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[Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness] [By: Epictetus] [June, 2007]
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 14, 2026
Meh, incredibly easy read and I’d argue there are probably better introductions to stoicism. The tone especially is corny, throwing a million and one proverbs makes it seem like it is a lot deeper than it is.
The central issue is the claims are asserted rather than argued. Quoting stoic aphorisms is not and will never be a substitute for justification there is little attempt to explain why these ideas hold, or how they cohere, or how they withstand scrutiny. Which should be the bare minimum when reading a booking that claims to be philosophical.
Despite it being a very easy read, I wouldn’t even recommend this to anyone wanting to read or learn about stoicism. Especially since the half way point the materials became especially repetitive.
If you want to read a pseudo intellectual self help book to sound smart I’d recommend this, however if you want a serious introduction to stoicism start with Discourses and Selected Writings
The central issue is the claims are asserted rather than argued. Quoting stoic aphorisms is not and will never be a substitute for justification there is little attempt to explain why these ideas hold, or how they cohere, or how they withstand scrutiny. Which should be the bare minimum when reading a booking that claims to be philosophical.
Despite it being a very easy read, I wouldn’t even recommend this to anyone wanting to read or learn about stoicism. Especially since the half way point the materials became especially repetitive.
If you want to read a pseudo intellectual self help book to sound smart I’d recommend this, however if you want a serious introduction to stoicism start with Discourses and Selected Writings
December 16, 2025
this isn’t actually epicetus. this is basically 'live laugh love' for stoicism.
September 16, 2025
Quick and concise. Some sections are short enough to be in a fortune cooking.
Some of the few sections and quotes I liked:
Avoid Most Popular Entertainment (pp 53) - "Most of what passes for legitimate entertainment is inferior or foolish and only caters to or exploits people's weaknesses"
- Sounds a lot like social media.
Safeguard Your Reason (pp 66)
- Don't fall for misinformation (fact check things)
Clear Thinking is Vital (pp 72) - "The life of wisdom is a life of reason"
- This section basically says to learn about critical thinking, spot fallacies, cognitive errors etc.
Be Suspicious of Convention (pp 92) - "Popular perceptions, values, and ways of doing things are rarely the wisest. Many pervasive beliefs would not pass appropriate tests of rationality" ... "Socially taught beliefs are frequently unreliable".
- Beware of socially driven cognitive shortcuts like conformity, tradition bias, social proof, bandwagon effect etc. Example: When an unseen airborne threat persists, many abandon protective habits because others have, not because the risk is gone.
Some of the few sections and quotes I liked:
Avoid Most Popular Entertainment (pp 53) - "Most of what passes for legitimate entertainment is inferior or foolish and only caters to or exploits people's weaknesses"
- Sounds a lot like social media.
Safeguard Your Reason (pp 66)
- Don't fall for misinformation (fact check things)
Clear Thinking is Vital (pp 72) - "The life of wisdom is a life of reason"
- This section basically says to learn about critical thinking, spot fallacies, cognitive errors etc.
Be Suspicious of Convention (pp 92) - "Popular perceptions, values, and ways of doing things are rarely the wisest. Many pervasive beliefs would not pass appropriate tests of rationality" ... "Socially taught beliefs are frequently unreliable".
- Beware of socially driven cognitive shortcuts like conformity, tradition bias, social proof, bandwagon effect etc. Example: When an unseen airborne threat persists, many abandon protective habits because others have, not because the risk is gone.
November 1, 2025
Great short read with thoughts on life, happiness, and contentment. I enjoyed this one, won't take you very long to get through. Here are a few of the quotes I highlighted:
First, say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do.
Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.
When something happens, the only thing in your power is your attitude toward it; you can either accept it or resent it.
Small-minded people habitually reproach others for their own misfortunes. Average people reproach themselves. Those who are dedicated to a life of wisdom understand that the impulse to blame something or someone is foolishness, that there is nothing to be gained in blaming, whether it be others or oneself.
Stop aspiring to be anyone other than your own best self: for that does fall within your control.
Recommended.
First, say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do.
Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.
When something happens, the only thing in your power is your attitude toward it; you can either accept it or resent it.
Small-minded people habitually reproach others for their own misfortunes. Average people reproach themselves. Those who are dedicated to a life of wisdom understand that the impulse to blame something or someone is foolishness, that there is nothing to be gained in blaming, whether it be others or oneself.
Stop aspiring to be anyone other than your own best self: for that does fall within your control.
Recommended.
January 14, 2026
A good book. However I found it passive - It’s true that what we can control is only ourselves and we should avoid people who live without good virtues since they bring us down. However, when we face injustice, what can we do to make it right? Maybe at this time I am preferring a little more actions than self control. Not that I want to control people’s action, but to protect myself from evil. Stoicism is great if everyone lives around us is at least good person with minor moral flaws. Yet I found it is a bit ideal.
January 28, 2024
Countless highlights in this book. Very easy to digest and most useful when applied to real life examples. Can have repetitive themes but once the point hits and is internalized it can open up the true substance and value in the material.
September 21, 2025
I read just a bit each day to try and let the words sink in. This is a great companion to Marcus Aurelias's Meditations. Epictetus's wisdom is timeless, simple but not easy, and I found his words comforting in the uneasy times we live in. This is a worthy addition to my Stoic library!
January 23, 2026
These books are always hard to fully understand and conceptualize since its extremely disconnected and each page is a new idea. It remind me of Meditations style writing but it’s WAY more surface level. Still many good ideas and concepts throughout the book.
December 27, 2023
This book was my first experience with the philosophy of Stoicism, and it was the perfect entry level book. Vert empowering. Highly recommended.
April 16, 2024
This gave a good overview of some of the most well-known teachings from one of the most well-known stoic philosophers. For those looking to scratch what stoicism teaches, this is a good start.
July 28, 2025
stoicism for dummies
enjoy with some grains of salt
morality based wisdom & the values of a virtuous life
enjoy with some grains of salt
morality based wisdom & the values of a virtuous life
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews