Hierocles Books

The book explores the insights of Hierocles, a 2nd century Greek Stoic philosopher, particularly focusing on his work "Elements of Ethics." A significant fragment discovered in 1901 reveals his thoughts on self-perception, asserting that all animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals, possess a continuous awareness of themselves from birth. This foundational idea highlights self-perception as a fundamental faculty in the animal kingdom, offering a unique perspective on ethics and consciousness in Stoic philosophy.

Offering a rich tapestry of ancient Greek humor, this collection features over 200 jokes and anecdotes that span various themes, including politics, religion, and daily life. Compiled by philosophers Hierocles and Philagrius, the work showcases both lighthearted and satirical humor, providing a unique lens into the societal norms of the time. Originally written in Greek and translated into English in 1920, it serves as an engaging resource for those interested in comedy and ancient history, while also preserving cultural heritage through a facsimile reprint.