Прости правила за добър живот: Стоицизъм в ежедневието

by William Mulligan, Уилям Мълиган, Снежана Милева (Translator)

От хиляди години стоиците развиват система от простички идеи, предават ги на следващото поколение и ги разпространяват по света. Макар да е възникнало толкова отдавна, това философско учение може да ни помогне в разрешаването на проблеми в днешния свят. То ни предоставя пътеводител към стойностния живот и подробен план за самоусъвършенстване. По този път няма градация, а просто създавате добри навици, които улесняват взимането на добри решения, а това ви носи щастие. С развиването на търпение, съпричастност и мъдрост пък помагате и на околните.

Може да започнете още днес и веднага ще усетите подобрение в живота си. Като прилагате в ежедневието си четирите добродетели на стоицизма, можете да успокоите ума си, да се откъснете от разсейващите екрани и културата на консуматорство и да постигнете вътрешен мир и удовлетворение. Стоицизмът изпълнява точно обещанията си и цялата му философия е свързана с постоянството. Важното е да си дадете възможността да изградите тези мънички добри навици, да изберете как искате да живеете и на тази основа да изграждате своето благоденствие.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Collections

200 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[Amit Bharti · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his book, The Everyday Stoic, the author deconstructs the fundamentals of Stoic virtues: wisdom, courage, justice, and moderation. These four virtues impart valuable Stoic wisdom that helps make modern life more resilient and brings clarity and strength.

✴️Reading about Stoicism always fascinates me; it refines my thinking and helps me control my behavior and inner conscience. The book discusses four virtues and vices, which form its pillars. Through in-depth Stoic wisdom, we can control our thoughts and become resilient in the face of life's adversities. Courage, moderation, and justice are valuable virtues that bring clarity and reduce complexity in our lives by integrating these lessons.

✴️From Marcus Aurelius to Seneca, the author extensively shares the history and origins of Stoicism, demonstrating how to achieve calmness in our modern chaotic lifestyle and the confidence we often lack.

✴️This book is especially helpful for overthinkers and anxious people who struggle with ambiguous thinking and lack confidence and direction in life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning and understanding Stoicism. It can serve as your introductory guide to Stoic philosophy.

[CrayZey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised to find out that I've actually been leading a very stoic life!

There have been points in my life where I have stumbled upon the stoic philosophy by accident, and I had been fascinated by it with the very little information I had. I decided to pick up this book because I wanted to have a full-fledged understanding of what stoicism really is. And it was a very sweet read.

One comment though - I found the book to be too repetitive with not enough details. I think the author could have done a lot more with explaining the four virtues and how to implement them into our lives.

[Greta Danauskaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am probably the least Stoic person on earth and I realized that I really need to work on it. This book is my beginning point and I can say - a very good one. It explains the concepts of Stoicism in easy language, gives examples and small exercises for every day. I won't claim that I changed or became a Stoic person but I do understand now that there are small things I can do to change.

In general I find it difficult to read non-fiction and I do it very rarely but I'm really glad I chose this one.

[Danny Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Our existence is down to our ability to work together and has been the key to our survival for hundreds of thousands of years. Asking for help isn't giving up, it's a refusal to give up. We can be wise enough to understand that other people may have the answers, and we can be courageous enough to seek their guidance. '

[Gijs Limonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars; this quickly devolved into a boring enumeration of well known stoic tropes, I was expecting some more background info, some deepening of my knowledge on the stoics but I could've skipped this addition to the long list of authors monetizing stoic philosophy, as it happens comprising mostly of middle-aged men.

[Craig Carignan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time following the author/narrator due to his accent.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad intro intro to stoicism!

[Artur Coutinho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bom livro simples e eficaz a transmitir a ideia!

[Booklaudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Como bien lo menciona el autor desde un inicio, este libro no pretende estudiar el estoicismo, sino utilizar sus conceptos y enseñanzas para ser una guía que permita llevar una vida más en paz y feliz.

Empieza con una introducción sobre el origen del estoicismo, los principales representantes de esta corriente filosófica y posteriormente en los capítulos, se adentra a los conceptos principales y su pensamiento, al mismo tiempo los plantea en la actualidad moderna, con las redes sociales, la tecnología, así como con la ansiedad y estrés que vivimos en este siglo XXI, derivada de la sobreexposición a la que estamos expuestos.

Me gustó que lo explica de una forma muy sencilla y fácil de entender y aplicar en nuestra vida diaria, creo que los estoicos tienen una ideología muy bonita sobre cómo llevar la vida y, como cita el autor, la excelencia es un hábito, practiquemos día a día estas enseñanzas para llevar una mejor vida y hacer la vida mejor para los demás.

[Huma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note This: "The single most important practice in Stoic philosophy is learning to distinguish between what we can change and what we can’t what we have control over and what we do not"

Stoicism, as a philosophy, offers practical guidelines for living. The Stoics believed life could be complex and draining but these rules helped them stay on track and uphold their high standards, even when faced with challenging situations.

At its core, Stoicism encourages 'developing everyday habits that bring joy and purpose to life'. From Marcus Aurelius to Seneca, Stoic thinkers have provided valuable advice and problem-solving techniques for centuries. The ideas include accepting life's unpredictability, embracing reality as it is, and facing obstacles with calmness and grace.

'The Everyday Stoic' shares these timeless teachings in a clear, accessible manner. This handbook offers practical advice to help you build resilience, find meaning, and lead a happier life in today's world.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best gift I’ve ever received at the best time possible. Thank you darling, I will forever be yours.
This book teaches us about stoicism, a subject I've hunted for a long time but didn't go into it because I've thought that it was super difficult to comprehend, but guess what? William Mulligan is such a good teacher that it made it super easy to understand and remember.
We are all searching for a happy life and the saying is true, happiness does come from within, this book just presents what within is.
Highly recommend.

[Naveed Qazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was little over stretched with examples but it explains fundamentals of Stoicism quite nicely. The philosophy has even formed the basis of CBT which itself vouches upon the richness of its principles.

[Malcolm Samuels · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I could see the value in this book, I just couldn't get passed the mispronounced words, which are a bit of a pet peeve for me. Ironic, I know 🤦🏽
It also sounded at times, as though the reader/author was following the words with his finger on the page as he read. I hope I can find another version read by someone else.

[Karin · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘Mensen zoeken een plek op het platteland, aan de kust, in de heuvels, om zich terug te trekken, en jij hebt er ook een gewoonte van gemaakt om daar bovenal naar te verlangen. Maar dat is heel onfilosofisch, aangezien je je in jezelf kunt terugtrekken wanneer je maar wilt; want nergens heerst meer rust en vrijheid van zorgen dan in je eigen ziel.’ - Marcus Aurelius

[Sophia King-Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a light read and drills in ways of thinking to be more positive and appreciative, worth reading

[Rafi Djokosoetono · Rating 3 out of 5]

In simple terms, Stoicism is about being present, expressing gratitude, focusing on things only you can control, being mindful of your thoughts, and do actions based on the four virtues of this philosophy; Wisdom, Justice, Courage, and Moderation.

Mulligan uses examples from his past, includes quotes from the forefathers of this philosophy like Zeno, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and many others to show that all the problems that people faced 100, 200, 2000, and more years ago are all really the same and it boils down to the search for happiness. He claims that living in the way of a Stoic is the solution. And yes, I partly agree, but I don't believe it can apply for everyone in every circumstance of the world.

I'm uncertain whether to comment on Mulligan himself and his delivery or the philosophy itself. There are claims such as he who has little is less poor than he who wants more. And all it means is that we should be grateful for what we have and not want more as it can lead to perpetual dissatisfaction, since pleasure only lasts in mere moments and it is separate to happiness. Wanting more and achieving it does not equate to happiness. But what of people in business? In industries? In companies that deal with helping others? Is growth and improvement not something that they continually strive for? Growth for better service, better products, better reputation, better market perception, along with consequential revenue and market share growth. Does that then mean companies as such or rather people who are in charge of such should feel less of that strive for growth and simply show gratitude for what they already are? I think thats an idealist perspective of certain acts in life that require both gratuity and also grit for more.

Perhaps I've taken what he says too literally, or the philosophy too simply. Mulligan does say that Stoicism is simple, but not all simple things are easy. Yet in any case, my claim is that the Stoic'/ way of living only applies in individuals and not communities, even if it promotes the betterment of society as a whole. I imagine a neighborhood or group of people where everyone has upheld the virtues of Stoicism, no one sees their past as burdens and no one fears for their future (uncontrollable) and all just live in the moment. Problems boil down to simple events and nothing in these people's lives ever seem to be issues. They're just happy and content and just live day by day. And I compare it to a neighborhood where there are some stoics, some who still live by the vices of stoicism, and they co-exist but perceive problems differently. I still believe the latter community will grow as a whole for the simple matter of friction allowing a moment to change, to grow. While the former sits still and unhindered, passive and just enjoying whats they have and whats around them.

