The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User's Manual

This book is the book to get if you want to study the Stoics. Whereas reading the Stoics individually is also recommended, for everyone looking to study Stoic thought as a cohesive whole, I cannot comprehend a better text. One reason is that Ward Farnsworth provides an important and compelling narrative while allowing the Stoics to speak for themselves. Ward's tone and language is welcome, helpful, and stoic in spirit. He clearly has a deep understanding of Stoic principles. Perhaps the greatest achievement, however, is that the excerpts go well beyond the triumvirate of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus to include Cicero, Johnson, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, and many others. This added breadth deepens the study of Stoicism beyond reading the Stoic classics. Furthermore, it shows impressive research since writers like Montaigne were very prolific, so the idea of reading him with the intention of studying Stoicism per se, for most of us, is out of the question. Ward Farnsworth says this book is presented like a class on Stoicism. I think that fits that bill. However, I think it's better. I think this is more like a Stoic Bible. You can pick up this book and open to a random page and find Stoic wisdom. You can also find Stoic wisdom by theme. When I am done with a class, I move on. Not so with this book. Although I will be continuing my study of Stoicism by reading Stoic authors whose books I have not read (Seneca, Epictetus), I will come back to this book again and again because the wisdom is timeless, clearly laid out, beautifully printed, and diverse in its presentation of authors. important commentary that enhances the excerpts, subtly adding

I had never read about Stoicism before reading this book. I am glad that this was the first book that I read. I might not venture on to other Stoic books. I am a very analytical and detail oriented person. I am also very introspective and can be hard on myself. The way this book is organized and delivers its content was perfect for me. The author has created a system out of the Stoic writings and packaged it into this single book. When I was about three-quarters of the way through the book, I started to add my own personalized Stoic thoughts and actions to my life. By the end of the book, I can say "I get it." This book is now one of my personal treasures. I plan to re-read it in a few months and journal my way through it. I sought out Stoicism because I had hit a very low point in my life. Years of trying to love a mentally ill family member had finally worn me down to a nub. The experience had uncovered and highlighted my own issues to myself. I was so dismantled that I didn't know what the right word or action was anymore. I had already read a couple of books on the specific mental illness, talked to a therapist and sought advice from friends. But I found nothing that really lifted any of the burden from me or taught me how to act and relate to my family member until reading through this book. Stoicism is not psychology or self-help. Stoicism is nothing like the contemporary crap we have to rely upon today. As the final chapter in this book points out, Stoicism is about gaining the wisdom now that would come naturally if you could live a thousand lifetimes, and experience hardship a thousand times over. A young man can be wise and mellow like an old man, who had gained perspective though many years of experience and built his actions on knowledge that only a long life brings. I appreciate how the author takes the disparate journaling's of ancient writers and organizes them into a system of philosophy. I also appreciate how little commentary the author adds, and how he allows the Stoics of old to speak for themselves. I wish I had this book years ago. My life is starting to feel whole again.

2nd Update : Jan 22-2021 Hello everyone, It's been almost 2 years since my last review on this book. I ended up purchasing the ebook as well as the audiobook. These different formats work based on the context of the situation. Pros. 1. Get the audiobook as well : I have listened to the audiobook countless times over the past 2 years and it has had its therapeutic effects almost immediately. Over time you start getting these mental checkpoints between different audiobook chapters and start making connections and they are easier to recall. Cons : None. It has been one of the most important and influential reference books I have used to alter my perspective. Thank you for reading this far, Get the book! _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1rst Review : The author has entered the circle of doing justice to this immense philosophy. This volume has been my companion since I got it. It is easy to read but it is a vast volume and I recommend to digest it in small bites, reflect and use the idea's as exercises to restore your sanity with reflective pauses. I'm telling you, I extracted exercises from the first 2-3 chapters and have worked with them over time to realize how to live. Stoicism is not a quick fix to our issues, it walks you through your madness and is a daily endeavour until it becomes ingrained into your essence. In today's world where there is a self help guru in every nook and cranny of this planet, we forget there were those who paved the way. Nothing today is new, and has been borrowed from the greats. Rather then getting 20 self help books, get this book and stick to it. Thanks for reading my review.

Excelente libro, el servicio casi perfecto y la Conexión con el vendedor muy amigable. Gracias y en hora buena.

Captures the essence of Stoicism perfectly. Highly recommend whether you’re well-versed in Stoic wisdom or not.

An absolute joy to read! Unlike other works, it doesn't adapt the translations(replacing he with something more neutral) and presents reasonable arguments in the last chapter. The author doesn’t claim to be a philosopher, unlike many others, or a stoic for that matter. This book explains the core principles of the stoic philosophy, what to expect from it, what not to expect, why the stoics didn't call themselves stoics and it's criticism. Just buy this one and forget about other books on the same subject, this is all you need. I also own The Daily Stoic however, I found this book more immersive and all-around better.

This was the first book I have read about Stoicicm, and it was a pure delight. Well structured and well written.

The author doesn't treat the readers as children. Nor does he assume that the readers have prior knowledge in Stoic Philosophy. Perfect for beginners - but you will get more out of it than just a preliminary intro. In the world where Stoicism is being bastardized by modern day "Alpha" males, staying true to the original sources is the need of the hour. Pro tip: There is enough white space per page. Utilise it. Try to map the theories and discussions with what's happening in your real life. Keep a pen handy while reading.