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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 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 18, 2024
It was just okay, really easy read and I’d argue there is probably better introductions to stoicism. It’s a little corny sometimes, throwing a million n one proverbs makes it seem like it is a lot deeper than it is.
But there were some moments where I had stuff to chew about, I’d recommend taking this very slow, you can read it in a day but you probably won’t get much of anything, I’d argue even though it might be a little tedious is to read 3-5 pages a day, which I found the best balance with tackling each idea. However for how long it took me to actually finish, I always had this thought I can’t wait for it to be over
I wish I started with something a little more direct, like Discourses and Selected Writings. Because around the halfway point it felt like it was repeating itself, a lot.
But there were some moments where I had stuff to chew about, I’d recommend taking this very slow, you can read it in a day but you probably won’t get much of anything, I’d argue even though it might be a little tedious is to read 3-5 pages a day, which I found the best balance with tackling each idea. However for how long it took me to actually finish, I always had this thought I can’t wait for it to be over
I wish I started with something a little more direct, like Discourses and Selected Writings. Because around the halfway point it felt like it was repeating itself, a lot.
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 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!
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
December 16, 2025
this isn’t actually epicetus. this is basically 'live laugh love' for stoicism.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews