Stoicism: How to Use Stoic Philosophy to Find Inner Peace and Happiness

by Jason Hemlock

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 Stoicism: 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 discover:

- 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, good or bad.

Discover the Secrets to Stoicism Today by "Picking Up a Copy Today!"

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Education, Health

141 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2020

Reviews

[Mark Porton · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much more of a self-help book than a philosophy book

[Sumayyah Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Finn Eaglestone-Blundell · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Erica Tiemann · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Monte Kozmits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Very practical. Good for those approaching Stoicism for the first time.

[Abe Aamidor · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Aamir Hassan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Sugarpop · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mark Laugisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Joey McQuade · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Kieran Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

got some interesting stuff in it

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Mathew Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone.

[Matthew J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Patti Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Charles Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[T. Laane · Rating 4 out of 5]

STOICISM. This book puts stoicism on a bit of a pedestal and sometimes overpraises it, even though I personally lean towards those ideas. Stoics (people who practice stoicism) focus on changing their perspectives, viewing every day as a bonus and aiming to live in accordance with nature. Stoics don’t seek validation from others; for example, anxiety and stage fright are rooted in wanting outcomes outside of your control, like applause. The randomness of life’s rules is fine - just play the hand you’re dealt as well as you can. When you’ve truly done your best, the fear of death fades; only those with regrets are afraid to die.
PRACTICES AND EXERCISES. Instead of running from difficulties, face them - growth demands it. A stoic approach means deliberately choosing discomfort, like cold showers, to prepare for hard times so they hit less hard. Write your own eulogy, and don’t be afraid to include the bad bits, because others usually won’t. If you react in anger, try waiting ten seconds before you act - like dipping your toe in cold water, you can test whether the emotion is really justified.
ROLE MODELS AND ASPIRATIONS. You can pick a role model to inspire your behavior throughout the day, imagining how they’d handle things in your shoes. Keeping a diary where you imagine your day as your best possible self, and tracking how close you got, is a great exercise; eventually, if you continue this practice then you’ll start matching your actions to your ideals more often. If you consistently live as your highest self, your life becomes extraordinary and you eventually stop having to question whether you’re acting your best - you just are. If you strive to be the best version of yourself, at first it might feel inauthentic, but it’s still true to you and you can move toward it in harmony.

[Isaac Olvera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's society requires a new approach to expand and increase our well-being and development. However, if you search for methods used by humanity during these troubled times, society scours the past for assistance. Stoics learn from the past by living in the present to build a better future. In fact, people desire this as they move through life and generations to come. Stoicism provides the knowledge from our ancestors for humanity to build its foundation of existence through continued development by always trying to do better. However, unlike today's political climate where too much emphasis is placed upon party ideology, Stoicism requires analysis on what is best for the state, country, and world and not simply one's ideology.

"Stoicism: How to use Stoic Philosophy to find inner peace and happiness" provides a useful set of activities to guide you on a new path of development. Whereupon you seek to question the behaviors you have that occur without your direct knowledge. In essence, wake up from your dream state and experience life by being present. If you take all the key information from self-help books you would be left with this book. To sum it up, question, observe, react, take action, and change although one has to find in which order to take as each event, moment, or situation has different pathways based on experience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aniram]

What is the best way of life? I found the book ‘Stoicism: How to Use Stoic Philosophy to Find Inner Peace and Happiness’ to be a wonderful collection of thoughts and smaller, easier pieces of advice, which will get you motivated to take practical steps of effective wisdom. The author makes references to the ancient philosophers while explaining his ideas of Stoicism and urging to take control of oneself and one’s thought to create destiny.
The main message of this succinct, yet powerful book is that stoicism can be adapted to modern life by putting it more efficiently and analyzing it more carefully for modern purposes. What I really like about this book as opposed to some self-help guides of the same philosophy is that it focuses on practical techniques of developing your inner nature and setting your philosophical intention for a day.
The book concludes with a chapter describing situational practices, which can be embedded into your life and offer much solace in extremely testing time.

An amazing book I can recommend to everyone!

[R Stanfill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Your Best Self. That's the main thought of this excellent treatise on Stoicism. "[A]spire to make the most of everything life has to offer by being your best self." Author Jason Hemlock explains in clear language what Stoicism is, its history, and its main concepts. Every chapter begins with a quote from a classic philosopher, and ends with practical exercises to help the reader learn more about each aspect of the philosophy and how best to incorporate it into your life. Being a Stoic doesn't necessarily mean suppressing all emotions, or not even having an. It emphasizes building happiness and peace from within oneself, from the things that you can control, and not external things that you cannot control. This is hard, but the learning is worth it.
As the author states: " Stoicism is a journey. It's okay to stumble along the way, you don't have to be a master. You just have to do your best and know that the more you do, the better you become.

[Vy Ngo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does what it aims to do- provide a high level overview of stoicism in practice. You won’t get a deep dive into the philosophy or even understand why stoicism is what it is but you’ll gain an understanding of how to apply stoicism to your life. I especially like the meditative exercises presented. One negative is that some parts of certain chapters are repetitive and irrelevant to the main topic of said chapter.

This book does lean more towards self-help and may be valuable to some people. The best lessons from this book (in my opinion) are:

- Do not worry about anything outside your control
- Be empathetic by practicing empathy
- Don’t compare yourself to others or chase what others have, strive to be the best version of yourself instead

Overall, a fine introduction to the topic and I’d recommend this to those looking for a framework for living a stoic life. Not worth the time if you are already familiar with these ethics or want to dive into the philosophy.

[Richard F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually better than I thought it would be. Hemlock writes in an engaging and helpful style, and does a good job in adapting the principles from the context of 2000 years ago to today, which is one of the main things that I think keeps people away from philosophy.

Towards the end the book, the ideas get a bit repetitive and stray a bit towards a save-the-planet type of vibe, but for the most part the writing is useful and practical.

The practicality is probably the most attractive thing in the morning book: at the end of each chapter, Hemlock gives some practical exercises to adapt the topic and advice given to everyday life, and for the most part they are useful and achievable.

I for one found the book to be a good link between the principles written by the old philosophers and a way to keep using them to live your best modern life.

[Mad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look inwards, not outwards. How can I be my best self?

How can I give to society/others?

Work on one good act and then the next without seeking praise.

Focus on what you can control.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Hardship is an opportunity to grow and learn.

Be kind. Act with compassion. Loving kindness meditations are helpful.

Practice being uncomfortable (in a safe way) so that when hardship occurs, you know that it is an opportunity to change/do something differently, and this might prevent feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope.

Be your best self and you will attract the right people.

Be your best self at work and your managers/employers/team will see your value/effort.

Journal regularly.

Reflection your journal to see your growth over time.

Be disciplined. Enjoy your routine/habits and do not focus on the results.

[Vitty]

Touches on the origins of the philosophy and mindset and habits or actions of those who lived their lives in this way. Wasn't sure I was going to continue with it because it wasn't exactly what I was looking for especially with some outdated and religious basis from history. But by the end of it, it comes to modern day and some suggestions and ways to go about it and framing of the mindset.

Touches on a few things with history, mindset, and modern day for being the best self and having control of ones-self no matter what, and for that it is a worthy light read. For that reason though, it reminded me how I used to approach and view life before dysregulation. If you want more than that and more in-depth current-day examples and help, this may be unfulfilling. This is a taster/intro/reminder.