“The Stoics also articulated the mood that we should aspire to as our default setting—ataraxia (literally, ‘without disturbance’)—a carefully calibrated state of tranquillity that is not happiness, or joy, or any of the ecstatic states found in religious or mystical experiences, or in the more modern highs of falling in love or taking cocaine. Instead, ataraxia is a state of contentment or peace where the world can be falling in around your ears, but your equilibrium is undisturbed.”
― Reasons Not to Worry: How to Be Stoic in Chaotic Times—A Practical Guide to Stoicism for Self-Improvement and Personal Growth
― Reasons Not to Worry: How to Be Stoic in Chaotic Times—A Practical Guide to Stoicism for Self-Improvement and Personal Growth
“I learned a lesson I’d never forget. The lesson was that, when you have setbacks and failures, you can’t overreact to them.”
― Grit
― Grit
“One does not deceive oneself about the consequences of one's acts; one deceives oneself about the ease with which one can live with those consequences.”
― Augustus
― Augustus
Bill’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Bill’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
More friends…
Favorite Genres
Graphic novels and Music
Polls voted on by Bill
Lists liked by Bill






















































