Home / Quotes / Quote by Massimo Pigliucci

Quote by Massimo Pigliucci

“"Fate permitting" is a standard Stoic phrase meant to remind ourselves that planning things is up to us, but the ultimate outcomes are not under our control. It helps us to develop an attitude of equanimity toward the universe. We should very much try to change things for the better, that's the whole point of the Stoic discipline of action.”

Quote by Massimo Pigliucci

Author

Massimo Pigliucci

Massimo Pigliucci is an Italian-American philosopher, scientist, and writer. Born on January 16, 1964, in Italy, he currently serves as a professor in the United States. Professor Pigliucci's research areas include the philosophy of science, cognitive science, and the history of philosophy. His works cover a range of topics from scientific methodology to science popularization. more

You May Also Like

“We still live in a world of such gross injustice and inequality, that only privileged people like ourselves can afford to think of eros and art as top concerns in life. They are important, for sure, but I think it's high time to shift priorities around, away from selfish indulgence, and toward more concern for the wellbeing of so many others who suffer atrocities, injustice, and famine, all over the planet.”

People Thinking World Art Important Suffering Concern Injustice Selfish Priorities Inequality Gross Indulgence Wellbeing Famine Eros

Author:Massimo Pigliucci

“There are clearly people for whom Stoicism immediately "clicks," it comes natural, and others for whom it doesn't. Then again, Stoicism isn't the only positive philosophy of life. Buddhism is an excellent alternative, if it speaks more clearly to one's personality or cultural background.”

People Philosophy Speak Natural Life Philosophy Buddhism Personality Excellent Stoicism

Author:Massimo Pigliucci

“What the world needs is more compassion; love in the broad sense, and use of practical reason to solve human problems. What it needs less is ideological and religious fanaticism, of which, unfortunately, there currently is aplenty.”

World Reason Problem Religious Compassion Fanaticism Ideological

Author:Massimo Pigliucci

“I believe Stoicism can help anyone who takes it seriously and begins to practice it. It will help them flourish because it will provide them with a compass for navigating life, a general, flexible, framework to set priorities, and a set of techniques to achieve serenity and equanimity.”

Believe Helping I Believe Achieve Priorities Serenity Stoicism Compass Equanimity

Author:Massimo Pigliucci

“In my mind, there is no reason why Stoicism shouldn't become as popular as Buddhism, especially in the Western world, where the dominant culture, Christianity, itself absorbed a large number of elements from Greco-Roman Stoicism.”

World Mind Reason Culture Christianity Buddhism Western Stoicism Self Absorbed

Author:Massimo Pigliucci

“My preference would have been to not go back on the air after 9\11, at all until the time felt right but that wasn't an option.”

Author:Aaron Sorkin

“I had no regrets when I did it, I have even less regret now because I can't imagine staying on the West Wing show and then, six weeks later, Aaron Sorkin leaving.”

Imagine Week Regret Leaving No Regrets

Author:Rob Lowe

“It was hard saying goodbye to the character and harder saying goodbye to the actor. When rumours started going around that Rob Lowe might be leaving I got an email from Josh Malina asking if I'd be interested in an actor who was cheaper and not as good looking. I wrote back, "Always", and that was that.”

Character Leaving Goodbye Looking Good Saying Goodbye Rumours

Author:Aaron Sorkin

“I think if you stand me up next to Rob Lowe, it's like we represent two different species.”

Thinking Different

Author:Joshua Malina

“The universe works in mysterious ways and for me it worked out perfectly. With all respect to everybody else, Aaron Sorkin is and was The West Wing, full stop. There's no West Wing without him.”

Universe Mysterious

Author:Rob Lowe