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Epictetus is known as one of the world’s leading Stoic philosophers. (Along with Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, the three make up a very interesting bunch.) Epictetus was a former slave turned philosopher who lived from 55-135 (a little later than Seneca and before Aurelius). This book is a transcription of the informal lectures Epictetus gave to his students. It’s awesome. Big Ideas we explore: why Hercules needed challenges (and so do you), what figs can teach us about greatness, the good + the bad + the indifferent and how to tell the difference, “impressions” and the tricks they play, and the fact NOW is the time to live this stuff.
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Why you'll love PhilosophersNotes.
The most transformational Big Ideas from 490+ of the greatest personal growth books at your fingertips (and eyes and ears). Beautiful to look at and powerful to use, these mini-CliffsNotes™ of personal growth will inspire and empower you to live your deepest truths.
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490+ books condensed into 490+ 6-page PDFs for more wisdom in less time.
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Apply these ideas diligently,patiently, persistently, and playfully and happy dances are guaranteed.
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3,500 Big Ideas
3,500 of the Biggest Ideas outlines and explained for easy and powerful implementation.
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“PhilosophersNotes is an idea whose time has come. Starting from some of the world’s most important books, Brian’s masterful syntheses combine deep insights, humor, and practical applications in a manner ideally suited for our busy lives. I’m hooked!”
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Intelligent design for faster learning.
These 6-page PDFs aren’t just any regular summaries. From the colors to the font, PhilosophersNotes were designed for you to easily soak up the powerful wisdom. Big Ideas are outlined at the beginning of every Note, quotes pulled from the book are highlighted, and it’s all presented in a fun, quick-reading style that makes absorbing the wisdom from each summary a breeze.
BIG ideas made easy.
Ever pick up a book, read the same sentence a few times and still have no idea what the author’s trying to say? Well, with PhilosophersNotes you don’t need to worry about that. Brian’s written each Note so everyone, not just philosophy majors, can easily understand the concepts and soak up the Ideas immediately. His style makes even the most revolutionary Ideas simple to grasp and fun to read. Plus you don’t have to adjust to reading 490+ different writing styles and his sense of humor, playfulness, and laid back attitude will make you feel like you’re having a conversation with a friend.
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And the technology that went into these MP3s is unbeatable, and well, just plain cool. When uploaded to an iPod or iPhone you’ll be able to see the cover and a synopsis of each Note with just a finger click.
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“I’ll keep this short because I’m pressed for time. You’re pressed for time too. That’s why I’m sold on the PhilosophersNotes. I have hundreds of books sitting of my shelf waiting to be read. And, while I’m looking forward to diving into them, the Notes give me the perfect introduction to a title’s big ideas and help me pick which book I want to focus on next.”
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We hope you enjoy these mini-classes on each great book. We’ve been told everyone from high school teachers to professional coaches share these with their students and always love it when we get notes from families that are enjoying them together.
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“Brian’s ability to filter through information, highlight the big idea, drawing together key points and posing them in an understandable fashion for practical use is a gift. Time constraints being the number-one reason given for not regularly reading self development books, PhilosophersNotes are the obvious answer. By allowing me to consume more conscious media than I had previously been able to, PhilosophersNotes have become what may well prove to be a life-improving investment.”
3,500 BIG ideas to rock your life.
3,500 core ideas easily digested.
You know how every great book has 5-25 really Big Ideas you like to underline and asterisk and fold the page over on so you can quickly come back to ‘em later? Well, what Brian’s done is gone thru these 490+ great books and pulled out about 5-10 Big Ideas from each—the Ideas that literally have the power to change our lives.
Discover the interconnection between the eternal truths.
No man is an island and neither are these books. As you read the PhilosophersNotes you’ll see how the eternal truths are echoed again and again (and again!) by all the various teachers. Brian ties them together and helps form an interconnection that represents the BIG picture of life. You’ll see that these Big Ideas support one other, making each Idea stronger. In fact, you’ll learn faster as your mind forms these powerful links.
PhilosophersNotes are designed so that you see these connections right away. At the end of each Note is a recommendation for other Notes that relate to the Note you’re currently reading. And in the columns on the left you’ll find quotes from other transformational leaders that support the Ideas in the Note.
Real stories help make these ideas actionable immediately.
With PhilosophersNotes, you’ll be given direct how-to-rock-it instructions that will take theory into practice immediately. We’re not interested in helping you understand an Idea—we want to help you LIVE it. No abstract ideas and vague concepts here. In each Note, the Big Ideas are explained with great stories for faster recall and easier learning. You’ll also receive tips (and occasional kicks in the butt) to help you take what you’re learning and apply it to your day-to-day life.
And if you keep applying these truths diligently, patiently, persistently, and playfully, you might just be surprised at how quickly you start seeing results!
“Brian Johnson’s PhilosophersNotes is one of the most innovative and useful tools I have come across in the transformational industry in ages. The powerful information Brian packs into each “note” is amazing. He distills the best of the best. I love receiving my PhilosophersNotes! These essential nuggets carry the juice, light, and knowledge to help raise the consciousness of people around the world.”
The tools to truly change your life.
Get your wisdom on, rock your greatest life.
Living your most authentic, extraordinary life doesn’t involve fancy degrees or winning the lottery. What you do need though is applicable wisdom. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with PhilosophersNotes.
Just for a second, imagine what your life would be like if you absorbed the greatest and most powerful teachings from the best teachers in the world from the beginning of time. What would your life be like? You’d be a better person, a better parent, lover, entrepreneur, a happier being, a peaceful warrior. You’d be a force for change in your life and for the world.
Just imagine what your life would be like if, by the end of the day today, you had absorbed the teachings of Deepak Chopra? And by tomorrow, Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? And by the week’s end, Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Power of Intention and Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker, and by Monday The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle. And then 20 more books by the month’s end. And 20 more in the next month.
The only question is, are you ready to rock your greatest life?
“I appreciate receiving these PhilosophersNotes filled with deep and powerful wisdom so very much. As a busy mother and lawyer, I never seem to have enough time in the day to satisfy my thirst for new wisdom and growth. So I particularly love giving your Note a quick read as part of my morning routine, and then contemplating the “Big Ideas” of the day (and how I can more deeply incorporate them into my own life) while making breakfast for my son, driving to the office, riding in the elevator, etc. – whenever I have a quiet moment.You’ve made it so easy to do, and I can honestly say that this practice helps me stay centered and intentional throughout my day. Thank you so much for this precious gift!”
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“Brian has a gift for communicating the gist of serious books in a fun, inspiring way. He is so consistently and authentically upbeat that one learns to see value in everything he points to. For those who want a focus on the useful, compelling parts of books in a pithy, engaging style, you can do no better than to read Brian Johnson’s PhilosophersNotes.”
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