A habit I developed probably ten years ago now is reading the works of ancient writers (Homer, Herodotus, Socrates, Epictetus, Vegetius, etc).
Why?
Mainly because I was dissatisfied with modern self-improvement books.
It’s not that the content of these books is bad or anything. They’re just a little too superficial to my liking. (A bit like the difference between a sermon given by an evangelical preacher and a homily delivered by an austere catholic priest.)
So I decided to go to the source, and I was most pleased with what I discovered.
For example, hearing Seneca’s essay “On the Shortness of Life” for the first time while walking home from Yet Another day at my soul-sucking corporate job immediately changed my trajectory in substantial and profound ways.
What’s my point?
Simply that you will learn more from digesting a handful of texts written by the great thinkers of the past than you will consuming many litres of regurgitated slop.
An ironic message, given that I am in the business of selling what can be fairly described as self-improvement books.
Oops.
Anyhow, if you are also interested in ancient history then you will probably enjoy:
“Train Like a Warrior”
This is a book I started writing in 2017 (not long after my life-altering encounter with Seneca) and completed a couple of months ago.
It’s a series of ten essays a series of ten essays, each covering a different warrior from history and following the same format:
* Edutaining information about their weapons, armour, fighting style, and battlefield role,
* The athletic qualities they would need to execute their duties and avoid an untimely demise,
* A straightforward training programme to develop those qualities using modern methods for you to analyse, and, potentially, adapt to suit your own noble purposes.
More:
If you purchase between now and 23:59 on the 18th of December AND forward me a copy of your receipt as proof of purchase you will be entitled to a free, one-hour consultation with me to talk about ways to get strong and in shape, answer questions you may have, and so on – if you would like one.
Purchase below:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Train-Like-Warrior-Phil-Tyreman/dp/B0DPSRPG3V/
Thank you,
Phil Tyreman
P.S. If you want the consultation, you must forward me proof of purchase before the deadline via email otherwise you will not be eligible.