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Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience
How do we find calm in times of stress and uncertainty? How do we cope with sudden losses or find meaning in a world that can easily rob us of what we most value? Drawing on the wisdom of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and others, Nancy Sherman's Stoic Wisdom presents a compelling, modern Stoicism that teaches grit, resilience, and the importance of close relationships in addressing life's biggest and smallest challenges.
A renowned expert in ancient and modern ethics, Sherman relates how Stoic methods of examining beliefs and perceptions can help us correct distortions in what we believe, see, and feel. Her study reveals a profound insight about the They never believed, as Stoic popularizers often hold, that rugged self-reliance or indifference to the world around us is at the heart of living well. We are at home in the world, they insisted, when we are connected to each other in cooperative efforts. We build resilience and goodness through our deepest relationships.
Bringing ancient ideas to bear on 21st century concerns--from workers facing stress and burnout to first responders in a pandemic, from soldiers on the battlefield to citizens fighting for racial justice--Sherman shows how Stoicism can help us fulfil the promise of our shared humanity.
In nine lessons that combine ancient pithy quotes and daily exercises with contemporary ethics and psychology, Stoic Wisdom is a field manual for the art of living well.
A renowned expert in ancient and modern ethics, Sherman relates how Stoic methods of examining beliefs and perceptions can help us correct distortions in what we believe, see, and feel. Her study reveals a profound insight about the They never believed, as Stoic popularizers often hold, that rugged self-reliance or indifference to the world around us is at the heart of living well. We are at home in the world, they insisted, when we are connected to each other in cooperative efforts. We build resilience and goodness through our deepest relationships.
Bringing ancient ideas to bear on 21st century concerns--from workers facing stress and burnout to first responders in a pandemic, from soldiers on the battlefield to citizens fighting for racial justice--Sherman shows how Stoicism can help us fulfil the promise of our shared humanity.
In nine lessons that combine ancient pithy quotes and daily exercises with contemporary ethics and psychology, Stoic Wisdom is a field manual for the art of living well.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published May 11, 2021
98 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Sherman
19 books41 followersMy introduction to the psyche of the soldier, in a sense, goes back to my father and my childhood. My dad was a WW II vet who never talked about “his” war, though he carried his dogtags on his keychain for 65 years. The war never left him; he took it to the grave; and he always felt that his burden was private. I suspect I always felt that the burden ought to be shared, or at least, that I ought to understand it better.
The chance came when I was appointed the first Distinguished Chair in Ethics at the U.S. Naval Academy in the mid-nineties. I had been an academic in ethics for most of my career, focused on ethics and the emotions, in ancient and modern philosophy. I also had a background and research training in psychoanalysis. For the first time in my life I became a civilian in a military world, and I began to understand better the secret world of my dad. I started teaching and writing about the moral challenges of going to war and returning home, and have been immersed in that research ever since. The issues couldn’t be more urgent for a nation now fighting wars on two fronts for almost a decade.
The Untold War is my best effort at allowing soldiers to open up their hearts and tell their stories. I have listened to those stories with the ear of a philosopher and psychoanalyst, but also with the ear of a daughter, who always felt that she needed to understand more about what her father went through. And I have analyzed those stories in language that steps outside the academy—in terms my dad would have understood. I talk about the visible and invisible wounds of war; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and resilience; military suicide and its prevention; military honor, guilt, and shame. Military families need to know that we who do not have loved ones serving are doing our best to understand and help those who do.
Officially, I am a distinguished University Professor in Philosophy at Georgetown and an affiliate at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics. I also teach some semesters at Georgetown University Law Center. I taught at Yale for seven years before coming to Georgetown.
I spend much of my free time outside. I run most days, swim in an outdoor pool a few times a week, and hike and bike on occasion. Here I take lessons from my grown children: My daughter Kala was a competitive swimmer at Dartmouth, and my son Jonathan has cycled across the country for Habitat for Humanity with a Yale group; he also led cycling tours in Europe. But as my daughter once said to me, “Mom, you’re athletic, but no athlete!” As a family, we love to hike-- in the Northeast, the Rockies, the Lake District in England, and in years past, Corsica. But our local Billy Goat trail, on the Potomac, is also a favorite. I adore dancing—modern dance – something I have been doing since college. Come summer, I turn into an obsessive gardener and on a not-too-buggy D.C. day, I like nothing more than losing myself in the mud. Cooking is also a serious family business. My husband Marshall, also known as “chef Marcel,” is a remarkably good cook.
The chance came when I was appointed the first Distinguished Chair in Ethics at the U.S. Naval Academy in the mid-nineties. I had been an academic in ethics for most of my career, focused on ethics and the emotions, in ancient and modern philosophy. I also had a background and research training in psychoanalysis. For the first time in my life I became a civilian in a military world, and I began to understand better the secret world of my dad. I started teaching and writing about the moral challenges of going to war and returning home, and have been immersed in that research ever since. The issues couldn’t be more urgent for a nation now fighting wars on two fronts for almost a decade.
