Ars Vitae

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The ancient Roman philosopher Cicero described philosophy as ars vitae, the art of living. In today's world, marked by stress and disconnection, traditional methods of understanding our lives seem inadequate. Amid this alienation, there is a growing interest in ancient philosophies as pathways to well-being. This ambitious work by Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn engages both general readers and scholars, exploring the resurgence of ancient philosophical thought in contemporary American culture. She investigates whether Gnosticism, Stoicism, Epicureanism, Cynicism, and Platonism offer genuine alternatives to the prevailing therapeutic culture of self-help and consumerism, which often prioritizes individual desires yet fails to achieve true happiness. Do these ancient philosophies provide a counter-tradition that fosters cultural vibrancy, or do they merely reinforce a modern lifestyle that neglects the cultivation of an inner life? By examining various sources, from academic scholarship to self-help manuals and films, the book reveals the interconnectedness of these philosophical schools and their potential to guide us in new directions. It calls for a reclamation of philosophy in our daily lives, seeking to reconstruct a moral framework that helps us pursue the life we truly desire.