All reviews for A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (2008)
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The ideas explored in this book reflect back on the ancient practice of Stoic philosophy. Many of the ideas described may seem a bit extreme in modern day society. While out of the mainstream, there is much to be gained in applying some of these techniques to every day living. The lesson that I will take with me from this book is that all things are temporary. All things and even the people in our lives are not guaranteed to be with us forever. We must not cling to what we can't keep as it only keeps us stuck. Facing the challenges in life, including grief and loss, can sometimes best be handled only by carrying on with an unflinching strength. Living simply and craving nothing more, can alleviate much of the stress that we would otherwise cause for ourselves in the constant search for more and more. Simply put, finding joy in simple things is truly the good life.
This book changed my life and that's not hyperbole. I am what William Irvine calls a "congenital stoic" and he helped me strengthen that natural tendency. You can quibble about the Stoics, his interpretation of them, and how he practices Stoicism. But you can also leave all that aside and internalize what works for you, as I have done. I'm not a self-help book person but LOVE this one. Thank you, Dr. Irvine, for taking the time to share your exploration of what the ancient Stoics have to offer modern people. This is truly wisdom of the ages.
I am trying to adopt a more Stoic way of thinking about the world.