The Untold War is my best effort at allowing soldiers to open up their hearts and tell their stories. I have listened to those stories with the ear of a philosopher and psychoanalyst, but also with the ear of a daughter, who always felt that she needed to understand more about what her father went through. And I have analyzed those stories in language that steps outside the academy—in terms my dad would have understood. I talk about the visible and invisible wounds of war; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and resilience; military suicide and its prevention; military honor, guilt, and shame. Military families need to know that we who do not have loved ones serving are doing our best to understand and help those who do.
Officially, I am a distinguished University Professor in Philosophy at Georgetown and an affiliate at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics. I also teach some semesters at Georgetown University Law Center. I taught at Yale for seven years before coming to Georgetown.
I spend much of my free time outside. I run most days, swim in an outdoor pool a few times a week, and hike and bike on occasion. Here I take lessons from my grown children: My daughter Kala was a competitive swimmer at Dartmouth, and my son Jonathan has cycled across the country for Habitat for Humanity with a Yale group; he also led cycling tours in Europe. But as my daughter once said to me, “Mom, you’re athletic, but no athlete!” As a family, we love to hike-- in the Northeast, the Rockies, the Lake District in England, and in years past, Corsica. But our local Billy Goat trail, on the Potomac, is also a favorite. I adore dancing—modern dance – something I have been doing since college. Come summer, I turn into an obsessive gardener and on a not-too-buggy D.C. day, I like nothing more than losing myself in the mud. Cooking is also a serious family business. My husband Marshall, also known as “chef Marcel,” is a remarkably good cook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 12, 2021
This book is a huge disappointment!
I am aware, and appreciate, the attempt to make this book more easygoing and to lessen the academic tone, but this book is going in the completely wrong direction.
Most philosophical anecdotes are completely out of context and unnecessary.
I found this book in the "philosophy" section, while it would rather fit into the "self-help" section, as it reads more like a ted-talk given by some kind of entrepreneur. So a lot of talk, with maybe ten percent substance.
Speaking of a lot of talk, this book LOVES avoiding the actual topic, by giving CONSTANT political and social commentary!
I understand, that the book also focuses on the modern implementation of stoism, but I doubt that this is the way to do it.
The whole book feels like it could be condensed to a 20 page long flyer without loosing any of its substance.
I am aware, and appreciate, the attempt to make this book more easygoing and to lessen the academic tone, but this book is going in the completely wrong direction.
Most philosophical anecdotes are completely out of context and unnecessary.
I found this book in the "philosophy" section, while it would rather fit into the "self-help" section, as it reads more like a ted-talk given by some kind of entrepreneur. So a lot of talk, with maybe ten percent substance.
Speaking of a lot of talk, this book LOVES avoiding the actual topic, by giving CONSTANT political and social commentary!
I understand, that the book also focuses on the modern implementation of stoism, but I doubt that this is the way to do it.
The whole book feels like it could be condensed to a 20 page long flyer without loosing any of its substance.
July 4, 2023
The Good:
Towards the end there is what stands out to me as the only thought provoking, memorable part of the book. Sherman’s thoughts on the “My Lai Massacre” and what the stoics view of emotions, in particular anger, would’ve been. A nuanced take on anger is apt for discussion amongst modern stoic thinkers.
The Bad:
This book is laced with outright distain for stoicism’s modern followers. It is abundantly clear that Sherman sees stoicism, as unjustly captured by “straight, misogynist, racist, white, men”
This reads more like a drawn out Facebook rant, virtue signaling to fellow Leftists that she’s sorry stoicism has been re-popularized by white men such as Ryan Holiday, and Tim Farris.
How can Sherman expect to convince moderate, sane, individuals to then follow stoic teachings when its modern followers are practically Nazi adjacent?
Sherman assumes stoicism is in favor amongst the “Alt Right“ due to the fact, that the teachings are those of dead, white, men who look cool on horseback. But is this really the motivation? Karl Marx, is a “dead, privileged, racist, white man.” Yet his ideas are not automatically lapped up due to his skin color. In fact he’s a darling of The Left.
A much more reasonable person would assume it’s the quality of the ideas and not the color of the skin that drives the modern interest. Furthermore, the focus on the “dead white men” is purely a phenomenon of The Left. Left-wing activist routinely try to discredit ideas based on these immutable characteristics. Often stating that we should not listen to a Marcus Aurelius type because of the amount of melanin in his skin.
The point this book turns into a Leftist Facebook rant is when she brings up the following 2021 political issues, seemingly in an effort to posture what side of the issues she’s on. Rather than draw stoic lessons from each or any.
-“Me too”
-Covid pandemic as a major disaster.
-“Black Lives Matter” as something other than a group of individuals with the least amount of stoic virtues publicly displayed in years.
-Gavin Newsom, as a great leader.
-“The Patriarchy” as major issue of the day.
-Comparison of George Floyd to Emmett Till
-Writing of the false rape accusations against Brett Kavanaugh.
Any of these issues could’ve been drawn upon for stoic virtues run amuck, but she never does. It’s all just to signal what side of the issues she’s on. We get it, you’re woke!
Modern Popularizers:
Sherman has assumptions about what Ryan Holidays books are focused on. It is clear she has either not read them, or was not paying attention when doing so. In a feeble attempt to turn him into a stoic grifter by laying out the dictionary definition of “hack” she’s exposes her fundamental lack of understating of what he’s attempting to do.
A large difference between Holiday’s books, and this is, I have no idea what Holiday’s personal politics are. Sherman is all too ready with left-wing propaganda, whilst Holidays books are void of personal politics and focused on stoic tenets, applicable to modernity.
This book was a recommendation from “Holberg Prize Winner” Martha Nussbaum, as a superior summation of stoic teachings. The fact that she chose this book to do so discredits Martha as a credible stoic thinker. I plan to read more of her work to see if there is any “there” there. But I’m severely disappointed in this one.
Towards the end there is what stands out to me as the only thought provoking, memorable part of the book. Sherman’s thoughts on the “My Lai Massacre” and what the stoics view of emotions, in particular anger, would’ve been. A nuanced take on anger is apt for discussion amongst modern stoic thinkers.
The Bad:
This book is laced with outright distain for stoicism’s modern followers. It is abundantly clear that Sherman sees stoicism, as unjustly captured by “straight, misogynist, racist, white, men”
This reads more like a drawn out Facebook rant, virtue signaling to fellow Leftists that she’s sorry stoicism has been re-popularized by white men such as Ryan Holiday, and Tim Farris.
How can Sherman expect to convince moderate, sane, individuals to then follow stoic teachings when its modern followers are practically Nazi adjacent?
Sherman assumes stoicism is in favor amongst the “Alt Right“ due to the fact, that the teachings are those of dead, white, men who look cool on horseback. But is this really the motivation? Karl Marx, is a “dead, privileged, racist, white man.” Yet his ideas are not automatically lapped up due to his skin color. In fact he’s a darling of The Left.
A much more reasonable person would assume it’s the quality of the ideas and not the color of the skin that drives the modern interest. Furthermore, the focus on the “dead white men” is purely a phenomenon of The Left. Left-wing activist routinely try to discredit ideas based on these immutable characteristics. Often stating that we should not listen to a Marcus Aurelius type because of the amount of melanin in his skin.
The point this book turns into a Leftist Facebook rant is when she brings up the following 2021 political issues, seemingly in an effort to posture what side of the issues she’s on. Rather than draw stoic lessons from each or any.
-“Me too”
-Covid pandemic as a major disaster.
-“Black Lives Matter” as something other than a group of individuals with the least amount of stoic virtues publicly displayed in years.
-Gavin Newsom, as a great leader.
-“The Patriarchy” as major issue of the day.
-Comparison of George Floyd to Emmett Till
-Writing of the false rape accusations against Brett Kavanaugh.
Any of these issues could’ve been drawn upon for stoic virtues run amuck, but she never does. It’s all just to signal what side of the issues she’s on. We get it, you’re woke!
Modern Popularizers:
Sherman has assumptions about what Ryan Holidays books are focused on. It is clear she has either not read them, or was not paying attention when doing so. In a feeble attempt to turn him into a stoic grifter by laying out the dictionary definition of “hack” she’s exposes her fundamental lack of understating of what he’s attempting to do.
A large difference between Holiday’s books, and this is, I have no idea what Holiday’s personal politics are. Sherman is all too ready with left-wing propaganda, whilst Holidays books are void of personal politics and focused on stoic tenets, applicable to modernity.
This book was a recommendation from “Holberg Prize Winner” Martha Nussbaum, as a superior summation of stoic teachings. The fact that she chose this book to do so discredits Martha as a credible stoic thinker. I plan to read more of her work to see if there is any “there” there. But I’m severely disappointed in this one.
May 17, 2021
This book is extremely helpful for anyone learning about the intersection between ancient philosophy and modern life, but it a must-have for veterans who understand Stoicism as a way to move forward after their experiences in combat. Of course, this also goes for anyone who may benefit from Stoicism's lessons for resilience without becoming "unfeeling like a statue," as Epictetus once said. In short, this is one of those modern books that deserves to have "Stoic" in its title because it is not full of empty "life-hacks." It is clear that the author believes in what she does and does not merely write to people feel better about themselves through gimmicky pseudo-philosophical clichés. She brings the virtues to the center of the discussion, instead of the mere 'dichotomy of control' that you get from other pop "Stoic" philosophy books. She rightly states that "popularizations bring exaggerations and distortions," and manages to avoid these pitfalls while still producing an interesting, informative, and for some, therapeutic, read. Especially if you are a Stoicism-inclined veteran, this book is legendary.
Read
January 2, 2023In case you are interested in stoicism I would rather recommend (directly) to read Epiktet, Marc Aurel and Seneca in English translations - that would be faster and more focused.
November 11, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It gives some good history and background of Stoic personalities, and the more “technical” aspects of Stoicism and what the research tells us about the same. Good referencing throughout. Finishes with a hint of her own beliefs and approach to stoicism. I was OK with this, as we are all searching for the knowledge. Again, I enjoyed the book, but would only recommend it to someone who has read Meditations and many of Seneca’s letters. That foundation is needed before diving into this one.
May 16, 2021
I'd recommend this book to literally anyone.
What makes Stoic Wisdom so incredible is that it's easily accessible to the novice looking to learn about stoicism while also still highly relevant to the long-time student of philosophy. Sherman provides us with the historical context of the time to further add to the depth of our understanding of stoicism while also connecting stoicism to the present. While anyone can go pick up Epictetus' Handbook and gain value from his work, we miss out on the historical framing that Sherman provides.
What makes Stoic Wisdom so incredible is that it's easily accessible to the novice looking to learn about stoicism while also still highly relevant to the long-time student of philosophy. Sherman provides us with the historical context of the time to further add to the depth of our understanding of stoicism while also connecting stoicism to the present. While anyone can go pick up Epictetus' Handbook and gain value from his work, we miss out on the historical framing that Sherman provides.
February 10, 2024
This text provides suggestions on how to apply stoicism to our world today. Worth the time investment to read.
June 26, 2021
Much of the public discussion about stoicism comes from self-professed amateurs. Individuals who are attracted to the texts (or often isolated quotes) and want to celebrate its insights. 'Stoic Wisdom' is a professional's response. Where the amateurs offer an introduction, this book serves as a conclusion. Taking as read the core ideas, and offering a rich analysis and an attempt to move the discussion to new places.
Nancy Sherman, a Professor at Georgetown University and author of previous books on Stoicism and the military, confess to having a 'complicated relationship' with stoicism, calling herself a 'Neo-Stoic'. In 'Stoic Wisdom' she identifies 8 lessons, ranging from the introductory 'who were the stoics' to core ancient themes 'finding calm', 'managing your emotions' and she explores its modern significance 'lifehacks', 'A healthy modern stoicism'.
If this book had been written a century or two ago, it might have been titled a 'Commentary' on Stoicism. While Sherman mentions a lot of the stoics ideas, her main focus is the modern stoic revival, the amateurs on youtube and podcasts who celebrate a form of stoicism she finds warped. One too individual, and grindy in her view. It's this target - one not really spelled out, though obvious to most readers - which Sherman shadow boxes with throughout the book. As she identifies near the end, she's seeking to put in place 4 'background guides' to a 'healthy modern stoicism'. These emphasise the importance of community, the limits of psychological mastery, the limits of grit and the monitoring of our first impressions.
If you already have a strong background in stoicism, then this is an excellent read. An important corrective to some of the questionable claims found online, and a humane and thoughtful discussion of how this 2000 year old philosophy can apply in 2021. If you don't know much stoicism however, you might feel a little lost. Sherman talks a lot about the modern revival of stoic thought, but doesn't try to communicate why it is seen as so compelling. You have to read between the lines to identify why so many are attracted to it, and their complex motives for doing so are not really engaged with. Instead, Sherman's focus is to move the contemporary discussion to different places. Perhaps as the price for doing so within a blessedly short 220 pages, some of the joy and power of stoicism somehow gets CTRL-X'd from the book.
Personally, I really liked this book. It reflects a lifetime of thinking and reading deeply, and I learned much from Sherman's analysis. I have no objection to the intention she has in trying to change the conversation about Stoicism. It's a book which adeptly balances against many of the modern stoic boosterism, but which feels, for that same reason, ever so slightly unbalanced on its own as a guide to the philosophy.
Nancy Sherman, a Professor at Georgetown University and author of previous books on Stoicism and the military, confess to having a 'complicated relationship' with stoicism, calling herself a 'Neo-Stoic'. In 'Stoic Wisdom' she identifies 8 lessons, ranging from the introductory 'who were the stoics' to core ancient themes 'finding calm', 'managing your emotions' and she explores its modern significance 'lifehacks', 'A healthy modern stoicism'.
If this book had been written a century or two ago, it might have been titled a 'Commentary' on Stoicism. While Sherman mentions a lot of the stoics ideas, her main focus is the modern stoic revival, the amateurs on youtube and podcasts who celebrate a form of stoicism she finds warped. One too individual, and grindy in her view. It's this target - one not really spelled out, though obvious to most readers - which Sherman shadow boxes with throughout the book. As she identifies near the end, she's seeking to put in place 4 'background guides' to a 'healthy modern stoicism'. These emphasise the importance of community, the limits of psychological mastery, the limits of grit and the monitoring of our first impressions.
If you already have a strong background in stoicism, then this is an excellent read. An important corrective to some of the questionable claims found online, and a humane and thoughtful discussion of how this 2000 year old philosophy can apply in 2021. If you don't know much stoicism however, you might feel a little lost. Sherman talks a lot about the modern revival of stoic thought, but doesn't try to communicate why it is seen as so compelling. You have to read between the lines to identify why so many are attracted to it, and their complex motives for doing so are not really engaged with. Instead, Sherman's focus is to move the contemporary discussion to different places. Perhaps as the price for doing so within a blessedly short 220 pages, some of the joy and power of stoicism somehow gets CTRL-X'd from the book.
Personally, I really liked this book. It reflects a lifetime of thinking and reading deeply, and I learned much from Sherman's analysis. I have no objection to the intention she has in trying to change the conversation about Stoicism. It's a book which adeptly balances against many of the modern stoic boosterism, but which feels, for that same reason, ever so slightly unbalanced on its own as a guide to the philosophy.
December 26, 2023
I have read many books on Stoicism. This book was rare, if not unique, in referencing current events. Thus there are references to Donald Trump, Bret Kavanaugh, George Floyd and Gavin Newsom. It is clear where Dr. Sherman's politics lie. And she is also the victim of not knowing future events that are now in the past.
It is a bit jarring to see contemporaries mentioned, along with the ancients.
I think these examples detract from her writing, which is the opposite to the entention.
She devotes a chapter to James Stockdale. Massimo Pagliucci has convincingly written that Stockdale was not good example of how a Stoic should live by not pointing out that falsehood of the Gulf of Tonkin incident. While what Stockdale did in the Hanoi Hilton was impressive how he got there was not.
The book is well written with lots of notes, a huge bibliography and a comprehensive index. However, I cannot recommend it when there are so many other, better, books on the topic.
p. 7: The book is a field guide for a credible Stoic practical philosophy. It corrects distortions in recent popularizations of ancient Stoicism and argues for Stoic tenets and practices worth following.
p. 26: Despite the popular idea of Stoicism as a wooden philosophy that bowdlerizes emotions from human experiences, but rather that we should manage those emotions that are debilitating and that lead to uncontrollable cravings, fears, or distress.
p. 49: That is Epictetus's core claim: We are all hostages of fortune in some way or other.
p. 51: Epictetus: "It is not things themselves that trouble people, but their opinions about things . . . . So whenever we are frustrated, or troubled, or pained, let us never hold anyone responsible except ourselves, meaning our own opinions." [Epictetus (2018, Encheiridion 5)]
p. 60: Still, Stoic pre-rehearsal, if it focuses on the glass half empty and not half full, can seem a recipe for inducing anxiety. Reducing future distress comes at the cost of increasing present distress.
p. 72: Live well by doing the very best that we possibly can.
p. 97: Seneca: "The one you loved passed away: find someone to love. Replacing the friend is better than crying." Friends are fungible; people and not just income are disposable. [Seneca (2015, 63.11).]
p. 110: Seneca "not yet wise but committed to moral progress"
p. 112: Seneca: "Every time a letter comes . . . I am with you." [Seneca (2015, 67.2).]
p. 113: "We have four different roles or personae in life. One is our shared rational nature, a persona common to all in virtue of our humanity; a second is our distinctive individual temperaments or constitution; a third is who we are by "chance or circumstances"; and a fourth, who we are in terms of what "we assume for ourselves" as we become adults, making choices about "who and what we wish to be, and what kind of life we want."
p. 141: encomium: a Latin word deriving from the Ancient Greek enkomion (ἐγκώμιον), meaning "the praise of a person or thing."
p. 163: Simon Drew's The Practical Stoic podcast [Drew (2020a, 2020b, 2020c).]
p. 192: Marcus Aurelius: "Be strict with yourself and lenient with others."
p. 194: Anger is "a movement generated by decision" that "can be eliminated by decision."
p. 198-9: I was struggling with the Stoic view of anger. It was an emotion, Seneca argued, that would run rampant if given license. It was too dangerous an emotion to allow in any form.
p. 213: In building a healthy modern Stoicism, I've implicitly adopted certain principles as background guides:
1. Psychological mastery can't be at the cost of human vulnerability
2. Reliance on others depends upon building communities of cooperation, respect, and support.
3. Denying pain, whether of a body or mind, is not a permanent solution for grit.
4. Monitoring quick impressions includes watching for distortions and bias produced by fear and anger, as well as desire.
p. 220: We have much to learn from the ancients.
p. 223: Calm in the Chaos: The Story of the Stoics: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cs...#
It is a bit jarring to see contemporaries mentioned, along with the ancients.
I think these examples detract from her writing, which is the opposite to the entention.
She devotes a chapter to James Stockdale. Massimo Pagliucci has convincingly written that Stockdale was not good example of how a Stoic should live by not pointing out that falsehood of the Gulf of Tonkin incident. While what Stockdale did in the Hanoi Hilton was impressive how he got there was not.
The book is well written with lots of notes, a huge bibliography and a comprehensive index. However, I cannot recommend it when there are so many other, better, books on the topic.
p. 7: The book is a field guide for a credible Stoic practical philosophy. It corrects distortions in recent popularizations of ancient Stoicism and argues for Stoic tenets and practices worth following.
p. 26: Despite the popular idea of Stoicism as a wooden philosophy that bowdlerizes emotions from human experiences, but rather that we should manage those emotions that are debilitating and that lead to uncontrollable cravings, fears, or distress.
p. 49: That is Epictetus's core claim: We are all hostages of fortune in some way or other.
p. 51: Epictetus: "It is not things themselves that trouble people, but their opinions about things . . . . So whenever we are frustrated, or troubled, or pained, let us never hold anyone responsible except ourselves, meaning our own opinions." [Epictetus (2018, Encheiridion 5)]
p. 60: Still, Stoic pre-rehearsal, if it focuses on the glass half empty and not half full, can seem a recipe for inducing anxiety. Reducing future distress comes at the cost of increasing present distress.
p. 72: Live well by doing the very best that we possibly can.
p. 97: Seneca: "The one you loved passed away: find someone to love. Replacing the friend is better than crying." Friends are fungible; people and not just income are disposable. [Seneca (2015, 63.11).]
p. 110: Seneca "not yet wise but committed to moral progress"
p. 112: Seneca: "Every time a letter comes . . . I am with you." [Seneca (2015, 67.2).]
p. 113: "We have four different roles or personae in life. One is our shared rational nature, a persona common to all in virtue of our humanity; a second is our distinctive individual temperaments or constitution; a third is who we are by "chance or circumstances"; and a fourth, who we are in terms of what "we assume for ourselves" as we become adults, making choices about "who and what we wish to be, and what kind of life we want."
p. 141: encomium: a Latin word deriving from the Ancient Greek enkomion (ἐγκώμιον), meaning "the praise of a person or thing."
p. 163: Simon Drew's The Practical Stoic podcast [Drew (2020a, 2020b, 2020c).]
p. 192: Marcus Aurelius: "Be strict with yourself and lenient with others."
p. 194: Anger is "a movement generated by decision" that "can be eliminated by decision."
p. 198-9: I was struggling with the Stoic view of anger. It was an emotion, Seneca argued, that would run rampant if given license. It was too dangerous an emotion to allow in any form.
p. 213: In building a healthy modern Stoicism, I've implicitly adopted certain principles as background guides:
1. Psychological mastery can't be at the cost of human vulnerability
2. Reliance on others depends upon building communities of cooperation, respect, and support.
3. Denying pain, whether of a body or mind, is not a permanent solution for grit.
4. Monitoring quick impressions includes watching for distortions and bias produced by fear and anger, as well as desire.
p. 220: We have much to learn from the ancients.
p. 223: Calm in the Chaos: The Story of the Stoics: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cs...#
November 16, 2023
Since I began writing reviews and rating books on goodreads, I've read a handful of works that started off as four- or even five-star reads but continued to drop in stars as I read deeper into them. Unfortunately, "Stoic Wisdom" was one of them.
I was extremely eager to read this book after seeing the following description of it online:
"How do we find calm in times of stress and uncertainty? How do we cope with sudden losses or find meaning in a world that can easily rob us of what we most value? Drawing on the wisdom of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and others, Nancy Sherman's "Stoic Wisdom" presents a compelling, modern Stoicism that teaches grit, resilience, and the importance of close relationships in addressing life's biggest and smallest challenges.
A renowned expert in ancient and modern ethics, Sherman relates how Stoic methods of examining beliefs and perceptions can help us correct distortions in what we believe, see, and feel. Her study reveals a profound insight about the Stoics. They never believed, as Stoic popularizers often hold, that rugged self-reliance or indifference to the world around us is at the heart of living well. We are at home in the world, they insisted, when we are connected to each other in cooperative efforts. We build resilience and goodness through our deepest relationships.
Bringing ancient ideas to bear on 21st-century concerns - from workers facing stress and burnout to first responders in a pandemic, from soldiers on the battlefield to citizens fighting for racial justice - Sherman shows how Stoicism can help us fulfill the promise of our shared humanity.
In nine lessons that combine ancient pithy quotes and daily exercises with contemporary ethics and psychology, Stoic Wisdom is a field manual for the art of living well."
Sounds perfect for someone who engages in daily Stoic practices, right?
But here's the problem. The book doesn't really live up to that description...or even its title. I found very little in Sherman's writing that qualified as either "a field manual for the art of living well" or even a guide to building resiliency through Stoicism.
What I found instead - at least after the first few introductory chapters - is yet another academician using their writings as a soapbox for their political and social views. Yes, she at times tried to apply ancient Stoicism to modern challenges. But that application was often weak at best. And, sometimes, I found myself openly wondering what the author's writing had to do with either Stoicism in general or Stoicism and resilience specifically.
To be honest, by the end of the work I wondered if Ms. Sherman wrote this as a tribute TO Stoicism or an attack OF it. Because at times, I felt as if she were engaging in a rhetorical analysis of the ancient texts from the Deconstructivist perspective.
In summary, I wish the author would have spent a lot more time showing how ancient Stoic writings and practices could help individuals and our species as a whole develop resiliency. Instead, she spent a lot of time criticizing the "dead white guys" for their philosophy's lack of application to modern challenges such as plagues, economic inequity, and racial injustices.
These are all things I agree vehemently with the author that our species must overcome. I just wish she hadn't done a "bait and switch" on the readers of this book by focusing on those topics and Stoicism's shortcomings on dealing with them...and more on how Stoicism can teach humans how to better face those challenges. In other words: resilience.
I was extremely eager to read this book after seeing the following description of it online:
"How do we find calm in times of stress and uncertainty? How do we cope with sudden losses or find meaning in a world that can easily rob us of what we most value? Drawing on the wisdom of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and others, Nancy Sherman's "Stoic Wisdom" presents a compelling, modern Stoicism that teaches grit, resilience, and the importance of close relationships in addressing life's biggest and smallest challenges.
A renowned expert in ancient and modern ethics, Sherman relates how Stoic methods of examining beliefs and perceptions can help us correct distortions in what we believe, see, and feel. Her study reveals a profound insight about the Stoics. They never believed, as Stoic popularizers often hold, that rugged self-reliance or indifference to the world around us is at the heart of living well. We are at home in the world, they insisted, when we are connected to each other in cooperative efforts. We build resilience and goodness through our deepest relationships.
Bringing ancient ideas to bear on 21st-century concerns - from workers facing stress and burnout to first responders in a pandemic, from soldiers on the battlefield to citizens fighting for racial justice - Sherman shows how Stoicism can help us fulfill the promise of our shared humanity.
In nine lessons that combine ancient pithy quotes and daily exercises with contemporary ethics and psychology, Stoic Wisdom is a field manual for the art of living well."
Sounds perfect for someone who engages in daily Stoic practices, right?
But here's the problem. The book doesn't really live up to that description...or even its title. I found very little in Sherman's writing that qualified as either "a field manual for the art of living well" or even a guide to building resiliency through Stoicism.
What I found instead - at least after the first few introductory chapters - is yet another academician using their writings as a soapbox for their political and social views. Yes, she at times tried to apply ancient Stoicism to modern challenges. But that application was often weak at best. And, sometimes, I found myself openly wondering what the author's writing had to do with either Stoicism in general or Stoicism and resilience specifically.
To be honest, by the end of the work I wondered if Ms. Sherman wrote this as a tribute TO Stoicism or an attack OF it. Because at times, I felt as if she were engaging in a rhetorical analysis of the ancient texts from the Deconstructivist perspective.
In summary, I wish the author would have spent a lot more time showing how ancient Stoic writings and practices could help individuals and our species as a whole develop resiliency. Instead, she spent a lot of time criticizing the "dead white guys" for their philosophy's lack of application to modern challenges such as plagues, economic inequity, and racial injustices.
These are all things I agree vehemently with the author that our species must overcome. I just wish she hadn't done a "bait and switch" on the readers of this book by focusing on those topics and Stoicism's shortcomings on dealing with them...and more on how Stoicism can teach humans how to better face those challenges. In other words: resilience.
January 15, 2024
While the description on the back of this book caught my attention and I thought I would enjoy this read I quickly realized that I was reading through someone's pledge to a political stance.
From the introduction, it was clear that Nacy Sherman wasn't going to convey the ways that stoic principles can help a modern person become more resilient but instead that old stoic philosophers who were living in their world are wrong and evil by today's standards.
I could go on for a while about all the issues I take with the conversation that Sherman is trying to put forward but I will save anyone who reads this review the time by just suggesting an alternative. Put forth the effort to read through the works of the stoic philosophers that have been translated and make of them what you will. I postulate you will be much more informed and better off than listening to someone who clearly has a disdain for many of the ideas put forward by stoics like Seneca, Epictetus, Aurelius, and company. Free from the judgment of today's standards you might possibly find some gems of knowledge that transcend periods of human cultural evolution and build a better life for yourself through those lessons.
From the introduction, it was clear that Nacy Sherman wasn't going to convey the ways that stoic principles can help a modern person become more resilient but instead that old stoic philosophers who were living in their world are wrong and evil by today's standards.
I could go on for a while about all the issues I take with the conversation that Sherman is trying to put forward but I will save anyone who reads this review the time by just suggesting an alternative. Put forth the effort to read through the works of the stoic philosophers that have been translated and make of them what you will. I postulate you will be much more informed and better off than listening to someone who clearly has a disdain for many of the ideas put forward by stoics like Seneca, Epictetus, Aurelius, and company. Free from the judgment of today's standards you might possibly find some gems of knowledge that transcend periods of human cultural evolution and build a better life for yourself through those lessons.
April 24, 2023
I found this volume on Stoicism to be the first monograph (that I’ve encountered) to offer a refreshing view on the ancient philosophy that has taken on a new life in the 21st century.
Many of the now-popular authors and speakers regarding “modern” Stoicism focus on self-reliance and how to endure through the self-reliance at almost any cost.
Sherman offers a unique view by showing that other methods of self-improvement is just as helpful, such as focusing on self-compassion, or, in other words, realizing that suffering may require more than the popular “stoic” version of ruggedness.
Highly recommended.
Many of the now-popular authors and speakers regarding “modern” Stoicism focus on self-reliance and how to endure through the self-reliance at almost any cost.
Sherman offers a unique view by showing that other methods of self-improvement is just as helpful, such as focusing on self-compassion, or, in other words, realizing that suffering may require more than the popular “stoic” version of ruggedness.
Highly recommended.
January 6, 2024
This book is odd. It has a fine opening and the first two chapters. It goes rapidly downhill from there. The author chooses to blend evergreen topics with current affairs. The link is sometimes a little too forced. Nancy Sherman goes out of her way to show no love lost for either Ryan Holiday or Tim Ferriss. The author is critical of their work and advocacy of stoicism but offers little else beyond: read original texts. Noted. Lastly, some parts of the book, closer to the end, are surprisingly self-centred. It becomes more about them than the message of the book.
So... 5 stars for chapters one and two. 1 star for the rest. 2 overall feels fair.
So... 5 stars for chapters one and two. 1 star for the rest. 2 overall feels fair.
June 10, 2024
3.5 stars! I really enjoyed this modern-day perspective on Stoicism, despite being several years “out” of the height of the pandemic. I was particularly gripped by some of the practices and thoughts toward the end of the book, but I appreciate having the history in the earlier pages to refer back to. This is a great introduction to Stoic ideas, with the only downfall being that Sherman’s language can sometimes come across as too scholarly to be readily accessible. I found myself having to re-read several parts of the book more than once to grasp the message that was being conveyed.
May 23, 2025
An interesting framework by which to engage with stoicism from a modern lease. Some parts of this book are extremely engaging others are not. I have a hard time recommending this book because of its blatant use of stoicism to rationalize and also hand-wave American imperialism and war crimes. It is hard to read at times due to this…. I wish the author would have attempted to grapple a little further with the moral dilemma of war rather than suggest that war crimes and horrific atrocity is an acceptable reality.
November 8, 2021
“So, despite the popular view of Stoicism as a philosophy that would strip us of most emotions, the ancient Stoics argue that the very best of us show rational exuberance and desire, and a cautious wariness, lest we be too easily led astray or deceived. We cherish friends and nurture warm and welcoming attitudes toward them. This is what it is to be righteous. Put bluntly, even sages have emotional skin in the game.”
One of the best books on neo-Stoicism that I’ve read.
One of the best books on neo-Stoicism that I’ve read.
December 30, 2022
An exploration of Stoicism as it related to personal growth, trauma, and other issues. Nancy Sherman has spent her career studying "moral injury," and Stoicism, and her knowledge of both shows here. She shows how people can benefit from using Stoic practices to address moral injury (among other challenges), but doesn't shy away from challenging some aspects of Stoic thought that are problematic in today's world.
February 10, 2024
I would not recommend this book due to its excessive focus on political elements, which may be perceived as an attack on contemporary Stoic practitioners and the philosophy itself. While the inclusion of quotes from notable Stoics like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius prevents it from receiving a one-star rating, the author actively detracts from their valuable insights by interjecting politically charged rhetoric, overshadowing the genuine wisdom present in the text.
March 26, 2024
My favourite book in the Stoic revival genre so far. Sherman draws on a wider, deeper survey of Stoic thought than most others offer, mining its rich veins for relevance to current social commitments. She’s also quick to call it when the seams run out. What I appreciate most, I suspect, is that in a time of cacophonous fundamentalisms, Sherman is free of gospel. She writes stoicism as living thought, rooted in a lineage, but to be elaborated upon. That resonates.
January 21, 2022
A fascinating book which ties the ancient philosophy of stoicism to our modern times. With examples from the 20th and 21st centuries of stoic resilience and practice, it neatly meshes the works of Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius into practices which can be engaged in by 21st century stoics. Well worth a read to understand this ancient philosophy.
September 14, 2022
Brilliant book. Explains stoic thought and techniques so well. I need to highlight sentences and pages for reference. Have bought copies for family as I'm sure the wise guidance and clear explanations will serve them well as they journey through life. One for my bookshelf to be cherished and to remind me of the power and help that Stoic wisdom provides us in life
April 26, 2023
I struggled with this book and would not have finished if I weren't reading it with my bookclub. I think it is a poor introduction to Stoicism and leaves the uninitiated readers with an incorrect impression of Stoic philosophy. It also lacked coherent flow from chapter to chapter.
I recommend this book instead:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
I recommend this book instead:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
December 6, 2021
The author makes many excellent points, but approaches Stoicism as a student of philosophy, rather than a practitioner. She, on occasion, takes simple concepts, and elaborates them which adds complexity. Well worth the read, and study for that matter. Stoicism has made a comeback.
Read
January 7, 2022My interview with Professor Nancy Sherman about Stoic Wisdom for The Armen Show Podcast:
http://www.armenshirvanian.com/podcas...
http://www.armenshirvanian.com/podcas...
February 16, 2022
Good Guide for Further Reading
The book has several guides and vectors for further readings. I found it great and elucidating. Read Cícero and Seneca, now is time to review. Worth every page.
The book has several guides and vectors for further readings. I found it great and elucidating. Read Cícero and Seneca, now is time to review. Worth every page.
August 1, 2022
I liked parts of the book, especially the modern interpretation of stoicism and contemporary examples. I did not finish it though, since I got a bit bored by the end of it, so I got only through about 80%.
August 4, 2023
This book is more political than philosophical. Sherman spends more time proselytizing her leftist views than explaining stoic ideas. If anything can turn someone away from stoicism, it is this book.
August 19, 2025
Have read books on the stoics before and wanted to jump back into the topic. Not a recommended book. The author includes to much 2020 politics into trying to covey her message. Very hard to read and not what I wanted from a book on stocism.
Want to read
July 6, 2021DMPL EXAMINED 07/06/21 READ1
Straightforward primer; worth reading as a refresher
Straightforward primer; worth reading as a refresher
August 14, 2023
Practical n that
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