Dave’s Book Summary
How To Be A Stoic
Translators: Robert Dobbin, C.D.N. Costa, Martin Hammond
2021 – Penguin Books – 128 pages
The book How To Be A Stoic” is part of the Great Idea series from Penguin Books. This volume includes the work of Epictetus (Enchiridion), Seneca (On The Shortness of Life), and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
Stoicism offers simple, direct advice for handling life’s challenges. It teaches that we can’t control events, but we can control how we respond. This approach makes it one of the most valuable philosophies for everyday life.
Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius wrote about these ideas centuries ago. Their wisdom still applies today. Epictetus advised, “Don’t seek for things to happen the way you want them to; rather, wish that what happens happen the way it happens: then you will be happy.” This mindset helps people deal with uncertainty, stress, and setbacks.
The Enchiridion by Epictetus and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius are straightforward and practical. They don’t rely on complex language or abstract theories. Instead, they read like field manuals for life. They get to the point and show how to apply Stoic ideas immediately.
This book is a great way to start exploring Stoicism. It provides short, powerful lessons that help readers rethink how they see problems. Whether you’re new to the philosophy or a longtime student, it’s worth reading slowly and taking notes. I did.
Stoicism has lasted for centuries because it works. It helps people stay calm, make better choices, and focus on what they can control. If you want to take charge of your mindset, this book is a great place to begin.
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Dave Edwards Media 