Ancient Renewal

Sam Torode

Epictetus

"If it is beyond your power to control, let it go.""Do not wish that all things will go well with you, but that you will go well with all things.""In this way, you will overcome life's challenges, rather than be overcome by them." Epictetus (c. AD 50-135) was a former Roman slave who became a great teacher, deeply influencing the future emperor Marcus Aurelius among many others. His philosophy, Stoicism, was practical, not theoretical--aimed at relieving human suffering here and now. Epictetus knew suffering--besides being enslaved, he was lame in one leg and walked with a crutch. The Manual is a collection of Epictetus' essential teachings and pithy sayings, compiled by one of his students. It is the most accessible and actionable guide to Stoic philosophy, as relevant today as it was in the Roman Empire.This new edition, published by Ancient Renewal, is rendered in contemporary English by Sam Torode.

A Philosopher's Guide to Life

The Manual

"A rich and soulful novel...steeped in wanderlust and whimsy." --Publishers Weekly"The Dirty Parts of the Bible might just be the long-awaited Great American Novel." --New York Times bestselling author John M. PerkinsSemifinalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel AwardThe Dirty Parts of the Bible is a humorous adventure across America during the Great Depression--a rollicking tale of love and liquor, preachers and prostitutes, trains and treasure, sure to appeal to fans of O Brother Where Art Thou?, Water for Elephants, Mark Twain, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash.The Kindle e-book is FREE with purchase of the paperback, through Amazon Matchbook.

A Novel

The Dirty Parts of the Bible

Marcus Aurelius

How to think clearly, act purposefully, overcome any obstacle, and find peace & happiness along the way. Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was one of the few true philosopher-kings in history.His father died when Marcus was three. At age fifteen, he was adopted by Emperor Antoninus Pius, putting him in the line of succession; and at forty, Marcus became a reluctant emperor of the Roman Empire. Marcus was reluctant because the demands of being emperor--on top of the temptations of wealth and power--seemed incompatible with his true ambition: to be a humble student of philosophy. Over time, though, Marcus worked out a practical philosophy that kept him grounded amidst the stresses and excesses of palace life. That's why his philosophy is so relevant to us today, in the modern world. The Meditations are Marcus' personal journal entries. They were not intended for publication, but to remind Marcus himself of his principles and priorities. As a result, they are intimate, direct, and extremely useful. This new edition is rendered in contemporary English, with a foreword, by Sam Torode. A companion volume, The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life, is also available from Ancient Renewal.

An Emperor's Guide to Mastery

The Meditations

Charles Conrad

James Allen

Widely considered the greatest self-help book of all-time, As a Man Thinketh reveals how our thoughts determine our character, circumstances, health, appearance, and achievements. The choice is ours: either master our thoughts to create the life we want, or remain mired in frustration and failure. While James Allen's writing was exceptionally clear for its time, As a Man Thinketh -- like any 100-year-old book -- uses archaic language that can be difficult to grasp. This 21st Century Edition rephrases Allen's ideas in contemporary English, making his wisdom available to today's readers.

21st Century Edition

As a Man Thinketh

Lao Tzu

Unusual among the scriptures of the world's religions, the Tao Te Ching is not a chronicle of gods and heroes. Instead, it is a series of meditations on the mysterious nature of the Tao--the Way, the guiding principle, the source of all existence. According to Lao Tzu (a name meaning "the old master"), the Tao is found where we would least expect it--not in the strong but in the weak; not in speech but in silence; not in doing but in "not-doing." Wise yet worldly, spiritual yet practical, the Tao Te Ching is beloved by seekers all the world over. Huston Smith says, "A testament to humanity's at-home-ness in the universe, it can be read in half an hour or a lifetime." This new edition features a lucid, poetic translation that makes the Tao Te Ching accessible to contemporary readers. In a review of various translations, TaoTeachingMe.com says: "It makes a great gift... Every other sentence is a memorable quote. This is our favorite lightweight travel edition [of the Tao Te Ching]."

Tao Te Ching

Lao Tzú

Bethany Torode

In this bold critique of modern ideas about sex, marriage, and contraception, Sam & Bethany torode set forth a vision that is fresh for our times, yet rooted in centuries of the christian tradition. Weaving together a sound theology od spousal love with honest information and personal insight, Opem embrace offers a compelling alternative to the unquestioned use of contraception.Open Embrace is far more than a case against contraception - it is a affirmation of fertility, childbearing, and prudent self-control. Couples who practice natural family planning, as advocated in this book, co-operate with God's design for their bodies, making wise decisions about family size, without losing respect for the mystery and meaning of sex

A Protestant Couple Rethinks Contraception

Open Embrace

Alexander Marchand

PhilosoComics

The first ever comic book presentation of Ralph Waldo Emerson's life and ideas! Living from the Soul distills the essence of Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophy. It provides an overview of Emerson's life and reveals the seven principles that carried him through his darkest days. These principles that are just as relevant and vital to us today. 1. Trust Yourself All that you need for growth and guidance in life is already present inside you. 2. As You Sow, You Will Reap Your thoughts and actions shape your character, and your character determines your destiny. 3. Nothing Outside You Can Harm You Circumstances and events don't matter as much as how you deal with them. 4. The Universe Is Inside You The world around you is a reflection of the world within you. 5. Identify with the Infinite Center your identity on the soul and your life's purpose will unfold. 6. Live in the Present The present moment is your point of power. Eternity is now. 7. Seek God Within The highest revelation is the divinity of the soul. This PhilosoComics edition is adapted by cartoonist Alexander Marchand from the prose book by Sam Torode, which is available at amazon.com/dp/1671283708.

The 7 Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson

Living from the Soul

Keys to Mental Power To "transcend" means to go beyond. What if you could transcend your individual limitations, link with the minds of others--even the mind of the universe itself--and access greater knowledge, wisdom, and creativity? You can. Opening to the Mind reveals Ralph Waldo Emerson's principles for tapping into the expansive powers of the "one mind." The sequel to Living from the Soul, this book rephrases and remixes Emerson's writings on the principles and powers of thought. It concludes with practical advice on work, money, and success. Transcendentalism is not a relic of interest only to academics. As Sam Torode writes in the foreword, "Emerson's philosophy has the power to change the way you view the world and your place in it. It might even change your life." Here are some of the key ideas explored in this book: There is one mind common to all humanity. The ancestor of every act is a thought. Your own mind is your greatest teacher. Thoughts become things. As children of the universe, we are all born creators. We each possess hidden gifts waiting to be expressed. Inspiration is the fuel of constructive thought and action. Wealth is mental and moral. Successful people follow the law of cause and effect. Power is magnified by concentration.

Ralph Waldo Emerson's Keys to Unlocking Mental Power

Opening to the Mind

Keys to Greater Insight, Creativity, and Achievement To "transcend" means to go beyond. What if you could transcend your individual limitations, link with the minds of others--even the mind of the universe itself--and access greater knowledge, wisdom, and creativity? You can. Secrets of the Mind reveals Ralph Waldo Emerson's keys for accessing the expansive powers of the "one mind." The sequel to Living from the Soul, this book rephrases and remixes Emerson's writings on the principles and powers of thought. It concludes with practical advice on work, money, and success. Transcendentalism is not a relic of interest only to academics. As Sam Torode writes in the foreword, "Emerson's philosophy has the power to change the way you view the world and your place in it. It might even change your life." Here are some of the ideas explored in this book: There is one mind common to all humanity. The ancestor of every act is a thought. Your own mind is your greatest teacher. Thoughts become things. As children of the universe, we are all born creators. We each possess hidden gifts waiting to be expressed. Inspiration is the fuel of constructive thought and action. Wealth is mental and moral. Successful people follow the law of cause and effect. Power is magnified by concentration.

Ralph Waldo Emerson's Keys to Expansive Mental Powers

Secrets of the Mind

Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you want to read Ralph Waldo Emerson but find his 19th-century prose too daunting, help is here . . . In Everyday Emerson, bestselling author Sam Torode (The Dirty Parts of the Bible: A Novel) rephrases the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson in contemporary language. The goal is to make Emerson's wisdom applicable to our daily lives. Transcendentalism isn't a relic of the past-it's a way of thinking and seeing the world that's still valid and vital. This book covers Emerson's pathbreaking early lectures, featuring full paraphrases of "The American Scholar," "The Divinity School Address," "The Transcendentalist," and more. It also includes excerpts adapted from Emerson's speeches advocating for social reform, the abolition of slavery, and women's rights. Sam Torode's introduction and notes provide an overview of Emerson's life and major themes, and explore the relevance of his philosophy today. Everyday Emerson can be read on its own, or as an aid to studying the original works.

The Wisdom of Ralph Waldo Emerson Paraphrased

Everyday Emerson

Oscar Wilde

Written from prison, Out of the Depths is a journey through sorrow, suffering, and despair, ultimately leading to a new vision of hope, love, and beauty. In exquisite yet gut-wrenching prose, Oscar Wilde processes his dramatic fall and public humiliation, and elucidates what he's learned from his descent into the shadow side of life. He also gives a unique, nonreligious interpretation of Jesus Christ, and reflects profoundly on the relationship between art and sorrow. Wilde charts the way through sorrow--not around it. He shows that we have to take responsibility for our lives--owning our own actions as well as the circumstances that are dealt to us--in order to take charge of our futures. "To regret one's own experiences," he says, "is to arrest one's development." If we respond to suffering with love and acceptance instead of hate and bitterness, we will turn it to our benefit--just as nature turns waste and decay into the soil of new life. Wilde teaches us the alchemy by which anguish can be transmuted into empathy and art. Today, with depression and despair afflicting so many--particularly creative and sensitive people--Wilde's reflections are needed more than ever.

The Way Through Sorrow

Out of the Depths

Michael E. Lamb

Karen Santorum

The regrettable fact is that the subject of manners is not much discussed anymore, and good manners seem practiced even less. But good manners are a prerequisite for the growth of moral character; they are the habits of conduct and behavior by which we express in the most ordinary circumstances our fundamental respect for others, whether parents, friends, colleagues, or strangers. Fortunately, Karen Santorum has produced for parents and teachers a wonderfully rich and instructive anthology to help instill good manners in our children—and stand against a decline of civility and a coarsening of our common life. Under such headings as “Honor Your Mother and Father,” “Please and Thank You,” “No Hurtful Words,” “Good Behavior in Sport,” and “Showing Respect for Country,” Everyday Graces features stories and poems that will develop and enrich the moral imagination. This marvelous anthology features classic selections from such well-known authors as Hans Christian Anderson, Beatrix Potter, Mark Twain, Frances Hodgson Burnett, C. S. Lewis, Max Lucado, and Arnold Lobel, as well as forgotten gems that deserve a new hearing. Mrs. Santorum writes that this anthology grew out of the frustration of not being able to find a book on manners that instructs through stories rather than by rules of dos and don'ts. She and her husband tried and tested many of these selections on their six children. Each of the selections is briefly introduced with a thoughtful commentary at the close, producing an informality and intimacy that is inviting and infectious. Find out why Everyday Graces has become a beloved feature in homes, schools, churches, and libraries across America.

Sam Torode

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