I have been a fan of ancient history for as long as I can remember (reaching in to the ancient parts of my brain to recall when :P). This, coupled with fantasy, was a major part, and still is, or my interests. To go back in time to these ancient words, to think about the different history and adventures. The buildings and daily lives. From Machu Picchu to Petra, to the Colosseum, I have a long list of places I have travelled to see and want to see.
Recently, I purchased Assassins Creed Odyssey for my Xbox Series S, capitalising on a big discount that was available. I have sunk quite a few hours in to the game, and apart from the interesting design and game mechanics, I have loved the setting of ancient Athens and Sparta and the characters you get to meet along the way. This time period had so much rich history and learning. From Socrates to Pericles to Herodotus, the 400 BCE era had some superstars. I have had to put a timer on my phone whenever I log in, as what feels like 20min immersed in the game is usually an hour of time that has passed by.
In addition to this game, I have recently started reading Russell’s History of Western Philosophy, a detailed book that I have immensely enjoyed so far. It’s added to the game even more having a refreshed and updated understanding on some of the philosophical underpinnings of characters, and their impacts to history with their various decisions and achievements. As my focus recently has been directed towards Stoicism, it’s been interested to see how we begin to get to Zeno through the various branches from the original philosopher himself, Thales. Prior to Socrates, it was so interested to read just how many advances were made. Even more impressive to look at the time era (BCE) and realise how we were beginning to talk about atoms, mathematics, eclipses and predictions, and even raising the idea on equal worth (which granted, was not actually equal and even today is still not there).
The Hellenistic period is of particular interest given this is when Stoicism takes place, along with other interesting philosophies such as the Cynics and Epicureans. Plus, Plato’s Academy is still going strong.
Having more of a broader understanding has also helped to expand my own thinking on the various texts and manuscripts. You need to consider both the writing styles and phrases at the time along with the historical influences. Part of this includes the focus of a dialogue between two people to convey thinking, as well as using days to signal the end of a major event. So whilst some texts might talk about three days, we all know that’s not correct, rather it’s around the themes.
What is more interesting to me is learning about the historical influences and how they inform the thinking at the time. Sparta is a great example as we have both the practical reality, and the myth that has endured through the ages. Whilst Sparta had fierce warriors and an affinity towards the State, it wasn’t as perfect as was outlined. The myth endures, and is seen time and time again through The Republic, and even more modern writers that make an argument of State control and community. Many of the arguments and thinking falls back to Sparta. That however, is a discussion for another point in time.
Whilst I am learning more about other philosophies and diving in to history, I am listening to more interviews about Stoicism. It still has an appeal. One of the appealing aspects is that openness some of the Stoics had towards considering other Schools opinions, that there is no shame in taking some of their themes on board if, after reasoning, they are correct. Thus, Stoicism expands and changes.
I’ll continue to dive into these topics in the years to come, refining my own knowledge and thinking, and translating it into my own philosophy as a way of life.