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Practical Stoicism: Exercises for Doing the Right Thing Right Now
For anyone who has found a philosophical home in Stoicism, but still struggles to integrate the ancient lessons into their day-to-day life, this might be the book for you. Practical Stoicism is a collection of short readings written to help bridge the gap between the essential teachings of the great Stoic philosophers and the things we must do, in the here and now, to achieve the fulfillment they promised. Pick a starting point anywhere within its pages whenever you need a quick reminder of how to move your philosophy out of your head and into your life. Version 2.4.1
78 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 9, 2021
A collection of Stoic teachings with a small explanation and comments by the author. Very inspiring
April 20, 2023
My favorite chapters:
1. Apply the Fork
-The classic Stoic example is that of the archer. The archer can take the correct
stance, aim perfectly, and release the arrow with precision. But anything can
happen after that. The wind can change and blow the arrow off target. The
target can move. The string could break.
None of these results should matter if the archer restricts his concern to
performing his task well. It is the effort put forth, the intent, the will that
matters, because we control it. If you restrict your concern to that which you
control, and you address those concerns with wisdom and courage, you will be
fulfilled.
Or you can chase after things outside your control and forever be a slave to
the whims of fate.
2. Educate by Example
-On no occasion call yourself a philosopher, nor talk at large of your principles among the
multitude, but act on your principles. For instance, at a banquet do not say how one ought to
eat, but eat as you ought. (Epictetus, Enchiridion XLVI)
3. Pause, Assess, Then Decide
-Remember, it is not enough to be hit or insulted to be harmed, you must believe that you are
being harmed. If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in
the provocation. Which is why it is essential that we not respond impulsively to impressions;
take a moment before reacting, and you will find it is easier to maintain control.
(Epictetus, Enchiridion XX)
4. Memento Mori
-Acquire the contemplative way of seeing how all things change into one another, and
constantly attend to it, and exercise yourself about this part of philosophy. For nothing is so
much adapted to produce magnanimity. ... Consider in what condition both in body and
soul a man should be when he is overtaken by death; and consider the shortness of life, the
boundless abyss of time past and future, the feebleness of all matter. (Marcus Aurelius,
Meditations X.11)
5. Take a 3rd-Party Perspective
-It’s hard to justify an emotional reaction to a situation that is only important
because it’s happening to you.
-We can familiarize ourselves with the will of nature by calling to mind our common
experiences. When a friend breaks a glass, we are quick to say, ‘Oh, bad luck.’ It’s only
reasonable, then, that when a glass of your own breaks, you accept it in the same patient
spirit. Moving on to graver things: when somebody’s wife or child dies, to a man we all
routinely say, ‘Well, that’s part of life.’ But if one of our own family is involved, then right
away it’s ‘Poor, poor me!’ We would do better to remember how we react when a similar loss
afflicts others. (Epictetus, Enchiridion XXVI)
1. Apply the Fork
-The classic Stoic example is that of the archer. The archer can take the correct
stance, aim perfectly, and release the arrow with precision. But anything can
happen after that. The wind can change and blow the arrow off target. The
target can move. The string could break.
None of these results should matter if the archer restricts his concern to
performing his task well. It is the effort put forth, the intent, the will that
matters, because we control it. If you restrict your concern to that which you
control, and you address those concerns with wisdom and courage, you will be
fulfilled.
Or you can chase after things outside your control and forever be a slave to
the whims of fate.
2. Educate by Example
-On no occasion call yourself a philosopher, nor talk at large of your principles among the
multitude, but act on your principles. For instance, at a banquet do not say how one ought to
eat, but eat as you ought. (Epictetus, Enchiridion XLVI)
3. Pause, Assess, Then Decide
-Remember, it is not enough to be hit or insulted to be harmed, you must believe that you are
being harmed. If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in
the provocation. Which is why it is essential that we not respond impulsively to impressions;
take a moment before reacting, and you will find it is easier to maintain control.
(Epictetus, Enchiridion XX)
4. Memento Mori
-Acquire the contemplative way of seeing how all things change into one another, and
constantly attend to it, and exercise yourself about this part of philosophy. For nothing is so
much adapted to produce magnanimity. ... Consider in what condition both in body and
soul a man should be when he is overtaken by death; and consider the shortness of life, the
boundless abyss of time past and future, the feebleness of all matter. (Marcus Aurelius,
Meditations X.11)
5. Take a 3rd-Party Perspective
-It’s hard to justify an emotional reaction to a situation that is only important
because it’s happening to you.
-We can familiarize ourselves with the will of nature by calling to mind our common
experiences. When a friend breaks a glass, we are quick to say, ‘Oh, bad luck.’ It’s only
reasonable, then, that when a glass of your own breaks, you accept it in the same patient
spirit. Moving on to graver things: when somebody’s wife or child dies, to a man we all
routinely say, ‘Well, that’s part of life.’ But if one of our own family is involved, then right
away it’s ‘Poor, poor me!’ We would do better to remember how we react when a similar loss
afflicts others. (Epictetus, Enchiridion XXVI)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
Great little ebook 5/5. Contains easy to read, easy to digest essays of all the main Stoic thoughts. Worth rereading.
Quotes to remember: "What truly matters, the actual application of the philosophy. That we not respond impulsively to impressions. Take a moment before reacting and you will find it easier to maintain control. So you use logic to understand physics which tells you what is ethical; put another way you use reason to study facts in order to figure out what to do. Your default response should always be to fall back to the source and follow nature. The Stoic concept of oikeiosis posits that a stoic should steadily increase the scope of his concerns include others. In your conversation, don't dwell and excessive length on your own deeds or adventures. Achieve arete - fulfilment through excellence of character. The pursuit of luxury precodes their pursuit of virtue. Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add but rather when there is nothing more to take away. If you derive your happiness from your own virtue then you have no need to convince others of your wisdom. Enter into discourse sparingly, avoiding such common topics as gladiators, horse races, athletes and the perpetual talk about food and drink. When it is your turn to broach a topic, make sure it is focused on anything but you and your obsessions."
Quotes to remember: "What truly matters, the actual application of the philosophy. That we not respond impulsively to impressions. Take a moment before reacting and you will find it easier to maintain control. So you use logic to understand physics which tells you what is ethical; put another way you use reason to study facts in order to figure out what to do. Your default response should always be to fall back to the source and follow nature. The Stoic concept of oikeiosis posits that a stoic should steadily increase the scope of his concerns include others. In your conversation, don't dwell and excessive length on your own deeds or adventures. Achieve arete - fulfilment through excellence of character. The pursuit of luxury precodes their pursuit of virtue. Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add but rather when there is nothing more to take away. If you derive your happiness from your own virtue then you have no need to convince others of your wisdom. Enter into discourse sparingly, avoiding such common topics as gladiators, horse races, athletes and the perpetual talk about food and drink. When it is your turn to broach a topic, make sure it is focused on anything but you and your obsessions."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2021
Good Primer on Stoicism
In this short book,the author boils down the essentials of Stoicism. Each chapter can be read by itself. It would be advisable for the reader to have a knot Stoicism before reading this book. There is nothing theoretical in the book; anyone can apply the principles given in the book.
In this short book,the author boils down the essentials of Stoicism. Each chapter can be read by itself. It would be advisable for the reader to have a knot Stoicism before reading this book. There is nothing theoretical in the book; anyone can apply the principles given in the book.
December 10, 2023
Great exercises
I really like that Mr. Freeman broke everything down to bite-sized pieces of information. He does not overwhelm the reader with history or information but gives a little with each subject heading. Very usable, practical advice to begin one's Stoic transformation. I highly recommend.
I really like that Mr. Freeman broke everything down to bite-sized pieces of information. He does not overwhelm the reader with history or information but gives a little with each subject heading. Very usable, practical advice to begin one's Stoic transformation. I highly recommend.
September 28, 2025
An excellent starting point for a beginner to stoicism looking to start meditations/ spiritual exercises. Easy to read and utilise, and covers most of the topics a new stoic would be seeking help with: Daily review, challenging people and situations, focusing on the present, etc. You can buy a copy for £5 on Amazon, the best £5 you can spend on Stoic philosophy.
August 12, 2023
Easy read
Simple to understand simple to apply and easy to read . a great daily reader to support and refresh ones take on the lessons written here. I will keep this around to reinforce my desire to be a better human.
Simple to understand simple to apply and easy to read . a great daily reader to support and refresh ones take on the lessons written here. I will keep this around to reinforce my desire to be a better human.
January 7, 2024
My personal shrink
Often helps me to understand what I’ve done right/wrong and how to do it better. If I’ve done wrong, to see that I’m not to reproach myself so hard and that doing wrong can also be very helpful.
I wish I read this book earlier, but perhaps I wasn’t ready.
Often helps me to understand what I’ve done right/wrong and how to do it better. If I’ve done wrong, to see that I’m not to reproach myself so hard and that doing wrong can also be very helpful.
I wish I read this book earlier, but perhaps I wasn’t ready.
May 10, 2021
Great!
Great short read for the modern stoic, straight to the point... highly recommed it! The time is Now as the stoic philosophy suggest!
Great short read for the modern stoic, straight to the point... highly recommed it! The time is Now as the stoic philosophy suggest!
August 31, 2022
Great practical tips in a very easily digestible book.
December 10, 2022
Short gust of exercises
I like that the book is short and still conveys so many valuable lessons and exercises. Definitely worth reading several times
I like that the book is short and still conveys so many valuable lessons and exercises. Definitely worth reading several times
March 4, 2023
good introduction
This is a very accessible take on applying stoicism to our daily lives. I would definitely recommend this book to introduce the philosophy to others
This is a very accessible take on applying stoicism to our daily lives. I would definitely recommend this book to introduce the philosophy to others
March 8, 2024
Introduction.
An engaging read on my Stoic introduction.
Informative and advice on books to assist any progress of needed as reference.
An engaging read on my Stoic introduction.
Informative and advice on books to assist any progress of needed as reference.
November 21, 2024
Practical and blunt
If you're ready for the unfiltered truth, this book is for you! I enjoyed it and I grew while reading it!
If you're ready for the unfiltered truth, this book is for you! I enjoyed it and I grew while reading it!
September 3, 2025
I read it rather quickly, and it was a good short read.
December 21, 2025
Earnestly dragged me, first book I’m going to write quotes from for review.
February 5, 2024
Very surprised by the quality and information of this book. I bought this book because it was very cheap and it seemed like a underrated book. And I was right. The stoicism is very well portrayed and I like that it is structured in small chapters each teaching a stoic lesson. The book is short but it does make it that each chapter is of value and not unnecessary.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews