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Secrets of the Stoics: How to Live an Undefeatable Life
If you have been struggling with the big questions: Who am I? How can I find my purpose? How should I live my life? Stoicism has the answers.
In Secrets of the Stoics, you will learn about three of the most influential ancient Stoics: Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca. You will discover the importance of Stoicism in their daily lives and how it helped them cope with the highs and lows of life, before facing death with resilience and acceptance.
Along the way, you will find out:
- How to respond with love in the most challenging situations
- How a journaling habit can help you be more effective in your daily life and how to get started
- How to stop worrying about things that are outside of your control and find inner peace
- Be more intentional in your thoughts, feelings, and actions to create the life you really want
- How the Stoics practised mindfulness and how you can use it to make the most of any situation
And that’s just the start.
There is so much to be learned from the ancient Stoic philosophers and so much they can teach us about how to survive and thrive in modern society. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, “Today I escaped from anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions — not outside.”
In Secrets of the Stoics, you will learn about three of the most influential ancient Stoics: Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca. You will discover the importance of Stoicism in their daily lives and how it helped them cope with the highs and lows of life, before facing death with resilience and acceptance.
Along the way, you will find out:
- How to respond with love in the most challenging situations
- How a journaling habit can help you be more effective in your daily life and how to get started
- How to stop worrying about things that are outside of your control and find inner peace
- Be more intentional in your thoughts, feelings, and actions to create the life you really want
- How the Stoics practised mindfulness and how you can use it to make the most of any situation
And that’s just the start.
There is so much to be learned from the ancient Stoic philosophers and so much they can teach us about how to survive and thrive in modern society. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, “Today I escaped from anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions — not outside.”
- GenresNonfictionPhilosophy
135 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 27, 2021
Key Essentials are Presented Unusually well, with Exceptionally Good Writing
There are a lot of books about Stoics and Stoicism; few are able to give Essentials so easily and well.
A lot of these books are complex and not very easy to read. Or try to give summaries and do a poor job.
This books gives essential points - the really especially essential keys - with a seeming simplicity and ease that is the result of especially good writing.
Exercises are given that are useful and that teach a lot; and not the usual exercises - but ones given some good thought, careful thought.
This is good writing by someone who has digested the history, people, and best of all - the key essential points with exceptional clarity. The writer has digested key points and gives them to us with greatersimplicity.
A good read, which I highly recommend.
-David Burnet
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are a lot of books about Stoics and Stoicism; few are able to give Essentials so easily and well.
A lot of these books are complex and not very easy to read. Or try to give summaries and do a poor job.
This books gives essential points - the really especially essential keys - with a seeming simplicity and ease that is the result of especially good writing.
Exercises are given that are useful and that teach a lot; and not the usual exercises - but ones given some good thought, careful thought.
This is good writing by someone who has digested the history, people, and best of all - the key essential points with exceptional clarity. The writer has digested key points and gives them to us with greatersimplicity.
A good read, which I highly recommend.
-David Burnet
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2021
Wonderful book! As a coach and person who is deep into sports, this book was fantastic. The Greeks started the Olympics, back in the day. So, that movement and way of life is of keen interest. Plus, the "undefeatable" title word made me curios. Jeepers, the Stoic way is top shelf behavior for athletes, coaches and the prudent. Great thoughts. Great approaches to life. Every coach should read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found a bunch of golden nuggets of information, and I gained a new perspective. Hemlock provides background information on Stoics, gives examples of practical ways to apply the ideas of Stoicism to modern daily life, and includes simple exercises for the reader to try. Aurelius and Seneca would be proud. Secrets of The Stoics is definitely one of those books I'll use as a tool and refer back to time and time again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2021
Very impressed with something that can still, at my age, give me pause, keep me reading all afternoon. I loved philosophy when in school, always in wonder, and thrilled to find something written that one could actually understand. Thanks for this and I hope to see more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2021
I found this book to be a great introduction to Stoicism and key Stoic philosophers. I have been on this journey myself, in a non-formal way. This book has given me some needed direction to continue my own journey. I found it interesting and thought provoking and am now more excited to continue my personal journey to leading a more Stoic lifestyle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2023
سر الاستمتاع بحياة بسيطة لا يتعلق بنقص المال أو الممتلكات ، بل نقص العوز والحاجة ، وقلة الحسد ، وقلة التوتر وانعدام الأمن ، وعدم الاستياء ، هذه هي الثروة الحقيقية
January 14, 2022
In his book, ‘The Secrets of the Stoics”, author James Hemlock gives a fine excursion into the most “ancient” of those in the Stoic school of philosophy. The introduction alone is well worth the cost of the book itself. I was delighted that the introduction gave the reader such a helpful outline and background for the study itself.
As the “chapters” of the book begin, the reader finds that the outline is being plentifully expanded for each section of the book not only gives new information, but in some highly relevant ways “connect the dots” for those who choose to take the journey. As each section examines the lives and teachings of the early proponents of the Stoic school of philosophy, the author provides summation and exercises to reinforce what he has shared and discussed.
