The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User's Manual

This book is indispensable for anyone with a genuine interest in Stoicism. There is much more here than the standard (almost formulaic) account of stoic virtues, assent and indifferents etc. Throughout, one has a clear impression that the author is himself a practising Stoic; the writing is suffused with an authentic Stoic serenity and the examples of making Stoicism work in practice, are unique. Moreover, there are real – sometimes profound – insights. For example, his concept of viewing Stoicism as similar to "long experience" I found the last chapter of the book “Stoicism and its Critics” not only informative, but highly persuasive.What I like most of all, however, is that the authors account of Stoicism is deflationary, by which I mean that he is avoids making absurd claims about the ability of Stoicism to stave-off the anxieties and pain of being a human being in the world. Nowadays, Stoicism is too often regarded as just another option on the smorgasbord of self-help books, with various self-styled gurus offering their banal pronouncements and life-rules. Ward Farnsworth is a refreshing counter to this sort of nonsense. He provides deep insights into human life as illustrated by the Stoics, but always with a large measure of realism attached. His knowledge illuminates rather than imposes. In the end, we are all mortal, fragile and flawed humans. Stoicism can help us be the best we can, but that “best” will, in the end, be quite modest.Although I am well versed in Stoic literature, I found so much in this book that I will go back to – again and again. But my wife, who is new to Stoic thinking, also enjoyed this book hugely. That is a remarkable achievement for the author and why I am pleased to recommend “The Practising Stoic”.One final point worthy of note – is that the book (hardcover) is beautifully produced!

This is an excellent introduction to philosopical stoicism for anyone with a serious interest in the subject.The author takes the reader through the subject starting with an explanation of the origins of stoicism, revealing that the early Greek adherents are practically lost to us. We know who they are but only fragments of their writings sadly remain.The book outlines how stoics looked at a range of issues, supporting these comments with quotes from what he calls the later Stoics, Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. Among the subjects discussed are the key issues of Externals, the opinion of others and valuation. I really liked the explanation of these concepts and how quotations from the three Roman greats were used to clarify what the Stoics were getting at.I would highly recommend this book as a good starter for the serious student of the subject. The next step would be to read the works of Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, probably with this book close to hand. As I said, highly recommended.

I have read a number of books on stoicism now and all are good for various reasons. This one was an excellent in depth description of stoic ideas and points of view a d I highly recommend it to anyone interested in stoicism.

This is a great book, easy to read and well presented

Great book, reading it now for the second time and still learning. I still find it amazing how words written so long ago are still relevant today with the current mental health crisis we are facing, the wisdom found in this book can trully help empower people who feel they have no control over the thoughts and life.