 0.43 x 8.58 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1785355872
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1785355875
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Written in the spirit of Epictetus' Manual, Bill Ferraiolo's Meditations exposes the common human fallacies that lead to depression, anxiety, guilt, anger, and other toxic emotions. From the self-defeating desire to control the minds of others to the unrealistic demand that politicians tell the truth, Ferraiolo challenges the most insidious human tendencies to undermine one's own peace and solemnity. Read it, and always keep a copy close at hand. -- Elliot D. Cohen PhD, author of What Would Aristotle Do? Self-Control through the Power of Reason

Ferraiolo offers a provocative contemporary adaptation of his reading of the Stoic philosophers Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus and other ancient philosophers of similar minds. The book is well-organized and easy to read. It will be welcomed by anyone fascinated with or open to meditative philosophy of the Roman Stoic variety. An interesting and worthwhile read. -- Dr. Hugh Benson, author of Socratic Wisdom: The Model of Knowledge in Plato's Early Dialogues

In this wonderful book of bracing thoughts, questions, and guidance, William Ferraiolo provides a modern version of the challenges presented to us in the ancient past by such philosophers as Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. You can read just a few pages at a time, and have much to ponder about your life, day-to-day. -- Tom Morris, bestselling author of If Aristotle Ran General Motors, The Stoic Art of Living, The Oasis Within

Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure will make you pause and reflect, whether or not you agree with any or all of its contents. Written in the style of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, and with a strong flavor of Epictetus, it confronts the reader with what happens if one looks at reality in the eyes and considers regulating his life accordingly. To do so takes both wisdom and courage, but Ferraiolo argues that it is well worth the effort. -- Massimo Pigliucci, author of How to Be Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life

About the Author

William Ferraiolo received a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Oklahoma in 1997. Since then, William has taught philosophy at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California. He lives in Lodi, CA.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ O-Books (October 27, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1785355872
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1785355875
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.47 x 0.43 x 8.58 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 142 ratings

About the author

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William Ferraiolo

William Ferraiolo

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William Ferraiolo received a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Oklahoma in 1997. Since that time, he has been teaching philosophy at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California. His books include: Cynical Maxims and Marginalia, Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure: Stoic Exercise for Mental Fitness, A Life Worth Living: Meditations on God, Death and Stoicism, You Die at the End: Meditations on Mortality and the Human Condition, God Bless the Broken Bones: Meditations Over One Botched, Bungled and Beautiful Year, The Exile at Home: Meditations on the Passing Madness, American Exit: Your Personal Secession Manifesto, Fractured Observations: Notes on Odd Stuff from Coffee to Coffins, The Little Book of Mental Toughness: Endure What You Must, Accomplish What You Can, and Embrace the Struggle, and Slave and Stage: Remarks on the Stoic Handbook of Epictetus.

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4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
142 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States

Roger E. Breisch
5.0 out of 5 stars The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2018
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If you find Socrates’ exhortation to have any validity, Ferraiolo’s work is an excellent place to begin the examination. In 300 powerful, yet blunt, essays, the author demands that I, the reader, reflect with unvarnished, brutally honesty, my meager attempts to progress as a human being. All the while reminding me I am insignificant, and that my influence will fade shortly after I die. He reminds me that homo sapiens are not far removed from other species, so any hope we are something more is vain and futile. I love the reminder of the importance of humility, and the necessity for constant striving for self-discipline. I have a long way to go, but, with effort and determination I can make some progress every day. These essays give me encouragement and hope. I highly recommend this book.
4 people found this helpful
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Jason P. Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars any more than a shot gun blast to the gut is a good remedy for the stomach flu
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2018
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I’m not sure you should read this book. To put a mirror to your soul and see your reflection as it truly is, can be quite a shock and rather unsettling.

This isn’t a book for the emotionally sensitive, any more than a shot gun blast to the gut is a good remedy for the stomach flu.

No pretense and bs here folks. This is an unadulterated and IMO, the best book on practical Stoicism that I have ever read.

Every paragraph written in this book, is like a sutra that lord Buddha and Sri Krishna would be proud of (philosophical differences notwithstanding)!

The author is truly privy and in touch with the human condition blessed with an understanding that only arises from someone who is deeply dialed in and understands the ebb and flow of their own psyche and mind!

