The Stoic Challenge

A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient

By: William B. Irvine

Narrated by: Brian Troxell

Length: 4 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

A practical, refreshingly optimistic guide that uses centuries-old wisdom to help us better cope with the stresses of modern living.

Some people bounce back in response to setbacks; others break. We often think that these responses are hardwired, but fortunately this is not the case. Stoicism offers us an alternative approach. Plumbing the wisdom of one of the most popular and successful schools of thought from ancient Rome, philosopher William B. Irvine teaches us to turn any challenge on its head. The Stoic Challenge, then, is the ultimate guide to improving your quality of life through tactics developed by ancient Stoics, from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca to Epictetus.

This book uniquely combines ancient Stoic insights with techniques discovered by contemporary psychological research, such as anchoring and framing. The result is a surprisingly simple strategy for dealing with life’s unpleasant and unexpected challenges - from minor setbacks like being caught in a traffic jam or having a flight cancelled to major setbacks like those experienced by physicist Stephen Hawking, who slowly lost the ability to move, and writer Jean-Dominique Bauby, who suffered from locked-in syndrome.

The Stoics discovered that thinking of challenges as tests of character can dramatically alter our emotional response to them. Irvine’s updated “Stoic test strategy” teaches us how to transform life’s stumbling blocks into opportunities for becoming calmer, tougher, and more resilient. Not only can we overcome everyday obstacles - we can benefit from them, too.

©2019 William B. Irvine (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Terrific!

While the negative reviews did have a point, this book is on the nose with me! ❤️

Review

This book has inspired me, challenged my way of thinking, challenge me in a good way on how I’m living my life, surprised me, fascinated me. Everyone that truly wants to live their life at the fullest should buy this masterpiece. Thanks William for writing such an incredible book!!!

Real good

All concepts are explained well and in a modern world way. Good stuff. I listened to it twice already.

short book on stoicsism

good book on stoicism. there is neither good or bad, its how you interpret the situation.

There are a lot of very inspiring concepts

I don't agree with it all but for the most part this was a very interesting perspective and I enjoyed it very much.

helpful, inspiring.

enjoyed this book very much, was very helpful, and inspiring will listen to it again.

Easy and fun overview of stoicism for beginners

I really liked the book and presentation. There is one chapter towards the end where he went on a tangent about religions which I felt was somewhat superficial and unknowledgable, but besides this one point I enjoyed the book. I think its ideas and “tests” can be applied to a follower of any or no religion. In fact, as a student of biblical scripture with several Muslim and hindu friends, I would say Jesus was most definitely a stoic but the other religions are better at putting it i to practice. 🤣 I will definitely search out more books on the topic!

Definitely recommend

My favorite self betterment books that I've read so far. It helped me better understand The Four Agreements as well.

Dealing With Life's Challenges-Setbacks Reimagined

Part I was a great introduction and understanding to our own self importance and motivations with sharing setbacks or the tendency to "one-up" others who share their setbacks in life. I also found great perspective in the toughness training (Chapter 13) and negative visualization exercises mentioned a few places. That was less than half the audio. Some good takeaways, but not a title I will revisit.

loved it

very relevant in today's society. insightful and ties together many different time periods of stoic thought. highly recommended.