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Stoicism: How to Use Stoic Philosophy to Find Inner Peace and Happiness
Are you tired of the glass being half empty?
Do you worry you don’t have the strength to cope when something bad happens? (And something bad always happens!)
Stoicism changed the lives of its followers for the better and now it can do the same for you.
The Stoics knew what made for a good man – and a good life. Four simple virtues empowered them to cope with the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, ill health, and even bereavement. Now you too can discover for yourself what gave them the emotional resilience to make the most of any situation.
Do you want more enjoyment in life instead of stressing all the time?
In How to Use Stoic Philosophy to Find Inner Peace and Happiness, you will learn about what made the ancient philosophers so wise. You will uncover how to find the opportunity in any challenge and how you can use your journal to transform your life. If you’re looking for the answer to modern stresses and strains, you’ll find it in Stoicism. Specifically, you will
Why so many successful people are Stoic The counterintuitive reason you should welcome misfortune Stoicism’s four virtues and how you can apply them in any situation How you can find opportunity in any challenge How you can welcome hardship – and why this is an essential ingredient for happiness How Plato’s view will transform the way you see the world Why you will never have complete control over your life and this is okay Written in plain English, this book takes profound concepts and delivers them in bite-sized chunks anyone can understand, even if you’re completely new to philosophy.
Life’s a journey, but you don’t have to travel alone. With Stoicism on your side, you’ll be able to roll with the punches and make the most of whatever comes your way.
Download this book now and discover the secrets of stoicism today.
Do you worry you don’t have the strength to cope when something bad happens? (And something bad always happens!)
Stoicism changed the lives of its followers for the better and now it can do the same for you.
The Stoics knew what made for a good man – and a good life. Four simple virtues empowered them to cope with the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, ill health, and even bereavement. Now you too can discover for yourself what gave them the emotional resilience to make the most of any situation.
Do you want more enjoyment in life instead of stressing all the time?
In How to Use Stoic Philosophy to Find Inner Peace and Happiness, you will learn about what made the ancient philosophers so wise. You will uncover how to find the opportunity in any challenge and how you can use your journal to transform your life. If you’re looking for the answer to modern stresses and strains, you’ll find it in Stoicism. Specifically, you will
Why so many successful people are Stoic The counterintuitive reason you should welcome misfortune Stoicism’s four virtues and how you can apply them in any situation How you can find opportunity in any challenge How you can welcome hardship – and why this is an essential ingredient for happiness How Plato’s view will transform the way you see the world Why you will never have complete control over your life and this is okay Written in plain English, this book takes profound concepts and delivers them in bite-sized chunks anyone can understand, even if you’re completely new to philosophy.
Life’s a journey, but you don’t have to travel alone. With Stoicism on your side, you’ll be able to roll with the punches and make the most of whatever comes your way.
Download this book now and discover the secrets of stoicism today.
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Published May 4, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
March 12, 2023
Stoicism: How to Use Stoicism Philosophy to Find Inner Peace and Happiness by Jason Hemlock, as the title suggests, is a self-improvement book on how to use the ancient philosophy of Stoicism to help the reader lead a better, more virtuous life.
There are fourteen chapters each detailing an aspect of stoicism, describing the theory, the history of the topic followed by some exercises to enable the reader to practice and attempt to adopt stoic practices into their daily lives. Some examples of chapter topics include - seeking out misfortune, turn an obstacle upside down, view the world from above, embrace your lack of control, prepare for the worst and be your best self.
My main interest in stoicism is historical, as two greats from antiquity are major players in this philosophical practice:
Seneca (5 BCE – 65 CE) – one of the wealthiest men in the Roman Empire, an advisor and mentor to Nero (something one could say, "the proof was NOT in the pudding"), but well connected and possessed a great mind. His book On the Shortness of Life is one of my ‘go-too’ books, when I want to read something inspirational about the importance of using our time wisely. It’s our most valuable possession.
It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it
Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180 CE) – the last one in the period of the five good emperors. He was a man with a great mind and his Meditations is a philosophical work that is still relevant today, all written while he was on the battle front warring with the Germanic Tribes of the day.
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.
Both are quoted heavily in this book – as are others such as Epictetus and many others.
Death is the ultimate motivating force for us to be our best selves, because if we can truly say on our death bed that we always did our best, death holds no power over us………..I like that.
For those looking at adopting practices to become your ‘best-self”, improve well-being and happiness, this may be a book you may find handy.
4 Stars
There are fourteen chapters each detailing an aspect of stoicism, describing the theory, the history of the topic followed by some exercises to enable the reader to practice and attempt to adopt stoic practices into their daily lives. Some examples of chapter topics include - seeking out misfortune, turn an obstacle upside down, view the world from above, embrace your lack of control, prepare for the worst and be your best self.
My main interest in stoicism is historical, as two greats from antiquity are major players in this philosophical practice:
Seneca (5 BCE – 65 CE) – one of the wealthiest men in the Roman Empire, an advisor and mentor to Nero (something one could say, "the proof was NOT in the pudding"), but well connected and possessed a great mind. His book On the Shortness of Life is one of my ‘go-too’ books, when I want to read something inspirational about the importance of using our time wisely. It’s our most valuable possession.
It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it
Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180 CE) – the last one in the period of the five good emperors. He was a man with a great mind and his Meditations is a philosophical work that is still relevant today, all written while he was on the battle front warring with the Germanic Tribes of the day.
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.
Both are quoted heavily in this book – as are others such as Epictetus and many others.
Death is the ultimate motivating force for us to be our best selves, because if we can truly say on our death bed that we always did our best, death holds no power over us………..I like that.
For those looking at adopting practices to become your ‘best-self”, improve well-being and happiness, this may be a book you may find handy.
4 Stars
August 25, 2021
Much more of a self-help book than a philosophy book
April 8, 2021
As a Muslim, I found this a very interesting read. There’s a lot that Stoicism and Islam have in common. Have have heard from both Muslim and non Muslim people that reading about philosophy is contradictory to one’s religion but I beg to differ. If one finds they can read information objectively then it should be one’s jury to learn of other walks of life, irrespective of its difference of opinion. I’ve been working on looking at scenarios in my life from an objective point of view and using logic before emotion when governing your choices and this book really helped to put that into perspective. It outlines some important stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, which helps to give you a starting point for your further stoic reads.
December 21, 2023
Stoicism is a philosophy that teaches us how to live well in a chaotic and unpredictable world. It helps us to cultivate virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control, and to cope with challenges such as loss, pain, anger, and fear. In this book, Jason Hemlock provides a clear and concise introduction to the main principles and practices of Stoicism, drawing from the writings of its ancient founders and followers, such as Zeno, Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. He also shows how Stoicism can be applied to modern life, offering practical advice and exercises on topics such as goal-setting, gratitude, journaling, meditation, and more.
The audiobook is narrated by Fred Filbrich, who has a pleasant and engaging voice. He delivers the content with clarity and enthusiasm, and uses appropriate tone and emphasis to convey the meaning and emotion of the text. He also pronounces the names and terms correctly, which is helpful for listeners who are not familiar with them.
Overall, I found this audiobook to be a valuable and enjoyable introduction to Stoicism. It covers the essential aspects of the philosophy, and provides useful examples and exercises to help listeners apply it to their own lives. It is suitable for anyone who is interested in learning more about Stoicism, or who wants to improve their well-being and happiness. I would recommend this audiobook to anyone who is looking for a simple and practical guide to Stoicism.
The audiobook is narrated by Fred Filbrich, who has a pleasant and engaging voice. He delivers the content with clarity and enthusiasm, and uses appropriate tone and emphasis to convey the meaning and emotion of the text. He also pronounces the names and terms correctly, which is helpful for listeners who are not familiar with them.
Overall, I found this audiobook to be a valuable and enjoyable introduction to Stoicism. It covers the essential aspects of the philosophy, and provides useful examples and exercises to help listeners apply it to their own lives. It is suitable for anyone who is interested in learning more about Stoicism, or who wants to improve their well-being and happiness. I would recommend this audiobook to anyone who is looking for a simple and practical guide to Stoicism.
August 4, 2025
1.5 ⭐️ this book was lowkey weird ? Some parts seemed like a guided meditation. It was a short read (thank GOD) since I almost DNF this book. I was hoping to learn more about the philosophy aspects and history of Stoicism and this turned more into an odd self help book.
January 18, 2025
I found this book to be a nice introduction to the stoic mindset, although I would say it's less of a philosophy book and more of a list of self help practices.
I will certainly apply some of these practices and it made some good references to the classic stoics like Aurelius and Seneca. It would have been a 5 for me if there wasn't so many different exercises to do! I suppose the point is that you go back, reflect on chapters as required, and adopt exercises but it was too many for me to consider doing regularly.
I will certainly apply some of these practices and it made some good references to the classic stoics like Aurelius and Seneca. It would have been a 5 for me if there wasn't so many different exercises to do! I suppose the point is that you go back, reflect on chapters as required, and adopt exercises but it was too many for me to consider doing regularly.
February 12, 2025
Quick read. Very practical. Good for those approaching Stoicism for the first time.
August 17, 2021
I grew tired of it. Seemed as if he'd read a few books on Stoicism, so he was empowered to write a book extolling it. Maybe I'm harsh, but ... there are a lot of other books on Stoicism out there.
January 2, 2025
This book has some very good ideas that you can apply to your life. Some of the things I particularly enjoyed and found insightful were the ideas around turning obstacles into wins, having a view from beyond the world (some fantastic meditative practices I have brought into my life here) and some of the stoic beliefs to mindfulness.
There’s a point in the middle for about a few sections where the book lost me. Some of the practices, whilst I understood, seemed a bit too old school for my liking, I simply do not think they can work for everyone and there isn’t anything that touches upon the various backgrounds and upbringings we may have.
It did help me come to a conclusion that many things can work for everyone but not everything is a ‘same size fits all’ approach, there has to be adaptability so where the book felt rigid in its approach is where it lost me at times.
However, it really did safe itself at the end with topics around being your best self and being the best version of yourself to make better decisions.
There’s a point in the middle for about a few sections where the book lost me. Some of the practices, whilst I understood, seemed a bit too old school for my liking, I simply do not think they can work for everyone and there isn’t anything that touches upon the various backgrounds and upbringings we may have.
It did help me come to a conclusion that many things can work for everyone but not everything is a ‘same size fits all’ approach, there has to be adaptability so where the book felt rigid in its approach is where it lost me at times.
However, it really did safe itself at the end with topics around being your best self and being the best version of yourself to make better decisions.
June 9, 2026
I honestly expected a lot from this book, but came to the conclusion that its mostly a very formally written, dry self help book with tips that sometimes hit their spot (you cant always influence what happens around you, fighting fate is futile) and sometimes land in a different postcode alltogether (stop complaining - wow thanks).
What also bothered me, as someone who overthinks a lot, is the chapter "prepare for the worst". The advise is to think about all the things that can go wrong, so you can prepare on it... My whole goal in life is to live more carefree, if i start thinking about every scenario in every situation i wont be living carefree.
All in all, mayor disappointment in my opinion.
What also bothered me, as someone who overthinks a lot, is the chapter "prepare for the worst". The advise is to think about all the things that can go wrong, so you can prepare on it... My whole goal in life is to live more carefree, if i start thinking about every scenario in every situation i wont be living carefree.
All in all, mayor disappointment in my opinion.
July 30, 2023
Eerste keer dat ik me verdiep in stoïcisme. Heel veel sluit al aan bij inzichten en overtuigingen die ik door de jaren heen heb vergaard. Ik vind het een superinteressant onderwerp en heb naar aanleiding van dit (luister)boek ook een ander boek over stoïcisme gekocht. Het is een levenshouding waar ik al veel affiniteit mee heb (zonder me daar heel bewust van te zijn) en graag meer over leer!
November 6, 2025
I always thought of Stoicism as cringe, and I’m certainly not a stoic by any means, but after reading, I realized that it’s not much different from zen. While this book is really just a crash-course on how to apply stoicism to your life, I ended up agreeing with a lot of things in it. My consensus is that stoicism isn’t inherently cringe, but the PEOPLE who follow it often are.
