3816 - Dear Diary: Marcus Aurelius and Thich Nhat Hanh
Course Description
Look over the shoulder of a Roman emperor and a Vietnamese Zen monk. Revisit the 2nd century A.D. and the 1960s in the US and Vietnam. These are the times of the Antonine plague, the Marcomannic wars, and the Vietnam war. Both journal-keepers witness close up the darkness of the human heart. Yet, the Stoic philosopher-emperor and the Buddhist monk ("Thay") pen journals that are deeply life-affirming. Marcus and Thay offer us handbooks for living with resilience, purpose and joy.
Learning Outcomes
- Examine both journals in the context of their life and time.
- Discuss journals as a literary form and as a way of self-exploration.
- Learn principles of Stoicism, Buddhism and artistic creativity as a way of life.
- If you wish to do so, keep a journal for the duration of this class and receive optional journaling guidance and prompts weekly.
Notes
The following books are recommended:
Marcus Aurelius Meditations. Trans. Gregory Hays. Modern Library; Revised ed. edition (May 6 2003)
Thich Nhat Hanh, Fragrant Palm Leaves: Journals, 1962-1966. Parallax Press, 2000. ISBN-10:1946764728
Antonio Macaro, More than Happiness: Buddhist and Stoic Wisdom for a Sceptical Age. Icon Books, 2018. ISBN-10: 9781785781339
