Review: The Stoic Arsenal: 40 Lessons from Stoicism for a Better Life
The Stoic Arsenal: 40 Lessons from Stoicism for a Better Life by Leandro Faria
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An introduction to Stoic philosophy, updated for the modern practitioner seeking “the good life.” We get 40 “lessons” in six parts … the primary idea being to not worry about that for which you have no control. What follows are various techniques to put that into action, often further subdividing the lesson into manageable steps (example: lesson 1 - “Mens Omnis Regit” is further divided into self-sufficiency and constant presence to show how we can change the way we think about everything). Woven into each block of text are quotes from various famous stoics and several persons whose personal philosophy appears to intersect with Stoicism. I found the comparisons with Buddhism particularly interesting where they look at mindfulness and the instruction to avoid emotional attachments to the physical world (Lesson 15 & 16). As might be expected for a philosophy that evolved over a couple of millennia, there are apparent contradictions that could use a fear amount of personal mediation … such at the recognition that we are all connected (Part 4) being opposed to the tenant that one should look to your self first (Lessons 37). Regardless, this is a solid first step of a potentially life changing journey that is worth a tilt.
I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
An introduction to Stoic philosophy, updated for the modern practitioner seeking “the good life.” We get 40 “lessons” in six parts … the primary idea being to not worry about that for which you have no control. What follows are various techniques to put that into action, often further subdividing the lesson into manageable steps (example: lesson 1 - “Mens Omnis Regit” is further divided into self-sufficiency and constant presence to show how we can change the way we think about everything). Woven into each block of text are quotes from various famous stoics and several persons whose personal philosophy appears to intersect with Stoicism. I found the comparisons with Buddhism particularly interesting where they look at mindfulness and the instruction to avoid emotional attachments to the physical world (Lesson 15 & 16). As might be expected for a philosophy that evolved over a couple of millennia, there are apparent contradictions that could use a fear amount of personal mediation … such at the recognition that we are all connected (Part 4) being opposed to the tenant that one should look to your self first (Lessons 37). Regardless, this is a solid first step of a potentially life changing journey that is worth a tilt.
Introduction
Part 1: Life Is Only Perception - The mind rules over everything
1. Mens Omnia Regit2. Train Perception3. Override Initial Reactions4. Trochotomy of Control5. Mindfulness6. The Inner Citadel
Part 2: Keep Perspective - Accept everything that happens
7. Amor Fati8. Cosmic Perspective9. Break the Hedonic Treadmill10. Memento Mori11. Fair Bookkeeping12. Poverty is a State of Mind
Part 3: Downside Protection - Turn obstacles into opportunities/action
13. Wand of Hermes14. Premeditatio Malorum15. Fate only Lends16. Self-Denial17. Decatastrophize18. Change the Point of View
Part 4: Sympatheia - It takes a village; we all depend on each other
19. Cosmopolitanism20. We’re More Similar Than Different21. Forgive Wrongs of Others22. Focus on Virtues, Not Flaws23. Improve Others24. Show Appreciation25. Character is All That Matters
Part 5: Pragmatism - Set realistic expectations
26. Stop Complaining27. Don’t Seek Recognition28. Don’t Seek Happiness (which is a by-production of virtue)29. Choose Friends Wisely30. Have a Sense of Humor31. Control Your Anger32. Be Humble
Part 6: Practice - Nobody is perfect
33. Philosophy Takes Priority34. Learn For Yourself35. Excellence is a Habit36. Action, Not Words37. Protect Your Time38. Watch The Wise39. The Power of Reminders40. Create a New Path
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