The writings of ancient Greeks and Romans may seem like old, dusty stuff, but in “How To Be a Stoic” the author brings to light a worldview called Stoicism. The thoughts of Epictetus and his peers and colleagues, when translated into modern English, do have power and relevance for our own times. I was surprised at first, and then became very interested in Stoicism. This offers me real, useful ideas that can help me deal with life’s bumps and challenges, difficult people, and frustration with politics and other things. I am delighted that Stoicism emphasizes how I can try to become a better person, even when painful events, mistakes, and bad things happen. It can work compatibly with religious views, or not, making this a wide-open philosophy. I will be reading more books by this author, and by other writers, about modern Stoicism.
Three words that describe this book: Surprising, concrete, comforting
You might want to pick this book up if: You would like to live a better and more meaningful life, without necessarily having a religious “faith” or other system.
-Lynn
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share reviews throughout the year.
