A Life Worth Living: Meditations on God, Death and Stoicism

by William Ferraiolo

Stoicism offers rationally grounded, proven psychological techniques for the gradual development of consistent self-mastery, and emotional detachment from those elements of the human condition that tend to cause the most pervasive and unsettling forms of fear, anxiety, and avoidable disquiet. In the essays in A Life Worth Living, William Ferraiolo examines what it means to incorporate Stoicism into 21st century life, adapting classical Stoic philosophy for the modern day. 'William Ferraiolo’s new book represents an essential contribution to all who struggle with living a meaningful life.' Eldon Taylor, Ph.D, New York Times bestselling author of Choices and Illusions

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2020

Reviews

[AcademicEditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a few tries to get into this book. I've read the works of Marcus Aurelius as well as Ryan Holiday's writings on stoicism, so this wasn't unfamiliar territory to me. For a first-time reader, it might be a little dense. But all in all, it's a motivating work that makes practical applications of ancient wisdom. Definitely one for the stoicism bookshelf.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel there is a lot of misinformation around on stoicism and it is perhaps seen as "keeping a stiff upper lip" and accepting whatever life throws at you. But it is so much more than that. I see it as managing your own behaviour so that you react to whatever life throws at you in a healthy way. It is a "practice" and a way of life. Mr Ferraiolo uses the famous stoic tracts by Epictetus and Augustine, among others, to show how we can live now by learning from these past masters.

"The stoic sage does not make demands on the external world, but instead develops self discipline so as to deal reasonably with the world as it presents itself."

"We need not (and should not) concern ourselves with the thoughts, opinions, and behaviours of others. As these are beyond our control, they also ought to lie beyond our concern."

"No one can force indecency, cowardice, or any other vice upon a virtuous man. The only person that one has the power to diminish, degrade, or devalue, is oneself."

I think these few quotes show the emphasis of stoicism and the author's slant on taking responsibility for ourselves and getting away from following the crowd or "they made me do it." This is a book with a lot of content but it is an easy read and one I will be returning to over and over again. Especially when I feel the behaviour of others impacting me in a bad way.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[Rick Kennerly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve seldom encountered a book with such perfectly grammatical sentences that were so clunky to read. Clearly a product of an academic mind trying to split the difference between a popular audience & philosophical training while maintaining an academic writing style.

obviously I’m not the only person to have good, concise, clear writing driven out of them by advanced training.

Still, an enjoyable book that allows stoicism to mingle with outer belief traditions. The chapter on *no country for old men* is worth the price.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should have paid more attention to the subtitle. Stuff on stoicism is useful and interesting; chapters about the existence of God are boring. (Spoiler: nobody can say for sure.)

[Francis Dooley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay introduction to the concepts presented, at times overly repetitive, but can be forgiven due to the books short nature and occasional touching upon of interesting points.

[klurpheee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking book, for sure. I enjoy what the author has to say on the philosophical subjects of religion and death. Additionally, I haven't come across any other authors that are quite so candid! Good stuff.