Pigliucci makes a good case for Stoicism and living stoically

A good case for the enduring relevance of 2,000-year-old precepts

In this thought-provoking book, Massimo Pigliucci shares his journey of discovering the power of Stoic practices in a philosophical dialogue with one of Stoicism's greatest teachers.

Excellent

As its title suggests, How to Be a Stoic is a how-to book, but one of a very high order. Yes, Massimo Pigliucci gives his readers advice on how to live a happy and meaningful life. He is careful, though, to put a secure foundation under that advice by explaining who the ancient Stoics were and how they arrived at the conclusions they did. Do you want to avoid wasting the one life you have to live? Read this book!

How to Be a Stoic proves many things: that the ancient school of Stoicism is superbly relevant to our times; that profound wisdom can be delivered in lively, breezy prose; and that Massimo Pigliucci is uniquely gifted at translating philosophy into terms helpful for alleviating and elevating the lives of many

This is a lucid, engaging, and persuasive book about what it means to pursue Stoic ideals in the here and now. Massimo Pigliucci's imaginary conversations with Epictetus carry the reader effortlessly along while grounding the discussion firmly in the ancient Stoic tradition-and in his own life experience. The result is a compelling picture of a Stoic way of life that is consistent with contemporary science and philosophy, and is both eminently ethical and down-to-earth practical. It will be inviting to Stoics and non-Stoics alike who are willing to reason together seriously about how (and why) to be a modern Stoic.

If you want to learn the ways of Stoicism, and you're living in the 21st century, this should be one of the first books you read. Massimo has written a fine primer for the aspiring Marcus Aurelius.

For anyone guilty of sabotaging their own happiness, these wise words and insights could be just what you need.

For world class mental edge

An important book for our times. It is both wise and compassionate which will be helpful to many readers

I absolutely loved it. Clear, compassionate, occasionally very very funny but mostly heart wrenching

A profound exploration of resilience in modern life - a much-needed reminder that we yield power over our lives, even when it feels like we don't. It's one of the most valuable books I've ever read and my respect for Julia Samuel and her work is immeasurable

Little bells of clarity and understanding chime throughout this book. At once intimate and universal, this is a lifesaver. Fascinating, rigorous and beautifully written, you can hear Julia's voice on every page

Relevant, wise and compassionate

This brilliant book does what no others do - it talks about the problems of everyday life, with grown-up children, complex families, the stresses of work, in a compassionate and truly insightful way. I would challenge anyone not to recognise themselves in at least one of the beautifully detailed case studies. It is a privilege to be able to listen in to a masterful therapist at work

The considerable force of this book lies in Julia's ability to listen completely. Being such an extraordinary listener she becomes an extraordinary storyteller

Wisdom and experience alone would make This Too Shall Pass essential reading for every single person - but, in addition, the extraordinary generosity of Julia's personality shines through every word, offering profound understanding and consolation

Moving and inspiring, Julia Samuel writes with the quiet clarity that comes with true wisdom. In her observations of the heart-breaking and life-affirming events that affect the lives of ordinary people, she has the ability to find the eye of the storm and to hold her clients in stillness there as they come to terms with the chaos of change. Reading This Too Shall Pass is illuminating and comforting. We all resist change, and Julia Samuel shows us how to find the courage to weather it and sail out into the calm beyond. She is honest, open and inspiring in her comments, like the best friend we all aspire to be. A life raft of a book, hold onto it and you will stay afloat through life's inevitable mishaps

A remarkable portrayal of how we need to understand ourselves to truly heal

This book is wonderful

[She] is a sort of human oxytocin