The practicing stoic
by Ward Farnsworth · first published 2018
89% recommend11% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Accessible, practical introduction to applying Stoic philosophy in daily life, drawing on Seneca and other sources with plenty of quotations; suits readers new to Stoicism who want usable ideas rather than dense theory.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
At the school of philosophy founded at Athens by Zeno of Citium the teachers believed that virtue, the highest good, is based on knowledge and reason, and encouraged indifference to the vicissitudes of fortune and to pleasure and pain. Farnsworth integrates his own observations with scores of quotations to provide perspective of the various Stoic philosophers. His organization and commentary makes the meaning and relevance of this ancient philosophy clear for our times.
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…commentary to touch up on his chosen topics. They make for delightful reading. [0]: chesstactics.org [1]: Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric [2]: Farnsworth's Classical English Metaphor [3]: The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User's Manual [4]: Farnsworth's Classical English Style
on “I Was Wrong About Speed Reading (2015)” ↗…to making _the next interaction_ some amount less tense/hostile. Do that repeatedly and you'll get somewhere. PS: Also Stoicism helps especially with these things... great, practical text on it: "The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User's Manual" by Farnsworth
on “How to Communicate When Trust Is Low Without Digging Yourself into a Deeper Hole” ↗My knowledge of Stoicism (in the philosophical sense, not behavioral) is based on recently reading The Practicing Stoic, by Ward Farnsworth (https://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Stoic-Philosophical-Users-...). I recommend the book as a good introduction to incorporating Stoicism into one's life, and I think readers would…
on “The Modern Man Is Getting Stoicism All Wrong” ↗My favorite reference book on the topic is: https://www.amazon.com/Practicing-Stoic-Philosophical-Users-...
on “The Joys of Being a Stoic” ↗Seneca’s Epistles no doubt touches on his views of death through the lens of his Stoic practices. I’ve found Ward Farnsworth’s ‘The Practicing Stoic’ to be an accessible, light, introduction to some of Seneca’s works among others. William Irving, in his book ‘Guide to the Good Life’, labels the technique hinted at in the quote: negative visualization.
on “Tony Hsieh has died” ↗…laugh and cry, but it is so good and inspirational. The audiobook is also phenomenal. Untamed by Glennon Doyle is also great, though is more geared towards women. Also, the stoics. I’m enjoying the practicing stoic by Ward Farnsworth. They’re surprisingly accessible
on “Ask HN: What are some good inspirational and uplifting books?” ↗> when I was a practicing Stoic and ignored them Ignored, or acknowledged and prioritized? Farnsworth in "The Practicing Stoic" Ch9: So a first Stoic remedy for anger, as for other such problems, is a return to Chapter 1: recognize…
on “Anger Does a Lot More Damage to Your Body Than You Realize” ↗…without too much fluff. It basically directly goes into all the details of meditation practice as a thing you do and how to do it. Also very comprehensive and jumps straight into how to meditate. The Practicing Stoic - Great overview of Stoicism with a lot of quotes from all the well-known Stoics compiled into one Book. I think it's a great introduction for anybody who isn't quite sure about Stoicism or what it's…
on “Ask HN: Any interesting books you have read lately?” ↗I am a Practicing Stoic, Morning routing is to spend about an hour reading texts and scholarly commentary while drinking my coffee. Then I journal, my morning journal entries are discussions with my inner daemon about how to…
on “Ask HN: What is your spiritual practice?” ↗