Chapter 1: Introduction to Anthony Long

In this second episode of our occasional series, "Meet the Greco-Romans," we engage in a discussion with Anthony Long, one of the foremost living experts on the Stoic philosopher Epictetus.

Tony Long, a British-American classical scholar, is currently the Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus of Classics at the University of California, Berkeley. He has also held the title of Irving Stone Professor of Literature Emeritus and is an Affiliated Professor of Philosophy and Rhetoric.

Tony's academic journey began at the University of Manchester and University College London, where he earned a first-class honors degree in classics before going on to receive his PhD. His career included lecturer roles at various universities, culminating in his appointment as the Gladstone Professor of Greek at the University of Liverpool in 1973. In 1982, he transitioned to the University of California, Berkeley, where he served as a professor of classics until his retirement in June 2013. Despite retiring, he remains active in academia, continuing to teach and conduct research in classics and philosophy.

Tony Long is particularly renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to Hellenistic philosophy. His accolades include being elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1989, a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy in 1992, and a member of the American Philosophical Society in 2009. In recognition of his work, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in philosophy from the University of Crete in 2015.

Here’s a selection of some of his notable publications:

• Selfhood and Rationality in Ancient Greek Philosophy: From Heraclitus to Plotinus
• Plotinus Ennead II.4: On Matter
• Seneca: Fifty Letters of a Roman Stoic
• How to Be Free: An Ancient Guide to the Stoic Life
• Greek Models of Mind and Self
• From Epicurus to Epictetus: Studies in Hellenistic and Roman Philosophy
• Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life

Now, let's delve into our engaging video conversation:

Chapter 2: Stoicism Ancient and Modern

In this chapter, we explore how ancient Stoic principles can be applied to modern challenges.

Long's insights shed light on the continuity of Stoic thought and its implications for personal development today.