Again, I may be taking this too literally. This is the first book on Stoicism I have read after all. And it felt very much more like a guide to happiness rather than an education of Stoicism. It was a self-help book, and I wasn't really expecting it to be one.

In any case there are a lot of things I've learned from Mulligan. That it is true, problems in life are simply just things that happened, and all things that happen or all things that are said have a truth factor to them. All life really is about is finding out what those truths are and deciding what you're going to do with it, how you're going to shape your mind around it. Let negative comments affect your whole day? Your whole week? Or can we find the truth in that comment and let it be an opportunity for us to grow, and build character. What is in our control and what isn't, our opinions, our actions, other's reactions, opinions–how will these things shape us as we continue to live.

I’m unsure if what I’ve read is truly Stoicism or Mulligan’s version of it. My critique of a philosophy that doesn’t account for friction and growth may be better aimed at his delivery than the philosophy itself — the Stoics faced war, slavery, empire. They weren’t passive. Maybe what I’m rejecting is the self-help packaging, not Stoicism at its core. I’ll need to read more to know.

[David Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always on the lookout for new works on my guiding life philosophy of Stoicism. So I was happy when I came across this book.

I also was a little hesitant when I began it. Too often, I've been excited to start a new book on Stoicism - only to be disappointed when it proved to be too basic or too academic.

Fortunately, Mulligan's work was in the Goldilocks' space of "just right."

Seriously, the first-time author did a great job of finding the balance between an entertaining and enjoyable writing style and a worthwhile discussion of fundamental Stoic principles. So, kudos to him for doing something at which many other modern writers on Stoicism have failed.

I find that jacket/marketing descriptions of nonfiction works usually don't do the work justice, but here's the one for this work:

"Overcome adversity, cultivate resilience, and find inner peace in the chaos of modern life with clear and simple lessons derived from ancient Stoic philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the famous Stoics, author William Mulligan, founder of The Everyday Stoic, will help you discover the power of confronting life's unpredictability; why it is important to accept the state of the universe as is; and how to overcome obstacles with race and serenity.

Join the Stoic movement today and follow in the footsteps of great minds. By doing so, you can create a more fulfilling life in which happiness is not a variable, but rather a state of mind."

While there's nothing earth-shattering in this description, it is an accurate (albeit highly generalized) summary of Mulligan's approach to applying ancient Stoic principles in modern times. And the success of his approach is why I gave it four stars and highly recommend it to anyone wanting a worthwhile introduction to Stoicism.

I'll wrap up this review with two of my favorite excerpts from the book, which highlight Mulligan's approach:

"Death is not the enemy; a wasted life is the enemy - for one is a guarantee and the other is a failure on our part." [p. 88]

"Life is not about acquisition, but about experience." [p. 91]

[Nuno Matias · Rating 5 out of 5]

I approached "The Everyday Stoic" without any prior knowledge of Stoicism or its ideals, and I must say it was a pleasant surprise.

The book not only introduces the fundamentals of Stoicism but also connects them to their origins in Ancient Greece, showing us that, despite the passage of centuries, our dreams and concerns remain remarkably similar to the people from that time. I found the inclusion of quotes and short stories particularly appealing, as they effectively emphasize key Stoic principles.

Personally, as I read the book, I realized that I had already been practicing some Stoic principles unconsciously. Nevertheless, I learned a great deal, which has helped me approach life with a lighter perspective. One message that stood out to me was: I can't control how others speak to me; the only thing I can control is how I choose to react.

A must-read for anyone who feels overwhelmed by life.

[Aubreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a practical and realistic guide on how to live a stoic life. It’s especially good for anyone who’s new to the philosophy. Everything is explained clearly without feeling too heavy or complicated. I liked how the author lays out each idea, explains it in a simple way, and then follows up with real life exercises to help you actually practice what you read.

Mulligan comes across as relatable and honest about his own struggles with staying consistent and living by stoic principles, which makes the book feel genuine instead of preachy. It’s straightforward, motivating, and a good reminder that progress comes from daily effort.

