The Best of Homer's Iliad gives key parts of Homer's Iliad in translation along with a narrative summary for the rest.

The Best of Homer’s Iliad

Literature & Fiction

HOMER

Classics

The Classics Cave

Hesiod is celebrated for two epic poems. The Theogony recounts the birth of the gods from “the very beginning” and the progressive ordering of the cosmos. Beginning with Chaos, Desire (Eros), and Earth (Gaia), we witness Sky (Ouranos) and Kronos violently wield power until Zeus forcibly takes over after the great Titanomachy and justly allots the whole cosmos. The Works and Days is a book of advice—about how things are and why they are the way they are; about how to approach work and the hardships of life; about justice and injustice; about the road to success and wealth; and lastly, though doubtlessly there’s more, about the cycle of work to be done throughout the year and the character of and activities for each day of the month. 
Aside from Hesiod’s epic poems, The Best of Hesiod’s Theogony & Works and Days begins with an informative introduction, presenting “Basic Facts about Hesiod” and “The Big Themes and Ideas of the Theogony & the Works and Days,” and ends with “Other Matters of Interest Related to Hesiod,” including “The Cast of Gods and Men,” maps of Hesiod’s Greece and cosmos, genealogical charts, a glossary of relevant Greek terms, and suggestions for further reading. Moreover, there is a section offering, “Points of Wisdom & Ways of Practice”—a chance to apply Hesiodic wisdom to and practice it in your own life. 
What now? Strap on your felt-lined close-fitting oxhide boots and prepare to step into an ancient world that is bizarre and delightful in turn, as well as thought-provoking and full of good sense and counsel. Welcome to Hesiod’s cosmos!

The Best of Hesiod's Theogony & Works and Days

Hesiod

The Wisdom & Way of the Cynics: Pocket Edition presents the sayings of and anecdotes about the ancient Greek Cynics from a variety of ancient sources separated into 41 topics for contemplation and practice. Also included is a brief introduction to the Cynics, as well as a 12-point Cynic plan of life, ways to practice following the Cynics, and conversation starters sparked by their words.\nThe ancient Cynics and their philosophy influenced the Greek and Roman worlds for a thousand years. What did they hope to accomplish? They wished to live a life in accord with nature, a virtuous life, one characterized by self-control, self-sufficiency, and simplicity. They wanted to be free. But theirs wasn’t a life for the wavering or fainthearted. Rather, as they portrayed it, their path was a shortcut to the heights.\nCarry The Wisdom & Way of the Cynics in your pocket and return to it again and again. The benefit you’ll experience has been time-tested and people-approved.

The Wisdom & Way of the Cynics: Pocket Edition

Self-Help

The Cynics and Other Ancient Authors

Motivational

THE BEST OF EPICURUS presents Epicurus’ own writings and teachings, as well as much of what remains about his life and philosophy from antiquity. It begins with an informative introduction, which, aside from explaining why we should care about Epicurus and the basic facts we should know about him, delves deeply into the big themes and ideas of his philosophy and way of life. THE BEST OF EPICURUS ends with a twelve-point Epicurean “Plan of Life,” “Points of Wisdom from Epicurus,” and three workbook or journal-style exercises for practice, along with “Other Matters of Interest Related to Epicurus,” including a cast of significant ancient Epicureans, two maps, summaries of his major works, a glossary of pertinent Greek terms, and suggestions for further reading. CONTRARY TO WHAT the modern term “epicurean” implies, ancient Greek Epicureanism was anything but “fond of indulgence and devoted to sensual enjoyment.” In this modern sense, Epicurus himself (c. 341-271 BC) was no “epicure.” Rather, fan of a simple diet of barley cakes and water, he boasted that if he had these, he could compete with Zeus himself in terms of bliss. It has been said that Epicurus’ “manner of life was much more like that of an abstemious monk.” It’s true. Epicurus proposed a deliberate way of life that would help men and women live well and be happy. The Epicurean path influenced countless individuals in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds for nearly a millennium. It is The Classics Cave’s hope that we may still benefit from Epicurus and his wisdom today. WHAT IS THE Epicurean way of life? It is one centered on knowing well in order to live well. That—living well and being happy—is the goal. The means of achieving the goal are fairly straightforward however hard to practice. They are seeking wisdom. Sticking with the facts of reality. Desiring well. Enduring pain (if need be). Striving for self-sufficiency. Living simply. Cultivating the virtues. Nurturing friendship. With these, the long night of dread and anxiety begins to transition as the bright sun of tranquility appears. IF YOU ARE new to Epicurus and Epicureanism, you will come away fully understanding what this school of philosophy and way of life was all about. If you are already familiar with the school, we hope THE BEST OF EPICURUS will shed new light on what you know. If nothing else, you’ll see how Epicurus and his philosophy are still relevant today.

