BOOK REVIEW: How to be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci

Pages:  277

Ideal Reader: Everyone.  Especially those who are interested in Stoic philosophy in general or as a philosophy of life, anyone seeking peace of mind and tranquility throughout their life, and those who wish to better manage their emotions.

Ideal Issues:  

• Managing Desires and negative emotions
• Interacting and relating to others
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Personal stability and growth
• Decision making

Summary:

Like the title of the book says, it’s a guide on how to practice Stoicism in the modern world.  Human beings have not changed much in the last 2000 years, so this ancient Greek/Roman philosophy of life is as applicable now as it ever was.  In this book, Massimo Pigliucci describes the three branches of Stoicism (physics, logic, and ethics), the Stoic virtues associated with each branch, and the Stoic disciplines and practices found in each branch and demonstrates how to apply them to modern situations.  To enhance his explanation, the author uses examples of his own life and practice of Stoicism, cites ancient Stoic texts, and has an imaginary conversation with Epictetus to best illustrate Stoic principles and practices. Pigliucci draws connections between Stoicism, biology, psychology, and mental health to further demonstrate Stoicism’s relevance and applicability to society and individuals today.  This book is written for philosophers and non-philosophers alike to ensure that anyone can learn and practice how to be a Stoic. While you won’t be an expert on Stoic philosophy after this one book, you will be on your way to practicing and incorporating Stoicism into your daily life and relationships; the true purpose of philosophy.

How it Helps:

• Provides a guide on how to live a good life through ancient Stoicism
• Learn skills to manage emotions
• Guide on how to act in the world
• Provides direction on how to manage reactions

Therapist Reflections:

If I only had one sentence to describe this book it would be: this book makes Stoicism approachable.  Pigliucci manages to conceptualize Stoic concepts in a way anyone can understand while keeping the reader engaged.  This book feels more like the author is talking directly to the reader (or that you’re eavesdropping on an argument between himself and Epictetus).  It has a conversational tone rather than sounding like an academic lecture of ideas, making it easily accessible to every reader.

This was the second book on Stoicism I’ve read.  The information presented matched well with William B. Irvine’s book A Guide to the Good Life:  The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (which is what one would hope when reading about the same philosophy).  However, I felt that I learned new things from How to be a Stoic.  I was especially pleased to read how the Stoic disciplines of desire, action, and assent related to the three branches of Stoic philosophy,  ethics, logic, and physics, and their relationships with the four Stoic cardinal virtues. As a bonus, there was even a handy chart! The author also organizes sections of the book by the three Stoic disciplines, keeping with the theme and making it easy to reference later if needed.

My favorite chapters were from chapter ten through chapter thirteen.  These chapters focused on what I feel are more therapy/mental health related and cover topics such as disability, mental illness, death, suicide, anger, anxiety, depression, loneliness, love, and relationships.  While the author notes that Stoicism cannot cure mental health challenges, the principles and practices can be helpful (at times) in living a good life despite the struggles we face. It carries with it an air of hope.  And I just love that.

Finally, I’d love to share with you my favorite quote in the book.  Something to keep in mind when learning about philosophy, applying it to your life, developing your own philosophy of life, and even making progress in therapy:

“True philosophy is a matter of a little theory and a lot of practice.”

Massimo Pigliucci in How to be a Stoic

With all that said, I hope you check out the book.  I would love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave comments below!