I also feel like this book could benefit anyone, regardless of their beliefs or background. If you’re simply looking to live a more peaceful, balanced, and intentional life, this book gives you the tools to start doing just that.

[Dihansa Gamage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good introduction to Stoicism. I resonated a lot with the writing, and some parts really challenged my own beliefs and ways of thinking.

Favourite quotes/sections:

“like the rock that the waves keep crashing over. It stands unmoved and the raging of the sea falls still around it.”

“Where you place your focus, you also place your energy”

“People often avoid the truth for fear of destroying the illusions they’ve built”

“The shopping mall rule: only follow those people (on social media) that you would make the effort to go over and speak to if you saw them out at the shops. Why would you give your life over to the lunches and bathroom decorations of people you wouldn’t even be pleased to speak to if you saw them in real life?”

[Cansu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bu ara bir şeylere kafamı çok takmıştım, ve bu kitap beni buldu diye dişünüyorum. Normalde kitaplarda karalama yapan altını çizen biri değilim ama benim için çok anlamlı olan bir yeri yazmak istiyorum buraya:

“Hayatında hiç sıkıntı çekmemiş birinden daha mutsuzu yoktur. Çünkü kendini kanıtlamasına müsaade edilmemiştir”

Şu an bazı sıkıntıları dert eden biri olarak bu söz bana çok iyi geldi. Bu sıkıntıları çözmek için şu an benim elimden gelen hiçbir şeyin olmadığını ve bu nedenle dert etmemin saçma olduğunu da farkettirdi

Aslında kitabı genel olarak beğendim, önerdiği hayat biçimine de kesinlikle katılıyorum ama uygulaması biraz zor. Kitabı her gün görebileceğim bir yerlerde tutmam lazım çünkü önerdiği şeyleri uygulamak istiyorum gerçekten, bakalım deneyeceğim.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes Stoic philosophy and makes it super easy to understand and apply to real life. The advice is practical, straightforward, and something you can use every day to handle stress and stay focused. If you’re into self-improvement or just want to level up your mindset, this book is definitely worth checking out. It’s like having a guide to help you stay calm and cool, no matter what life throws at you.

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fine. I can get along with the key pillars; courage, wisdom, moderation and justice. The author was passionate and gave stories from his life. It was a lot like other books which advised the benefits of getting off social media. As someone who doesn’t really do social media (does Goodreads count? 🤔) these lessons weren’t useful for me. It was nice that it was just a 4 hour audiobook and didn’t drag on.

[shark typhoon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t bother: he quotes people on social media like they are famous authors ‘like @nobody’ said, etc and give vague ‘examples’ like ‘I was on the train and suddenly realised what other people think doesn’t matter’! How helpful!

It’s just a plastic and clearly he doesn’t practice Stoicism - engaging with trolls online is not at all Stoic.

I can’t even be partly kind about this book, it was a waste of time. Stick to real Stoics.

[Vinaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple rules for a good life. I really needed this one right now. A simple, calming read that translates Stoicism into everyday modern life. Clean, clear, and easy to digest. The reflections make you pause and think about how you react to things, what you can control, and what you should simply let go. Sometimes that reminder is exactly what we need. Loved it!

[Stacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book focuses on letting go, acceptance, authenticity, and living life guided by four virtues. Ultimately, it’s all about your mindset and how you respond to challenges or other people’s drama. Sometimes, the best response is no response.

[Mischa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not dislike this book, and a lot of things I could agree with. However, I feel like the book is worse due to the fact that the author sees way too many things in black and white, and life is just not like that.

[Boutaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but it felt like a long essay of what was said and practiced by ancient Stoics more than “a guide” to get into stoicism. It’s hard to find a book about this topic that doesn’t get repetitive after a 100 pages.

[Betül Bozkurt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Güzel bir kitap. Ama Stoacılıkla ilgili kitap önerecek olsam sanırım bu “Kendime düşünceler”den sonra “Güzel yaşam kılavuzu: Antik stoacı sevinç sanatı” olurdu. Bu kitabı da kısa bir haftasonu seyahatim boyunca okudum, bitti🌸

[Martina ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

la primera mitad me fascinó, porque además aprendí muchas cosas; pero ya la segunda se me hizo súper bola y sentía que estaba repitiendo lo mismo todo el rato. había veces que incluso, sin darme cuenta, me ponía a pensar en mis cosas y ni me enteraba de lo que estaba pasando de lo aburrido que era.