Because I teach a college-level course on ethics, I have read a lot about Stoicism, the philosophy that continues to guide people who seek a productive and satisfying life. One might think that a book called “Stoicism: A Very Short Introduction” would be light on details. But the book by Brad Inwood, who teaches ancient philosophy at Yale University, is surprisingly comprehensive. It’s a no-fluff book that takes us through the history and meaning of this philosophy.We learn about the history of Stoicism and how it has remained popular throughout generations, gaining new fans and followers even today. Its explanation of how it relates to the thinking of other philosophers, including Epicurus, Plato, Aristotle, and others, was better than in some longer publications. There are seven chapters of the book, with several focusing on physics, ethics, and logic.The final chapter deals with how this philosophy is part of today's fascination. We have seen new books, websites, and even social media sites devoted to this form of deep thinking.“Stoicism: A Very Short Introduction” is an ideal book for anyone interested in learning more. But even those who have never read much Stoicism will come away with a good understanding of its theories.MEMORABLE HIGHLIGHTS:Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome from 161 to 180 ce and arguably the most powerful man alive at the time, was also a Stoic. And Stoicism, as is well-known, prepares its adherents for the tough times, gives them perspective, puts things in context. If life hands out lemons, the Stoic will certainly try making lemonade, but if that doesn’t work she’ll at least know why and be able to manage nicely. Her philosophy prepares her for whatever the world sends her way; she will be well-practised in the art of managing life, using her intelligence and training to embrace it, whether it’s going well or badly. Her philosophy will be a genuine guide for life.Epictetus was born in Hierapolis in Phrygia (Asia Minor) around 50 ce and sent to Rome as a slave while still young. His master was a Greek freedman, Epaphroditus, who served at Nero’s court. Epictetus studied philosophy with Musonius Rufus, was eventually freed, and then was expelled from Rome by Domitian along with other teachers of philosophy. He set up a school in Nicopolis, in north-western Greece, where he taught until his death early in the 2nd century ce. He lectured on technical topics in Stoicism,Marcus Aurelius was born to a politically important aristocratic family in 121 ce and had an exceptional education in rhetoric, philosophy, and politics. Preferring the philosophical life, he was nevertheless adopted as successor to the emperor Antoninus Pius. After a long apprenticeship in power, he became emperor in 161 ce and governed well under difficult circumstances until his death (while on military campaign) in 180 ce. He established philosophical schools in Athens during his reign. His philosophical diary, To Himself (more commonly known as the Meditations), wasn’t published in his lifetime and became influential when it was ‘rediscovered’ in the 10th century ce.For modern readers, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius provide the foundation for our understanding of Stoicism. Yet looked at from a historian’s perspective, they are hardly typical representatives of the school. The emperor was not a professional philosopher and sometimes expresses views that conflict with what we know about the school from other sources. Some scholars even question whether it is right to count him as a Stoic at all; after all, he credits philosophers from other schools with inspiring his thought and even refers to Stoics in the third personHuman beings are by nature motivated to pursue happiness, their natural goal (telos), but they also have a motivation to pursue other values, though these lesser aims are always to be sacrificed if necessary. What, we might join their ancient opponents in asking, is the relationship between these two kinds of aim? We get some insight into this question by considering the variety of ways in which the Stoics described the telos, the goal of human life.