This review originally appeared on Goodreads on February 26, 2018.

A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy

By William B. Irvine – Oxford University Press – November 4, 2008

Review by Robin Marx

This book is simple and effective, with clear explanations and methodical organization. Irvine argues that, unlike the ancient Greeks and Romans, modern people tend to lack a philosophy for living, and that people can benefit from incorporating philosophical principles into their daily life. He makes the case for Stoicism in particular as a philosophy with special utility in helping people manage negative emotions and attain a greater sense of tranquility.

Throughout the book he introduces the major figures in Stoic history, their teachings, and advises how to apply them to modern life. Dealing with insults, aging, and grief are all topics covered in the book. While Stoicism today is somewhat obscure and misunderstood, many readers will see familiar parallels in Buddhism (which also understands that desire and attachments are a source of frustration and misery) and the literature about mindfulness.

While I discovered and adopted Stoicism on my own two decades ago (I'm what the author terms a “congenital Stoic”), I appreciated the history lesson and the systematic presentation of the philosophy's tenets and their application. While an interest in history is a plus, I'd recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone seeking more equanimity in their daily life, especially if they're skeptical of religion.

★★★★☆

#CapsuleReviewArchive #BookReview #Nonfiction #Philosophy #AGuideToTheGoodLife #Stoicism #WilliamBIrvine

This review originally appeared on Goodreads on March 12, 2018.

Some Fruits of Solitude

By William Penn – 1682

Review by Robin Marx

Part of the Harvard Classics reading list, like the Journal of John Woolman this is the work of a colonial era Quaker. Apart from founding Pennsylvania, William Penn was a principled and devout theologian and worked to spread religious tolerance in his community. (He was also the original face of the Quaker Oats brand, until they rebranded to a more generic figure later.)

The book itself is a collection of homilies and observations, generally having to do with personal improvement and faith. A lot of them are well trodden ground, but others remain good advice today. That being said, I found it a bit ironic that someone who extols the virtue of humility would write a book that aims to provide moral instruction. To me, that seems to be the epitome of “holier than thou.”

The passages about “servants” also didn't sit very well, as Penn was a slave owner. Those sections made me reflect fondly on fellow Harvard Classics member John Woolman's abolitionist fervor, but perhaps it's unfair to judge Penn by the merits of a Quaker who wasn't born until two years after Penn's death.

Overall this book was an interesting look at the values of Penn's time, but modern readers will find a lot of the advice either obvious, outdated, or too tied to specific aspects of religion.

★★★☆☆

#CapsuleReviewArchive #BookReview #Nonfiction #Philosophy #SomeFruitsOfSolitude #WilliamPenn