January 13, 2023
Das Buch ist okay.
Ich habe mich davor nicht mit dem Thema Stoizismus beschäftigt, aber diese Einführung kam mir recht oberflächlich vor. Die Tipps, die erwähnt werden, sind teilweise recht befremdlich. Es bringt anderen Leuten wahrscheinlich mehr als mir.
Das Buch versucht auch zu sehr einem diese Philosophie zu verkaufen, weshalb es recjt nervig werden kann.
Ich habe mich davor nicht mit dem Thema Stoizismus beschäftigt, aber diese Einführung kam mir recht oberflächlich vor. Die Tipps, die erwähnt werden, sind teilweise recht befremdlich. Es bringt anderen Leuten wahrscheinlich mehr als mir.
Das Buch versucht auch zu sehr einem diese Philosophie zu verkaufen, weshalb es recjt nervig werden kann.
June 11, 2024
Some good and useful ideas, some mundane ideas, and some concepts that I really didn't agree with. A simple introduction to the concept. The author clearly a huge fan of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus.
December 15, 2024
I think I knew a long time ago that I was a Stoic, but this book just drove that point home. I think the word “stoicism” has taken on a cult like interpretation and this book does a great job of debunking the word and movement. Just know that only you can control how you react to something and that Courage, Temperance, Justice and Wisdom are the virtues that lead to a fulfilled life.
June 16, 2025
Decent book detailing some ideas and tool around stoicism . However, it often spends time seemingly trying to convince the reader to care about stoicism, but I’m already reading this book so I must be interested. Also makes some odd claims that the only reason you’d be reading the book is that you’re unhappy with your life on some level… maybe I’m just curious about stoicism lol
January 19, 2026
At first I was like 🥴then further in I realised I do much already and know most of this, however there were things i really wanna get better at/implement more. So a good reminder and all in all a philosophy I can get behind
February 18, 2025
got some interesting stuff in it
December 12, 2025
Erg praktisch, veel herhaling. Wel daardoor heel toepasbaar en lekker concrete voorbeelden.
January 13, 2026
Decent focused audiobook that covers the expected, adds a bit more, and provides applicable ways in which to #bemorestoic - such a simple yet effective theory for a peaceful mind
June 1, 2026
a quick, pleasant, and practical read of the basics of stoicism and ways to apply it in real life
July 15, 2024
It must have been a chore to write this book and never mention God! Without God how do you know what your ‘better self’ should do? Maybe you imagine yourself as God. This book had some good ideas but he has closed himself off from the obvious.
June 25, 2024
I recommend this book to anyone.
February 11, 2026
Solid introduction to stoic principals with practical exercises at the end of each chapter.
April 22, 2020
I had started reading another book on Stoicism as this philosophy intrigues me but haven't gone back to it. It seemed a little rigid like I was in a classroom. Jason's book, on the other hand, is more like a conversation, it flows. Taking up the Stoic philosophy isn't going to be an easy task, but for someone that's interested in learning about Stoicism, start with this book. Read it a few times, try some of the Practical Exercises, then move on to the books that delve deeper.
I found it interesting that there are a number of things in modern times that hark back to Stoicism. One mentioned in the book, mindfulness, is one of them. Another is that old adage about not crying over spilled milk (you don't have control over the past). The most recent one was a sign I saw related to the COVID-19 pandemic: Deal with things as they come, not as you fear. I don't know if any of the great Stoicists ever said that but it sure sounds Stoic.
While I enjoyed the book as a whole, I particularly enjoyed the analogy of diluting wine to diluting one's vices. I hear and read all the time about doing things in moderation and it's nice to have a different way of saying that.
I will say that some of those quotes from the greats are difficult to read. That makes me not want to read Meditations, etc, but perhaps I will get there with time.
I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found it interesting that there are a number of things in modern times that hark back to Stoicism. One mentioned in the book, mindfulness, is one of them. Another is that old adage about not crying over spilled milk (you don't have control over the past). The most recent one was a sign I saw related to the COVID-19 pandemic: Deal with things as they come, not as you fear. I don't know if any of the great Stoicists ever said that but it sure sounds Stoic.
