Stoicism and the Statehouse: An Old Philosophy Serving a New Idea - Softcover

McGeehan, Pat

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0990738612 ISBN 13: 9780990738619

Publisher: Wythe-North Publishing, 2017

Synopsis

Over the span of two thousand years, the Stoic philosophy has helped men and women overcome adversity from the highest positions of power to the darkest corners of prison. In Stoicism and the Statehouse, State Representative Pat McGeehan draws upon the classics to make the case for this durable method of reasoning to effectively advance political freedom. Designed for the liberty-oriented statesman, the moral traditions of this mental discipline are used to offer advice on how elected leaders should ethically conduct themselves underneath any capitol dome. This thought-provoking guidance incorporates wisdom from a wide mix of towering figures, both time-honored and contemporary--featuring insight from the brilliant slave-turned-philosopher Epictetus, the introspective Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, and the heroic prisoner of war, Admiral James Stockdale.
 
Included is a fresh look at ancient Rome's greatest senator, Cato the Younger--a riveting biography that history fans will appreciate. The crisp explanation of Stoicism will also pique the interest of readers who enjoy early Greek and Roman thought. Although the author proposes a recipe to reform the politician, anyone facing personal struggles can benefit from the principles described in this book.

About this title

About the Author

Pat McGeehan is a four-term state representative in the West Virginia Legislature. A graduate of the US Air Force Academy, he is the author of Printing Our Way to Poverty: The Consequences of American Inflation, as well as co-author of The Liberty Essays: Restoring a Lost American Principle. Pat resides with his daughter Kennedy in Chester, West Virginia.

Review

"In Stoicism and the Statehouse, West Virginia legislator Pat McGeehan uses the example of Cato the Younger and his Stoic philosophy to produce a viable guide for pro-liberty office holders on how to stick to their principles, effectively advance the cause of liberty, and gain respect from even their ideological and political opponents. Anyone interested in using political office as a means of advancing the cause of freedom should read this book."
--Ron Paul, twelve-term US Congressman and two-time candidate for President
"There is so much to glean from the advice in Pat McGeehan's Stoicism and the Statehouse...he is compelling and his book can be useful for anyone, not just those who hold office. I don't know of anything written quite like it, at least not in the twenty-first century...Any person who values virtue can profit from the insight of this book."
--Thomas Woods, New York Times bestselling author of Meltdown
"Pat McGeehan, the man bringing Cato and Marcus Aurelius back to politics."
--Ryan Holiday, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Obstacle is the Way


"Thrilling...downright page-turning."
--Stoicism Today


"In this rare perennial tour de force, Pat illuminates Stoic principles in a brilliant yet entertaining way. His exhilarating saga covering the fall of the ancient Roman Republic is the finest chronicle ever composed on this epic period. If you love history, politics, or philosophy--or simply seek guidance on how to live a better life--this book is for you."
--James Aragon, USAF Retired, author of the Foreword


"Pat McGeehan confirms the Periclean maxim, that even though you might not take interest in politics, politics will take an interest in you. His powerful writing walks you right alongside history's most famous men of virtue. Much more than just a handbook for statesmen or public servants, Pat's advice can help anyone conquer their own anger, fears, and negative emotions to live a more gratifying life--definitely a must read."
--Ashley Stinnett, author of The Liberty Documents


"The challenges men of principle face in positions of power are nothing to dismiss...Pat's ideas serve as an indispensable guide to preserve a man's character while confronting the temptations of such power."
--The Tenth Amendment Center
"Stoicism and the Statehouse starts off with a meeting that I'm incredibly envious of, a meeting with Vice Admiral James Stockdale...Pat's appreciation of Stoicism is colored heavily by his and his family's own military service and sacrifices...The last third of the book is a distillation of Stoic lessons from Epictetus, Musonius Rufus, and Marcus Aurelius...overall I can't think of any other book on Stoicism which has quite the same focus...Marcus Aurelius notes that it's possible to live well even in a palace. Living well in the legislature seems an even greater challenge."
--Kevin Patrick Jr, The Mountain Stoic

Edition details

• Publisher: Wythe-North Publishing
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0990738612
• ISBN 13: 9780990738619
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 190