Publishers Weekly
11/08/2021
Ancient Roman stoic philosopher Seneca was “a profound thinker who possessed a much deeper and more satisfying vision of human life than we are encouraged to hold by society today,” writes StoicInsights blogger Fideler (Restoring the Soul of the World) in this comprehensive guide to the philosopher’s ideas. He first gives an overview of Stoicism as a school of thought, dispelling notions that it has anything to do with the modern word stoic, or with bottling up emotions; rather, it’s about learning to transform extreme emotions through understanding. Fideler breaks down the eight core teachings of Stoicism, which include living in agreement with nature and accepting virtue as the only true good, and then digs into Seneca’s approach specifically. There’s an overview of his thoughts on anxiety (live in the present moment to counter it), anger (which, to Seneca, is the “worst human emotion”), and grief (which must be given its due). More tangible concerns are addressed, as well, such as relationships (friendships are crucial in life) and money (a stoic would suggest people must get over the “fear of poverty”). Fideler keeps things accessible and offers plenty of real-world examples for applying philosophy to one’s life, making for a great crash course. Philosophy newbies will find this a fine introduction. Agent: Giles Anderson, the Anderson Literary Agency. (Dec.)
John Sellars
"A fine guide to Seneca, Stoicism, and what it means to live a Stoic life. Highly readable."
Christopher Phillips PhD
"A feast for the soul and spirit. Those who absorb the lessons in Breakfast with Seneca will embark on a life more worth living."
Donald Robertson
"A great introduction to both Seneca and Stoicism. It will even help those already familiar with Seneca’s writings to gain more benefit from them."
Eric Weiner
"This is a rare gem of a book: simultaneously comforting and challenging, edifying and entertaining."
New York Times - Molly Young
"The most companionable of the new Stoic books."
William B. Irvine
"When I find myself in a tight spot, I take a philosophical shortcut and simply ask, ‘What would Seneca do?’ David Fideler’s wonderful Breakfast with Seneca will come in handy in such situations. An accessible introduction to Stoic practice and to the Stoic philosophy in general."
Robin Waterfield
"This book is the perfect antidote to the commercialism and superficial values of modern times. Although Seneca was living two thousand years ago, he speaks directly to us today."
Library Journal
07/01/2021
Of Jamaican and Nigerian heritage and a resident of both London and Brooklyn, PEN Ackerley Prize—winning poet Daley-Ward explains how we can become our own best and truest selves in The How. A principal dancer at the New York City Ballet who starred on Broadway in On the Town, plus a podcast host, MBA student, and mother of three, Fairchild explains The Ballerina Mindset that lets her do it all with apparent ease. In parlous times. Stoic philosophy is suddenly trending, and Fideler's Breakfast with Seneca provides an accessible overview. The first woman and first Black minister at the progressive Collegiate Church in Manhattan, which dates from 1628, Lewis shows how we can cope with today's divisive culture by discussing her own reckoning with racism, her interracial marriage, nine daily spiritual practices that have sustained her, and the importance of Fierce Love. In The Power of Fun, award-winning science journalist Price argues that treating fun as an important part of your life—and she doesn't mean binge-watch your favorite TV shows—will make you happier and more productive. In Saving Grace, Powers leans on her experiences as a CNN senior political analyst and USA TODAY columnist to explain how we can maintain mental well-being without deserting our own convictions during conflict-ridden times. Author of the New York Times best-seller and Reese's Book Club pick Fair Play, Rodsky urges women to rethink their priorities and claim essential healing time for themselves in Find Your Unicorn Space. Having left their New York desk jobs and moved to Montana, leading culture journalists Warzel and Petersen see today's pandemic-driven work-at-home situation as a cobbled-together compromise and explain how we can create true Out of Office work schedules benefiting both workers and employers.