While I enjoyed the book as a whole, I particularly enjoyed the analogy of diluting wine to diluting one's vices. I hear and read all the time about doing things in moderation and it's nice to have a different way of saying that.
I will say that some of those quotes from the greats are difficult to read. That makes me not want to read Meditations, etc, but perhaps I will get there with time.
I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2020
A very good intro to Stoicism and how to apply it to your life
Stoicism is gaining popularity these days due to the increasing number of baffling events around the world - Brexit, Donald Trump's election (and possible re-election), Covid-19, to name a few. This book offers a way to incorporate the ancient philosophy of Stoicism into your life with a number of useful approaches that can be followed, along with the reasons and logic behind them.
I've shown a passive interest in this for a while now, and so when I received a free copy of this book in return for a review (from Booksprouts) I jumped at the chance. I'd never heard of the author before, but I was pleasantly surprised. Mr Hemlock writes well and captures your attention, bringing the detail to life. The book is packed with useful approaches and exercises to encourage the Stoic lifestyle, and I can honestly say it has increased my interest in it, to the point I will be incorporating elements into my own outlook on life (and given the state of the world, I think we need it).
I really enjoyed reading this book and have found it really valuable. I'll be keeping an eye out for anything else from Mr Hemlock - thoroughly recommended!
Stoicism is gaining popularity these days due to the increasing number of baffling events around the world - Brexit, Donald Trump's election (and possible re-election), Covid-19, to name a few. This book offers a way to incorporate the ancient philosophy of Stoicism into your life with a number of useful approaches that can be followed, along with the reasons and logic behind them.
I've shown a passive interest in this for a while now, and so when I received a free copy of this book in return for a review (from Booksprouts) I jumped at the chance. I'd never heard of the author before, but I was pleasantly surprised. Mr Hemlock writes well and captures your attention, bringing the detail to life. The book is packed with useful approaches and exercises to encourage the Stoic lifestyle, and I can honestly say it has increased my interest in it, to the point I will be incorporating elements into my own outlook on life (and given the state of the world, I think we need it).
I really enjoyed reading this book and have found it really valuable. I'll be keeping an eye out for anything else from Mr Hemlock - thoroughly recommended!
May 18, 2020
Not a Bad Introduction to Stoicism
Because I have an interest in the topic, I have read a fair number of books on Stoicism. I found this one to be a not too bad introduction to the topic, perfect for someone who is interested in it and wants to find out more. I personally would have loved to have seen more quotes from the actual ancient stoic, as I'm always amazed at how apt I find them. Each chapter explained a different concept within stoicism, ending with action steps. I think some of the action steps listed are what give stoicism a bad name in some circles, like taking cold showers or allowing your house to be hotter than comfortable during summer. But other practical suggestions have merit. I think the most important part of stoicism is the four principles that should guide the way you think and act: wisdom, courage, justice, temperance. Wouldn't we all, and wouldn't the world, I'd be better off if we followed those?
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Because I have an interest in the topic, I have read a fair number of books on Stoicism. I found this one to be a not too bad introduction to the topic, perfect for someone who is interested in it and wants to find out more. I personally would have loved to have seen more quotes from the actual ancient stoic, as I'm always amazed at how apt I find them. Each chapter explained a different concept within stoicism, ending with action steps. I think some of the action steps listed are what give stoicism a bad name in some circles, like taking cold showers or allowing your house to be hotter than comfortable during summer. But other practical suggestions have merit. I think the most important part of stoicism is the four principles that should guide the way you think and act: wisdom, courage, justice, temperance. Wouldn't we all, and wouldn't the world, I'd be better off if we followed those?
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
May 11, 2020
While I believe the author makes some good points in this book, it was not one that I will readily recommend. I feel like he did a good job presenting his facts, but as a Christian, I have a different viewpoint than him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2022
A quick read - provides some information about Stoicism, but very shallow - some completely false inventions “Plato’s view” - a lot of self help clichés (Journaling. Mindfulness. ) Gratuitous advice - “stop complaining “. Quotes from Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca - but no critical distance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews