How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life Paperback – May 8, 2018

I can still recall the first time I was introduced to Stoicism. I majored in philosophy and was fortunate to take most of my courses from an aging professor who is undoubtedly the most analytical person I've ever met. We read only primary texts. And this professor would methodically reconstruct each author's argument on a (real) blackboard, leading the discussion through Socratic questioning. In a course covering ancient philosophy, he introduced us to Epictetus. After leading us through the argument of the first section of the Enchiridion, he commented: "In my view, this is the only argument in the history of philosophy that actually proves its conclusion." Coming from him, this was a striking statement. In every other instance, he steadfastly refused to say if he thought an argument was (or was not) successful.Epictetus is the central character in How to Be a Stoic. Dr. Pigliucci claims Epictetus as his favorite Stoic, and he engages in a kind of ongoing dialogue with the philosopher using the ancient texts. The book is organized (following two introductory chapters) into three parts: 1) The Discipline of Desire; 2) The Discipline of Action; and 3) The Discipline of Assent. He covers such topics as character, mental illness, disability, loneliness, and death.In the chapter covering disability, Dr. Pigliucci discuses the life of another Stoic academic, Dr. Lawrence Becker. Dr. Becker turned to Stoicism early in life to help meet the challenges of a physical disability. The first thing that Dr. Becker did as a Stoic novice was to reclaim his "agency". To cope with a hardship, we should begin by telling ourselves we can and will take responsibility for meeting our challenges. Though simple, this resonated deeply with me. I am something of a fatalist by nature. But whatever the ultimate truth is regarding free will, Dr. Becker's practical approach is helpful: Reclaim your agency! And then see what you can do--today--to improve your sense of well-being.This an excellent introduction to Stoicism and overall a very good book. The writing is clear and engaging. The topics feel relevant. Most importantly, the book is eminently practical. If you're interested in Stoicism, this is a great place to start. It's also a great place to finish, especially if you're only looking for the basics. You can read this book, begin doing the "spiritual" exercises--maybe find a copy of Epictetus's Manual--and "be" a Stoic. It will also serve as a fantastic introduction for a much deeper dive into Stoic philosophy. And finally, if you've already studied and practiced Stoicism, you may still benefit from Dr. Pigliucci's application of Stoic principles to modern problems.It's been nearly a decade and a half since I was introduced to Stoicism. As I made my way through young adulthood, I often returned to Stoicism through the works of Seneca and Epictetus, as well as more contemporary authors. I can hardly call myself a Stoic. Somehow I feel compelled to avoid the label altogether. How to Be a Stoic opened a new pathway: Label or no label, there are many things I can do that just might lead to a lasting change.

How To Be A StoicUsing Ancient Philosophy To Live A Modern LifeMassimo PigliucciThought-provoking are words that do not come close to describing this gem of a book. Life-changing is much closer to an adequate description of what this title contains.Massimo Pigliucci does not just present a theoretical, theological, and practical philosophy to live by, he writes in such a way as to empower and encourage the reader to develop their lives to become the best person they can possibly become.Each chapter introduces innovative concepts designed to motivate the reader to think in broadminded, healthy, and community based ways that, if practiced daily, are intended to change one’s behavior, and even one’s way of thinking. Using concepts presented in this book will enable the reader to LEARN how to THINK in ways that will create calm, tranquility, and a more ordered life for the reader, which will benefit those closest to the reader’s sphere of influence.This is not a preachy book filled with thou shalt not’s; it is also not a motivational book designed to lighten the mood of the reader for a short time. Massimo Pigliucci warns that “Stoicism, like any life philosophy, may not appeal to or work for everyone.” He also warns that Stoicism is rather demanding, stipulating that moral character (virtue) is the only truly worthy thing to cultivate.” This is a book written to change lives for the betterment of mankind.The concepts and ideas presenting in this book are not easy to incorporate into one’s life, but are more than worth the effort expended to put them into practice. Each page contains valuable nuggets of wisdom, ideas, and advice on how to bring the practice of Stoicism alive for the reader. Consider this book like a very rich and decadent dessert that is best (and only possible) eaten slowly to savor and experience the full effect of pleasure on the taste buds. It may take a while to read this book because after reading almost each page, the reader feels compelled to chew on and digest the concepts presented. There may also be a need to THINK/contemplate about how to put these concepts and ideas into immediate practice.Anyone who is serious about changing their lives for the better by finding, developing, and practicing a new life philosophy will find this book more than adequate to begin such a journey.I personally give this book a five-star review because it is a keeper, I highlighted several passages for future reference, it is a story (or information) that will stay with me and is excellent reference material.

Massimo Pigliucci's book is a relatively short but interesting guide to applying the philosophy of Stoicism to one's own life. Much of it involves an imaginary discourse with Epictetus, the slave-turned-philosopher who is one of the better-known proponents of the ideology. Pigliucci writes well: although he is an academic by profession, this is no dry treatise. It is eminently readable and broken down into chapters that cover various aspects of Stoicism and suggested ways in which we can incorporate the subject of that chapter into dealing with the challenges of modern living. The book ends with a series of suggested spiritual exercises that form a kind of "Stoic's toolkit" to be broken out when one needs help in coping with certain issues and problems. I found this to be an interesting companion piece to books such as Ryan Holliday's "The Obstacle is the Way" and should be enjoyed be readers who liked that particular book.