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The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life Kindle Edition

by Epictetus (Author), Ancient Renewal (Author), Sam Torode (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,438 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Rationalist Philosophy
Life's Missing Instruction Manual

Epictetus (c. 50-135 CE) was brought as a slave to Rome, where he became a great teacher, deeply influencing the future emperor Marcus Aurelius among many others. His philosophy, Stoicism, was practical, not theoretical--aimed at relieving human suffering here and now.

And Epictetus knew suffering. Besides being a former slave, he was lame in one leg and walked with a crutch. After a decade of teaching in Rome, he was banished by Emperor Domitian; undaunted, he established a school in Greece.

The Manualis a collection of Epictetus' essential teachings and pithy sayings, compiled by his closet student. It is the most accessible and actionable guide to Stoic philosophy, as relevant today as it was in the Roman Empire.

This new edition is rendered in contemporary English, with a foreword, by Sam Torode (based on a translation by Thomas Wentworth Higginson). A companion volume, The Meditations: An Emperor's Guide to Mastery by Marcus Aurelius, is also available from Ancient Renewal.

Note: A revised and further simplified edition of this book is now available, The Manual: 21st Century Edition (ASIN B09HP7C1M6). Read the sample pages of each translation to see which you prefer.
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  1. Print length
    70 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
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  4. Publication date
    April 23, 2017
  5. File size
    3.7 MB
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From the Publisher

The Manual: 21st Century Edition
The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life
The Meditations: An Emperor's Guide to Mastery
The Manual (PhilosoComics)
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 201
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,438
4.7 out of 5 stars 1,210
4.6 out of 5 stars 72
Price $3.99 $3.99 $3.99 $9.99
Stoicism Made Simple A clear, easy-to-read paraphrase of "The Manual," perfect for students. A more formal rendering of Epictetus’ classic guide to peace of mind. A contemporary rendering of Marcus Aurelius’ practical guide to Stoicism. A comic book adaptation of "The Manual: 21st Century Edition."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Whenever I find myself slipping--not liking how I'm acting, thinking, or reacting--I reread The Manual. It's the simplest, most profound barely-60 pages I've come across. Read it again today. I needed it." --Jason Fried, founder & CEO at Basecamp (referencing this particular edition of The Manual on Twitter)

From the Back Cover

Quotes from The Manual

"If it is beyond your power to control, let it go."

"Do not wish that all things will go well with you, but that you will go well with all things."

"In this way, you will overcome life's challenges, rather than be overcome by them."

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B072KZWHW4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ancient Renewal
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 23, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 70 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 2,438 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Sam Torode

    Sam Torode

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    Sam Torode creates books that entertain, inform, and inspire. He’s the author of a bestselling humorous novel, “The Dirty Parts of the Bible”—now a graphic novel—and a series of books simplifying the ideas of great philosophers, including “Living from the Soul,” “Secrets of the Mind,” “The Manual,” and “The Meditations.” No AI tools involved—Sam's books are 100% human written, illustrated, and designed.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Ancient Renewal

    Ancient Renewal

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    Ancient Renewal (an imprint of Sam Torode Book Arts) publishes fresh, contemporary editions of classic works. Our inspiration is expressed in Augustine of Hippo's phrase, "Beauty ever ancient, ever new."

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,438 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great introduction to Stoicism, capturing the essence of Epictetus' teachings and providing wisdom applicable to everyday life. Moreover, they appreciate its easy-to-read translation and simple wording, making it a valuable and concise guide for living. However, the book's length receives mixed reactions, with several customers noting it is very short.

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PhilosophyEase of readingValue for moneyClarityShortness of read
65 customers mention "Philosophy"65 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the philosophy in the book, finding it a thoughtful modern adaptation of classical teachings that captures the essence of Epictetus' teachings and provides wisdom applicable to everyday life.

"This is a great book with legitimate wisdom...." Read more

"...However, there are dozens of valuable and insightful lessons contained in very few words. It gets to the heart of Stoicism. The principals are easy...." Read more

"...But, I think it is just a start. It is great to move away from external satisfaction as a source of happiness...." Read more

"...Epitectus and the Stoics have timeless advice, that takes only a little time to read, and a lifetime to practice" Read more

61 customers mention "Ease of reading"59 positive2 negative

Customers find the book very comprehensible and easy to read, describing it as a great quick read and a concise guide for living.

