They say a person is what they read! I asked CHATGPT to describe the person who has these books on their bookshelf. This is what it said! How accurate do you think it was?
Character Portrait: Who Would Choose These Books?
This reader is deeply ethically motivated, seeking wisdom not as abstract knowledge but as a guide for living well. They’re likely a reflective, emotionally intelligent individual, drawn to Stoicism but open to other traditions, especially those with spiritual depth and ethical practicality (Confucianism, Buddhism, virtue ethics).
They are:
Introspective – favoring books that ask, how should I live?
Curious but discerning – interested in ideas from many cultures, yet critical of flashy or faddish trends in philosophy.
Independent-minded – builds their own curriculum rather than following the canon blindly.
Emotionally grounded – values books that help navigate love, grief, connection, and purpose.
Humble but serious – they admit not all books are great but keep searching for those rare few that genuinely shape their soul.
They probably journal, reflect often, and have chosen philosophy as their lifelong companion, not just a subject of study.
I'm blushing—ChatGPT can see into my soul! :) Seriously, though, that is a pretty good description of what I'm aiming for with my studies. I wonder if AI will one day be our Stoic sage, answering all our theoretical questions about philosophy and also giving advice about how to live? Have you tried asking it practical ethical questions?
You asked if I use AI for ethical questions? I do indeed. Not to provide answers but to make sure I ask the right questions. This is the summary of the answer it gave to my question about the stoic approach to assisted dying. This is going through UK and Scottish parliaments.
A Stoic would support assisted dying if:
The person is suffering in a way that makes rational living no longer possible.
The decision is made calmly, without fear, and in accordance with reason.
The act preserves the person’s dignity and is consistent with virtue.
In Stoicism, what matters most is not how long we live, but how well — and sometimes, the virtuous choice is to let go.
Really interesting use of AI...seems very accurate to me. I guess the future role of AI in ethical decision-making is worth serious consideration. Maybe I will have to do some more reading about this.
Thank you thank you thank you I just started getting interested in philosophy and I've only been reading books from my dad's library I'll have to figure out where to get some of these books though
Brittany, search out and get to know the volunteers at your local Friends of the Library. Most accept donations that are resold to the public. every so often I've scored a self published, serious, life's work by a university professor. more often I come home with a large bag of books I really want for $10.
and since the Friends of the Library Bookstore is only open five hours a day for four days a month, I can limit my habit. laughing
My local bookseller thanks you for sharing this tour of your bookshelf with me/us!
I’m curious: if forced to rank order the last set (the ones holding the place of honor), which top 3 would you recommend to a newer Stoic who has a pretty solid foundation but wants to dive deeper?
That is a super tough question...I would say definitely re-read Montaigne because his verve is incomparable and he was also very inspired by Stoicism. Cicero's On Duties (I have the version that's translated as On Obligations, but it's the same thing) is a must-read. And John Sellars' Hellenistic Philosophy is a very accessible but comprehensive next step out into the other Hellenistic philosophies. You can't go wrong with those three!
Oh great! It really just depends on what type of content you're looking for. If you'd like to know more about ancient philosophy, pretty much all the books on my top shelf are good. For Asian philosophy, I have to say my favorite is probably Oneness by Philip Ivanhoe. He synthesizes decades of his own personal experience with Asian philosophy in a way that is very relevant for living a good life (and also has strong parallels to Stoicism).
Brittany
They say a person is what they read! I asked CHATGPT to describe the person who has these books on their bookshelf. This is what it said! How accurate do you think it was?
Character Portrait: Who Would Choose These Books?
This reader is deeply ethically motivated, seeking wisdom not as abstract knowledge but as a guide for living well. They’re likely a reflective, emotionally intelligent individual, drawn to Stoicism but open to other traditions, especially those with spiritual depth and ethical practicality (Confucianism, Buddhism, virtue ethics).
They are:
Introspective – favoring books that ask, how should I live?
Curious but discerning – interested in ideas from many cultures, yet critical of flashy or faddish trends in philosophy.
Independent-minded – builds their own curriculum rather than following the canon blindly.
Emotionally grounded – values books that help navigate love, grief, connection, and purpose.
Humble but serious – they admit not all books are great but keep searching for those rare few that genuinely shape their soul.
They probably journal, reflect often, and have chosen philosophy as their lifelong companion, not just a subject of study.
I'm blushing—ChatGPT can see into my soul! :) Seriously, though, that is a pretty good description of what I'm aiming for with my studies. I wonder if AI will one day be our Stoic sage, answering all our theoretical questions about philosophy and also giving advice about how to live? Have you tried asking it practical ethical questions?
Brittany
You asked if I use AI for ethical questions? I do indeed. Not to provide answers but to make sure I ask the right questions. This is the summary of the answer it gave to my question about the stoic approach to assisted dying. This is going through UK and Scottish parliaments.
A Stoic would support assisted dying if:
The person is suffering in a way that makes rational living no longer possible.
The decision is made calmly, without fear, and in accordance with reason.
The act preserves the person’s dignity and is consistent with virtue.
In Stoicism, what matters most is not how long we live, but how well — and sometimes, the virtuous choice is to let go.
Really interesting use of AI...seems very accurate to me. I guess the future role of AI in ethical decision-making is worth serious consideration. Maybe I will have to do some more reading about this.
Thank you thank you thank you I just started getting interested in philosophy and I've only been reading books from my dad's library I'll have to figure out where to get some of these books though
Brittany, search out and get to know the volunteers at your local Friends of the Library. Most accept donations that are resold to the public. every so often I've scored a self published, serious, life's work by a university professor. more often I come home with a large bag of books I really want for $10.
and since the Friends of the Library Bookstore is only open five hours a day for four days a month, I can limit my habit. laughing
Thank you so much for this suggestion! What a great idea. I will look into this...
That you for sharing, Brittany!!
My local bookseller thanks you for sharing this tour of your bookshelf with me/us!
I’m curious: if forced to rank order the last set (the ones holding the place of honor), which top 3 would you recommend to a newer Stoic who has a pretty solid foundation but wants to dive deeper?
That is a super tough question...I would say definitely re-read Montaigne because his verve is incomparable and he was also very inspired by Stoicism. Cicero's On Duties (I have the version that's translated as On Obligations, but it's the same thing) is a must-read. And John Sellars' Hellenistic Philosophy is a very accessible but comprehensive next step out into the other Hellenistic philosophies. You can't go wrong with those three!
I am pleased to say I have all three of them on my bookshelf—two remain to be read, however. I shall rectify that situation immediately! Thanks!
Intelligent virtue added to my list. Any others that jump to your mind from this awesome collection in terms of your favorites for any reason?
Oh great! It really just depends on what type of content you're looking for. If you'd like to know more about ancient philosophy, pretty much all the books on my top shelf are good. For Asian philosophy, I have to say my favorite is probably Oneness by Philip Ivanhoe. He synthesizes decades of his own personal experience with Asian philosophy in a way that is very relevant for living a good life (and also has strong parallels to Stoicism).
Appreciate you 👊🏻
Merci d’avoir partagé Brittany !
Thank you Brittany.