One of the great fears that many of us face is that, despite our efforts, we will discover in the end that we have wasted our lives. In "A Guide to the Good Life," William B. Irvine explores the wisdom of Stoic philosophy, one of the most popular and successful schools of thought in ancient Rome, and shows how its knowledge and advice are still incredibly applicable to modern life.

In "A Guide to the Good Life," Irvine offers a refreshing presentation of Stoicism, demonstrating how this ancient philosophy can guide us toward a better life. By utilizing the psychological insights and practical techniques of the Stoics, Irvine provides a guide for those who wish to avoid the feelings of chronic dissatisfaction that plague so many of us.

Irvine examines various Stoic techniques that lead to tranquility and shows how to apply these techniques in our lives. He describes his own experiences in practicing Stoicism and offers valuable advice for those who want to live better by following in the footsteps of these ancient philosophers. Readers learn how to minimize anxiety, how to let go of the past and focus their efforts on the things they can control, as well as how to deal with insults, grief, aging, and the distracting temptations of fame and wealth.

We learn from Marcus Aurelius the importance of valuing only things that have true worth, and from Epictetus we learn how to be more content with what we have. Finally, "A Guide to the Good Life" shows readers how to become thoughtful observers of their own lives. If we observe ourselves as we go through a day and later reflect on what we have seen, we can better identify the sources of discomfort and ultimately avoid that pain in our lives. As the Stoics believed, by doing so, we can hope to attain a truly joyful life.

Pages: 336, Dimensions: 13x13cm