{"title":"The Classics Cave","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"arete-book-the-classics-cave-9781943915156","title":"Arete","description":"Have you ever wondered what it means to be great? Excellent or virtuous? If so, then you'll want to hear what the ancient Greeks had to say about excellence or virtue since they thought and said a lot about it. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eAretē Excellence or Virtue\u003c\/i\u003e is a book that systematically presents what ancient Greek poets, historians, orators, and philosophers thought and said about the nature of excellence or virtue (what they termed \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e), all in their own words. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAnd what did they say? In Homer's \u003ci\u003eIliad\u003c\/i\u003e, Achilles' father urges him to \"be the best\"-that is, to possess \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e, excellence or virtue. In the \u003ci\u003eOdyssey\u003c\/i\u003e, old Laertes rejoices that his son, Odysseus, and his grandson, Telemachus, are \"battling over \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e.\" Hundreds of years later, the poet Theognis of Megara counseled his friend to \"wear himself out for the sake of \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e.\" Still later, the philosopher Socrates spent time with anyone who would talk with him about what it meant to cultivate \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e. And that's only the beginning of a conversation that lasted for well over a thousand years. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThat everyone in the ancient Greek world wanted to have and practice \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e 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 \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e was the \"best and noblest prize\" one could win. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eStill, a question remains. As valuable as \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e was to them, what did the ancient Greeks mean by it? The goal of this book is to let them answer. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAfter a brief introduction exploring the meaning of \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e and situating it in a more contemporary context, \u003ci\u003eAretē Excellence or Virtue\u003c\/i\u003e presents what the ancient Greeks thought and said about \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e in their own words. We follow poets, playwrights, and historians on the \u003ci\u003ewhat\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003ewho\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003ehow\u003c\/i\u003e of \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e. 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 \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eNo matter how you peruse \u003ci\u003eAretē\u003c\/i\u003e, you will likely find your own views on human excellence and virtue shift as the Greeks influence your thinking about and even pursuit of \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003ePlus, you'll have an opportunity to practice \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e by following \"A Plan of Life Aimed at \u003ci\u003eAretē\u003c\/i\u003e\" and engaging in the workbook and journal-like practice exercises found toward the end. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eMore, in the glossary, you'll discover Greek terms that are pertinent to \u003ci\u003earetē\u003c\/i\u003e. Lastly, you'll be pointed in the direction of further reading. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhat now? Grab a copy of \u003ci\u003eArete: Excellence or Virtue\u003c\/i\u003e and see for yourself what the ancient Greeks have to say. We at the Cave believe your life will be enriched by doing so.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ LIKE_NEW \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":50052816929041,"sku":"GOR013847332","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":50993560584465,"sku":"NIN9781943915156","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53148290875665,"sku":"GOR014777872","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1943915156.jpg?v=1767356396"},{"product_id":"best-of-homer-s-odyssey-book-the-classics-cave-9781943915088","title":"The Best of Homer's Odyssey","description":"\u003ci\u003eThe Best of Homer's Odyssey\u003c\/i\u003e presents the best of Homer's great epic poem in translated and narrative summary form. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIf you've never read the \u003ci\u003eOdyssey\u003c\/i\u003e, and you don't know how much time you'd like to invest in doing so, then this version is for you. You'll get the best parts of the poem in translation (about one-half) and a narrative summary of the rest. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn addition to the poem, there's an informative introduction exploring \"Why We Should Care about Homer,\" \"Basic Facts about Homer,\" and \"The Big Themes and Ideas of the \u003ci\u003eOdyssey\u003c\/i\u003e.\" After reading the poem, you'll find toward the end of the book \"Other Matters of Interest Related to Homer's \u003ci\u003eOdyssey\u003c\/i\u003e,\" which includes: \"The Cast of Gods and Men\"; maps depicting the journeys of Odysseus and Telemachus; a glossary of Homeric Greek terms; suggestions for further reading. Finally, there is a section offering \"Points of Wisdom \u0026amp; Ways of Practice\"-a chance to apply Homeric wisdom to your own life and practice it. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhy should you want to read Homer's \u003ci\u003eOdyssey\u003c\/i\u003e? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eGo back a few thousand years and Homer's \u003ci\u003eOdyssey\u003c\/i\u003e was a perennial blockbuster. That's because Homer himself was the one everyone turned to for entertainment, education, and inspiration. A scholar once claimed that \"if a Greek owned any books-that is, papyrus rolls-he was almost as likely to own the \u003ci\u003eIliad\u003c\/i\u003e and the \u003ci\u003eOdyssey\u003c\/i\u003e as anything from the rest of Greek literature.\" Homer was Greece's chief educator and coach; he shaped Greek feelings, thoughts, and behavior. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eHomer is celebrated today for the \u003ci\u003eOdyssey\u003c\/i\u003e, a sweeping epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus' harrowing return home after the Trojan War and his epic battle against the suitors. The archetypal voyager, Odysseus endures countless heartaches and hardships during his journey home, confronting gods, monsters, and men, all out to harm him. He faces himself, as well-his desire to give up before reaching his goal. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhat now? Drag your hollow ship into the wine-faced sea, raise the sail, and get ready to voyage into an ancient world full of monsters and gods, enemies and friends, strange lands and home. Welcome to Homer's \u003ci\u003eOdyssey\u003c\/i\u003e!","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":50993562517777,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":50993565270289,"sku":"NIN9781943915088","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1943915083.jpg?v=1751250727"},{"product_id":"best-of-epicurus-book-the-classics-cave-9781943915101","title":"The Best of Epicurus","description":"If you'd like to learn about the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus and Epicureanism, then you'll want to grab a copy of \u003ci\u003eThe Best of Epicurus\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWho was Epicurus? And what is Epicureanism? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eContrary 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIt has been said that Epicurus' \"manner of life was much more like that of an abstemious monk.\" It's true. Epicurus proposed a simple, deliberate way of life that would help men and women live well and be happy. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhat 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWith these, the long night of dread and anxiety begins to transition as the bright sun of tranquility appears. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Best of Epicurus\u003c\/i\u003e 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, explores the big themes and ideas of his philosophy and way of life. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Best of Epicurus\u003c\/i\u003e ends with a twelve-point Epicurean \"Plan of Life,\" \"Points of Wisdom from Epicurus,\" and three workbook or journal-like 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIf you are new to Epicurus and Epicureanism, you will come away understanding what this school of philosophy and way of life was all about. If you are already familiar with ancient Greek Epicureanism, we hope \u003ci\u003eThe Best of Epicurus \u003c\/i\u003ewill shed new light on what you know. If nothing else, you'll see how Epicurus and his philosophy are still relevant today.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":50993566023953,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":50993568383249,"sku":"NIN9781943915101","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1943915105.jpg?v=1750868430"},{"product_id":"best-of-basil-the-great-on-reading-literature-and-education-book-the-classics-cave-9781943915118","title":"The Best of Basil the Great on Reading Literature and Education","description":"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.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ -","offer_id":51885943488785,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":51885943521553,"sku":"CIN1943915113G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781943915118.jpg?v=1754590942"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/collections\/author-books-by-the-classics-cave.oembed","provider":"World of Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}