We live in a world wherein enough is never enough for so many people. The disparity between those who have and those who go without even the most basic of life necessities shows astonishingly willful ignorance on the part of the few, and frustrating obviousness to the many. Today’s world brings what is arguably the greatest gap and most disregarded problem by those, who having the means, choose not to correct the problem. The problem, as the author proposes, is not one of benevolence but injustice. Learning to embrace and apply the principles of Stoicism to one’s life could help to make a better world. I have so many sentences and paragraphs highlighted in my copy of this book!
Whether one is looking to make positive changes in their own lives, or to understand the issues at play in today’s world, this book gives you a sure-footed path to do so. The exercises that the author proposes at the close of each section are a way to invite the reader to consider how life might be different, were the reader to plunge in and begin to apply the principles to their own lives. I highly recommend the reading, and implementation of this book and its proposals. In a world filled with anger, greed, hatred, envy, and extreme poverty; isn’t it time to change the perspective of us all?
As the “chapters” of the book begin, the reader finds that the outline is being plentifully expanded for each section of the book not only gives new information, but in some highly relevant ways “connect the dots” for those who choose to take the journey. As each section examines the lives and teachings of the early proponents of the Stoic school of philosophy, the author provides summation and exercises to reinforce what he has shared and discussed.
We live in a world wherein enough is never enough for so many people. The disparity between those who have and those who go without even the most basic of life necessities shows astonishingly willful ignorance on the part of the few, and frustrating obviousness to the many. Today’s world brings what is arguably the greatest gap and most disregarded problem by those, who having the means, choose not to correct the problem. The problem, as the author proposes, is not one of benevolence but injustice. Learning to embrace and apply the principles of Stoicism to one’s life could help to make a better world. I have so many sentences and paragraphs highlighted in my copy of this book!
Whether one is looking to make positive changes in their own lives, or to understand the issues at play in today’s world, this book gives you a sure-footed path to do so. The exercises that the author proposes at the close of each section are a way to invite the reader to consider how life might be different, were the reader to plunge in and begin to apply the principles to their own lives. I highly recommend the reading, and implementation of this book and its proposals. In a world filled with anger, greed, hatred, envy, and extreme poverty; isn’t it time to change the perspective of us all?
December 28, 2021
Since I’ve read a lot of Stoic literature translated straight from ancient sources, it took me a while to warm up to this book. It felt a little too light at first. But the more I read, the more I enjoyed the book. Quotes from the ancients are liberally sprinkled throughout the book, providing anchors for the author’s thoughts. Likewise, tidbits about the lives and surroundings of the ancient Stoics are interwoven in the text. For those looking for specific action plans, exercises are provided to create a truly interactive experience for the reader. While the book offers some keen insights apart from them, I plan to reread the book slowly and complete the exercises. In short, even though I knew a fair bit about the subject, Hemlock offered helpful refreshers and great ways to apply the principles to my life. If you’re new to Stoicism, I recommend this book highly.
I received a free copy of this book for review.
I received a free copy of this book for review.
December 30, 2021
Although I have already read Marcus Aurelius, I have found some new information in this book. The author gave detailed bios of three important stoic philosophers and he proposes some very practical exercises for implementing stoicism in every day life. A book that I intend reading twice.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2022
A friend recommended this book to me because he knows I’m into books on stoicism. This is a great book, and it’s pretty short. If you’re looking for a short book that breaks down the basics of stoicism and provides actionable steps you can take, this is a good book for you. The author has various practices throughout the book and gives you a little history of the different ancient stoics as well.
December 25, 2021
A historical look at how Stoicism can help us live practically and peacefully in our modern lives. Very fitting read for the current times as we weave through uncertainty.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2021
Short, simple and well done
I’ve been interested in stoicism for some time but jumping into the deep end of Meditations etc seemed too much. This short book provides masses of insight, other paths to follow and simple steps to start. A quick and valuable read, recommended.
I’ve been interested in stoicism for some time but jumping into the deep end of Meditations etc seemed too much. This short book provides masses of insight, other paths to follow and simple steps to start. A quick and valuable read, recommended.
October 1, 2022
Like with most of philosophical and psychological books, practices and behaviours described are easier said than done. Overall, it is concise, engaging, and practical. Could be life changing for some.
March 4, 2023
Highly recommend - great overview and introduction of stoic philosophers and their ideas. Easy to read and fun - breaks down some loftier concepts into an easily digestible format, with modern applications of stoic principles.
March 6, 2024
A great place to start a Stoic journey.
I found this book really good and easy to read. The chapters are well divided. One of the this I really loved was the exercises recommendations. If you can put actions on readings, you can reach farther.
Totally recommended.
I found this book really good and easy to read. The chapters are well divided. One of the this I really loved was the exercises recommendations. If you can put actions on readings, you can reach farther.
Totally recommended.
November 17, 2022
Nice intro to stoicism, easy to follow and digest.
March 5, 2024
3.5. Had some good quotes but too much background info
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews