Don't Worry, Be Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Troubled Times

by Peter J. Vernezze

Book Overview

This book introduces the reader to Stoicism- a philosophy whose origin lies in ancient Greece but whose relevance, as the reader will discover, has only grown with time. Through a series of short, inspiring essays, Dr. Vernezze furnishes readers with a foundation in Stoic thought as well as a system for applying it to their lives. For readers of all levels, this practical book is 'chicken soup for the philosopher's soul.'

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761830146
• ISBN13: 9780761830146
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: University Press of America
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

MOST PRACTICAL STOIC BOOK YET!

This book was charming, and insightful. It just might be the most practical Stoic book out there, because it gives you examples of Stoic living, via pop culture, and down to earth storys. I highly recommend this book if you want to learn how you actually use Stoic precepts in real life.

Highly recommended

This book is well-worth the time and effort to read it. Vernezze takes the topic of Ancient Greek and Roman Stoic philosophy and makes it a highly accessible topic to understand and apply. Stoic philosophy is often misunderstood to be a rational philosophy to the point of being aloof, cold, and detached. Modern usage of the adjective "stoic" usually means a white-knuckled bearing of suffering. Vernezze clearly and capably demonstrates that it is nothing of the sort. It's far more deep, subtle, engaged, and even warm-hearted than most people realize. Vernezze also draws interesting and sensible comparisons between Stoicism, Positive Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, and Buddhism. Within Positive Psychology, Stoic philosophy is entirely consistent with the goal of eudaimonic well-being. He also touches on the relevance of Stoic philosophy to modern cognitive therapy, which is based on reframing of events. There is also an essay on Rational Emotive Therapy, which was developed by Albert Ellis based largely on the work of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus. Vernezze illustrates these points in a number of shorte essays using quotations from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca. He demonstrates just how applicable and practical Stoic philosophy is today as it was 2000 years ago. The writing style is easygoing and warm, despite the depth of the topics discussed. This book is accessible to the layperson, avoiding dense jargon and tedious arguments over minutiae that might appear in a professional academic work. In short, it is helpful, a pleasure to read, and well-worth the investment.