A Guide to the Good Life

“Irvine excels at giving a “walking tour” of the many schools of Stoic philosophy, from Greek to Roman traditions, identifying individual Stoic thinkers (many more than Seneca) and their principles and techniques, which Irvine argues are even more relevant in modern times than their own.” –Philosophical Practice “Another valuable ally in your personal morale campaign can be found in William B. Irvine’s A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, which removes the grim grey mask of noble, resigned fatalism attached to the popular conception of Stoic philosophy and lets the humanity out and the air in…. It is a work of clarion clarity, and you won’t have to read that far into it before the phrase ‘stoic joy’ ceases sounding like an oxymoron and becomes a workable proposition.”–James Wolcott, Vanity Fair “Irvine’s book excels as a guide for practicing Stoics or for individuals seeking to improve that practice.” –The Common Review “Irvine’s intended audience is nonphilosophers, but everyone can profit from his clear presentation on the on the benefits of using philosophical doctrines to live a meaningful life.”–Library Journal “If, however, you are skeptical that even therapy will make you happy – if you are looking for a life philosophy – A Guide to the Good Life is for you…. Irvine’s book is more thought-provoking.”–Austin American-Statesman “He writes in clear, almost jargon-free prose that is well suited to his target audience, and maintains a cheerful tone throughout the book…that perfectly expresses the sort of rationally grounded upbeat attitude that is one of the payoffs of becoming a practicing Stoic…. I can firmly recommend Irvine’s A Guide to the Good Life to anyone interested in exploring some of the ways philosophical work can be brought to bear on the ordinary problems of living…. there is a great deal of useful thinking and excellent advice to be found in it, presented in a clear, straightforward and often charming manner.”–Lauren Tillinghast, Metapsychology Online Reviews “Bill Irvine has given us a great gift: the most accessible and inviting description of modern Stoicism available. Read this book and be prepared to change your life!”–Sharon Lebell, author of Epictetus’s The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness “Well-written and so compelling, this is a rare example of a book that actually will make a difference in the lives of its readers. Whether it’s coping with grief or arriving at lasting happiness, Irvine shows, with care and verve, ancient Stoic wisdom to be ever relevant and very, very helpful.” –Gary Klein, author of Sources of Power: How People Make Decisions “Never have I seen so delightful, empathetic, and supple a presentation of Stoicism as Irvine gives us here. Hardly Christian even in sensibilities, the Stoics were, none the less, wise in the ways of life, a benison Irvine exposes, and then delivers here, with panache and great acumen.”–Phyllis Tickle, author of The Divine Hours “Irvine’s calm yet impassioned presentation of a Western philosophy of life that one can actually abide by and practice will be good medicine for many readers…I heartily recommend it.” –The Christian Century “Dr Irvine has used very simple language in his book. He gives a notion of modern stoicism and urges modern readers to practice stoicism.” – The Nation, Pakistan

William B. Irvine is Professor of Philosophy at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He is the author of On Desire: Why We Want What We Want.