Everything you know about Stoicism is wrong.

A Guide to the Good Life

"... I had to cobble together a brand of Stoicism from clues scattered throughout the writings of the Roman Stoics. The resulting version of Stoicism, although derived from the ancient Stoics, is therefore unlike the Stoicism advocated by any particular Stoic." (William B. Irvine, A Guide to the Good Life, p. 244)

William B. Irvine may not realize it, but he has succeeded where reconstructionists all too often fail. He has created a modern version of Stoicism that is based closely on ancient sources. Not just an ancient philosophy text, careful reasoning is used to present a coherent philosophy of life that is actually workable in today's world.


Some time ago I posted a small notice about Lifehacker's piece on Stoicism. I took my own advice and I bought a copy of Professor Irvine's book, "A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy". In it, Irvine offers a well-grounded and scholarly, but very readable, discussion of Roman Stoicism and shows how it can be a practical modern philosophy of life.


As the quote above illustrates, Irvine's book is focused mainly on the Roman flavor of Stoicism. He starts where reconstructionists must often start; eliminating misconceptions.

"...unless you are an unusual individual, everything you know about Stoicism is wrong." (Lecture at the Center for Values in Sci & Tech)

The Benefits of Stoicism: via Lifehacker

Back in October 2011, Lifehacker posted a brief but useful introduction to Stoicism. It is good to see that such a widely read and practical site as Lifehacker is talking about Stoicism, and doing it accurately.

What I really like about this piece is that it relates Stoicism directly to the modern-day life issue of how to have "a good and meaningful life". Lifehacker's post was triggered by What is Stoicism and How Can it Turn your Life to Solid Gold by "Mr. Money Mustache".

Many Romans, at least, many educated Romans (we know too little about the non-literate classes) embraced Stoicism (for example, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius). Stoicism was and is consistent with a life of pietas and a pursuit of the Roman virtues. Modern followers of the Cultus Deorum are under no obligation to follow any particular philosophical path, but those who do not take a serious look at Stoicism are missing out not only on a major part of our cultural heritage, but also on what has been for many a practical guide to a happy life.

Recommended reading: "A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy" by William B. Irvine.

 EDIT: I bought the book and I review it here.