What a gem and boon for the honest seeker. This is like meditations 2.0.Though I doubt the author of this fine work would a agree, but who gives a crap! This is my review and I can say what I want!

My only advice-is to take this book slow. Chew on it, let it simmer and marinate every fiber of your being. I know I will; Lord knows I need this Sage advice and meditations for my life.
5 people found this helpful
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Scott
4.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly blunt and thoughtful
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2018
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This book helped me find ways to practice Stoic principles in my daily life and build my interest in learning more about Stoic philosophy.

The style is refreshingly blunt and thoughtful , emulating the personal writings of Marcus Aurelius. Some aspects of this book can be grating if you don’t keep that in mind. I still recommend this though.
One person found this helpful
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Michele
5.0 out of 5 stars Scary title, fantastic book
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2019
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I never would have purchased this book based on the title if I hadn't stumbled on a social media update. The text is funny, thought-provoking, challenging, and altogether a pleasure to read, even if you are a bit frightened by, or not especially interested in, philosophy. One example: who would expect a philosopher to say, "Who do you think you are that everyone else should do things your way? Your opinions are meaningless." This book provides a much-needed dose of common sense in this narcissistic world, and the reader will find gems of wisdom to help in all sorts of interpersonal relationships, from the workplace to personal life. Bravo to the author. I highly recommend this book.
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Dan
3.0 out of 5 stars A potent book--worth reading
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2018
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This is an extremely potent book. It helps to put things in perspective with a solid grounding in Stoic philosophy. I find this type of book to be extremely useful to read before bed, as a kind of salve, that helps to reduce needless worry about trivial goings on.
That said, I struggled to get past the first third or so, where the book seems to devolve into less coherent or repetitive passages.

Even so, the book is worth it's cost for the first few chapters without a doubt. I have shared passages of the book with my non philosopher friends, since they are so powerful.

After reading several Stoic pieces, I keep this book along Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, as well as an unlikely entry: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at my bedside. These three readings can be seen as almost a spectrum from most to least hardline.

In researching the author, I found it interesting that he holds strong pro-gun views that even border on paranoia about gun control.
Initially, I found these strong right-wing views to be antithetical to stoicism. I had associated stoic philosophy towards a centric view of politics. However, upon further reflection, it's less clear; there needn't be a connection between philosophy and politics, particularly in the unfortunate and divisive hyper-partisan atmosphere of today
13 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

nutan
5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book
Reviewed in India on February 12, 2018
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Snazzily written , truthful to the Stoic philosophy, only much easier to read as the flow is very good. This book translates ancient wisdom into the modern context .The kind of book you can go back to it anytime after the first read and some new insight will emerge A wonderful read and must have book.
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Myrian Lazo
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a hard hitting book that punches you to the core!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2018
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Not for the faint of heart or mind. This is a hard hitting book that punches you to the core. If you are tired of the status quo and are searching for something pragmatic - this may be for you! As well as being piercingly and brutally truthful, this book softens the punches with a little humour. It has further increased my curiosity in Stoicism. Thank you.
2 people found this helpful
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Robby Carruthers
4.0 out of 5 stars An easy to read book full of good practical advice
Reviewed in Australia on June 30, 2018
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An easy to read book full of good practical advice. Useful for the general public as well as those with more knowledgeable of stoic philosophy. Well worth reading.
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Patrick
5.0 out of 5 stars Makes You Sit Up And Take Notice
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 16, 2018
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When something comes along that makes you re-evaluate your current understanding of Stoicism and makes you go even further into the original texts of yesteryear you know you are onto something special. I read some unkind reviews, written by certain respected Stoic authors but I feel they missed the point of William Ferraiolo's book, which is intended to take us out of our comfort zone and sit up and take notice. If you need your hand held, and want the more cosy side of Stoicism then this book may not be for you, but if you're ready for a dose of reality, it can be found within the pages of this refreshingly honest and thought-provoking book.
4 people found this helpful
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Charles Chettiar
4.0 out of 5 stars Come back to ground book
Reviewed in India on July 26, 2018
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A very self depreciating book. When you want to be reminded of your mortality and humanity pick up this book.
One person found this helpful
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