The Best of Epicurus

Epicurus

How should we engage with literature? Many today would tell us to "Just read"-as if that were enough, as if the act of reading in itself accomplishes some good. It increases vocabulary, they would say. It builds cultural literacy. And if nothing else, it exercises the brain, connecting one synapse to another. "Not so fast " Basil the Great would protest. It's all true, what they say. But if we collect all the vocabulary in the world, and become culturally literate superstars, and grow mega brains, and yet we lose our souls, what will have we ultimately gained? Far better, he would counsel, if we read with discrimination and with a clear goal in mind. Far better if we focus on what is truly valuable in order to nourish our souls and become better men and women. Far better if we read in order to act-to do and be well. In THE BEST OF BASIL THE GREAT ON READING LITERATURE AND EDUCATION, Basil explains how we may do this, how we may read well, carrying on a tradition of critique and counsel that may be traced back to Plato, if not before. Basil's guidance influenced countless educators and readers in the centuries to come. Writing mid-twentieth century, the scholar of Greek education Werner Jaeger judged that his "famous oration on the study of Greek literature and poetry . . . was the charter of all Christian higher education for centuries to come." We may justly expand Jaeger's conclusion to read simply all higher education.

The Best of Basil the Great on Reading Literature and Education: The Best Parts in Translation with a Narrative Summary of the Rest (Cave Best of)

Basil the Great

History & Criticism

ARET&#274; EXCELLENCE OR VIRTUE is an anthology-like book that presents "what the ancient Greeks thought and said about aret&#275;"-about "excellence" or "virtue." In Homer's ILIAD, Achilles' father urges him to "be the best" (to possess aret&#275;, excellence or virtue). In the ODYSSEY, old Laertes rejoices that his son Odysseus and his grandson Telemachus are "battling over aret&#275;." Hundreds of years later, the poet Theognis of Megara counselled his friend to "wear [himself] out for the sake of aret&#275;." Still later, the philosopher Socrates spent time with anyone who would talk with him about what it meant to cultivate aret&#275;. And that's only the beginning of an endeavor that lasted for well over a thousand years. That everyone in the ancient Greek world wanted to have and practice aret&#275; is without doubt. It's what they hoped, prayed, and struggled for. It's what they admired and rewarded. The Spartan poet Tyrtaeus expressed the common view when he declared that aret&#275; was the "best and noblest prize" one could win. Still, a question remains. As valuable as aret&#275; was to them, what did the ancient Greeks mean by it? The goal of this book is to let them answer. After a brief introduction, ARET&#274; EXCELLENCE OR VIRTUE presents what the ancient Greeks thought and said about aret&#275; in their own words. We follow poets, playwrights, and historians on the what, who, and how of aret&#275;. We listen to what all the major philosophers and schools of philosophy taught. And, finally, we hear selected passages from a number of orators that touch on aret&#275;. No matter how you peruse what follows, you will likely find your own views on human excellence and virtue shift as the Greeks influence your thinking about and even pursuit of aret&#275;. Plus, you will have an opportunity to practice aret&#275; by following "A Plan of Life Aimed at Aret&#275;" and engaging in the workbook or journal-like practice exercises found toward the end. More, in the glossary, you'll discover the Greek terms that are pertinent to aret&#275;. Lastly, you'll be pointed in the direction of further resources and reading.

Arete: Excellence or Virtue

History

Ancient Civilizations

Looking for space to think? To “know yourself”—as the ancient Greeks advised? To record your thoughts? Something with inspiration rather than blank pages alone?\nThe Epicurus Open Journal presents 110 quotations from Epicurus for reflection and growth. Use the points to contemplate your own life, figure out what you truly desire and want to do, and practice living well—moving every day a little closer toward excellence in your thoughts and emotions, and in what you say and do.\nBut why Epicurus? For well over half a millennium, the teachings of Epicurus and Epicureanism furnished the guiding light for a great number of human souls. His was a new way of looking at things that could explain reality, calm fears, and provide tranquility. As the Roman Torquatus later testified, “Epicurus has guided all sane-minded people into the path of calm and tranquility—a quiet and happy life.” He continues to enlighten people today, inspiring many to practice a better way of life.\nAside from the 110 quotations on an equal number of lined pages for writing, with an additional 20 pages without points, there is a brief introduction to Epicurus and his philosophy, as well as Epicurus’ Letter to Menoeceus, and a Plan of Life Following Epicurus.\nIt’s a good idea to spend quality time with Epicurus as you consider your own life, getting to know yourself and determining how you might flourish as a human being. But don’t stop with contemplation alone. Get out and put your thoughts into action. It is the doing, the acting, that counts!

Epicurus Open Journal: A Journal for Your Thoughts with Thought-Provoking Quotations from the Ancient Greek Philosopher Epicurus

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Alternative Medicine

Looking for space to think? To “know yourself”—as the ancient Greeks advised? To record your thoughts? Something with inspiration rather than blank pages alone?\nThe Cynics Open Journal presents 110 quotations from the Cynics for reflection and growth. Use the points on each page to contemplate your own life, figure out what you truly desire and want to do, and practice living well—moving every day a little closer toward excellence in your thoughts and emotions, and in what you say and do.\nBut why the Cynics? The ancient Cynics and their philosophy and way of life influenced the Greek and Roman worlds for a thousand years. What did they hope to accomplish? They wished to live a life in accord with nature, a virtuous life, one characterized by self-control, self-sufficiency, and simplicity. They wanted to be free. But theirs wasn’t a life for the wavering or fainthearted. Rather, as they portrayed it, their path was a shortcut to the heights.\nAside from the 110 quotations found on an equal number of lined pages for writing, with an additional 20 lined pages without points, there is a brief introduction to the Cynics and their philosophy, as well as longer selections from the Cynics and a plan of life following their philosophy.\nIt’s a good idea to spend quality time with the Cynics as you consider your own life, getting to know yourself and determining how you might flourish as a human being. But don’t stop with contemplation alone. Get out and put your thoughts into action. It is the doing, the acting, that counts! Best of luck!

The Cynics Open Journal: A Journal for Your Thoughts with Thought-Provoking Quotations from the Ancient Greek Cynic Philosophers

The Best of the Cynics presents most of what remains of the ancient Cynics-what they wrote and what others wrote about them. It begins with an informative introduction and ends with a ten-point Cynic "Plan of Life" and three exercises for practice, along with "Other Matters of Interest Related to the Cynics," including a cast of significant Cynics, a map, a glossary of pertinent Greek terms, and suggestions for further reading. Cynicism is not what you think it is. It's not something negative, pessimistic, or bitter-not the ancient sort, anyway. Not exactly. Beginning with Antisthenes and Diogenes, the ancient Cynics and their philosophy influenced the Greek and Roman worlds for nearly a millennium. What they had to offer was a radical way of life. An intense practice. Theirs was a way to train in order to face the desires that plague us and endure the suffering we humans must inevitably encounter. What did the Cynics hope to accomplish? They wished to live a life in accord with nature, a virtuous life, one characterized by self-control, self-sufficiency, and simplicity. They wanted to be free-to speak freely, to challenge conventions. They hoped to be as shameless as a dog-and yes, as happy as a dog, too. Ancient Cynicism held out the possibility of a better life, a way to live well. But it wasn't a life for the wavering or fainthearted. Rather, as they portrayed it, their path was a shortcut to the heights. Diogenes said, "I . . . chose the steep and troublesome path-for the man speeding on to happiness must go on even if it is through fire and sword."

The Best of the Cynics: The Lives, Writings & Teachings of the Ancient Cynics

Politics & Social Sciences

Philosophy

The Book of Ancient Greek Wisdom & Ways presents readings from the ancient Greeks (from Homer to Plotinus), as well as ways to practice the wisdom they offer in their literature and philosophy. It is an excellent read for any who wish to make a quest to Greece.

The Book of Ancient Greek Wisdom & Ways: The Tragos Quest to Greece Reader, Workbook & Journal

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