"This is a great book with legitimate wisdom. It's simple principles that if you think about and implement in your everyday life things will go much..." Read more

"...It gets to the heart of Stoicism. The principals are easy. Putting the principals into practice… takes practice. I’ll absolutely reread this one." Read more

"...But never react. Pretty good read. Certainly not a waste of time if you are thinking." Read more

"This is an excellent baser bones quick read and introduction to Stoic thought. I enjoyed the fact that I was able to rip through this in one sitting." Read more

48 customers mention "Value for money"48 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a valuable read with great content that's worth buying, making it a good starting point for reading.

"This is a great book with legitimate wisdom...." Read more

"This is a very quick read. However, there are dozens of valuable and insightful lessons contained in very few words...." Read more

"...It is worth reading this book, just to get the definition correct. But, the book is more than a lesson in terminology...." Read more

"Epictetus makes some good points about how to live.It is obvious he did not just sit around and make things up.He writes as an observing reader...." Read more

5 customers mention "Clarity"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book clear.

"...Many thanks to Sam Torode for putting this manual into clear, easy-to -understand language...." Read more

"Lots of great advice in clear, concise, and contemporary language. Easy to read and understand. Worth reading and re-reading. Great for meditation." Read more

"...The clear and modern language makes it easy to share with kids of all ages, a huge plus in my eyes....It's never to early to start learning how to..." Read more

"This book is clear, concise and well worth the price. The readings ring clear and on their face seek simplistic enough to remove the confusion on..." Read more

14 customers mention "Shortness of read"8 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's length, with some appreciating its brevity while others find it very short.

"Wonderful read. I read this in one day. Its a short and simple abridged version of the philosophy of stoicism and if your even slightly curious this..." Read more

"It’s a short book, but I enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend for a quick read person inspiration I give it two thumbs up." Read more

"...with the use of modern English translations, and it's not very long either. You can read this book in a couple of hours...." Read more

"It's a very watered down and simple version. The book is hardly a read and is more fortune cookie like with the lessons...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Dirt McGirt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for all people.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great book with legitimate wisdom. It's simple principles that if you think about and implement in your everyday life things will go much smoother for you. It doesn't suggest taking all emotion out of your life, but it does suggest not allowing things that you have no control over to influence your emotions.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kristopher Madaus
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Short and Quick Primer for Stoicism
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very quick read. However, there are dozens of valuable and insightful lessons contained in very few words. It gets to the heart of Stoicism. The principals are easy. Putting the principals into practice… takes practice. I’ll absolutely reread this one.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Doug D.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Being Stoic doesn't mean what our society thinks it does
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    After reading this book, I found the translator is absolutely correct: Stoicism is not what our culture takes it to be. It is not about being emotionless, it is about applying one's efforts in areas where we can actually accomplish something, most notably our internal reaction to worldly events. It is worth reading this book, just to get the definition correct.

    But, the book is more than a lesson in terminology. It is teaching us how to live. While reading this book, it became obvious to me that Stoicism has a lot in common with Buddhism's 4-Noble Truths and 8-Fold Path, as well as the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga, and even the Gospel of Matthew. I believe that Epictetus developed this work independently of these others, since he cites Socrates, not Buddha. But today, we live in a world where we have access to many spiritual traditions. And, I believe these other traditions go a lot further than Stoicism (at least based on this one book) toward helping us navigate our lives in the best way.

    Don't get me wrong. If one is just discovering the importance of our internal life, I think this book (and Stoicism) is a great place to start. But, I think it is just a start. It is great to move away from external satisfaction as a source of happiness. But, eventually, I believe, we all need to move to a tradition that gets beyond looking at our own, personal internal satisfaction as well. Ultimately Stoicism still seems a little selfish, just internally instead of externally. Or as Zen teaches us, don't focus on the tradition, focus on what the tradition is pointing toward (which isn't ourselves, neither external nor internal).
    52 people found this helpful
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  • roger poe
    5.0 out of 5 stars "Philosophy is for living, not just learning."<br />(Epictetus.The Manual: A Philosophers Guide To Life.6
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
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    Epictetus makes some good points about how to live.It is obvious he did not just sit around and make things up.He writes as an observing reader. Think it through then act or think it through then do not act. But never react.
    Pretty good read. Certainly not a waste of time if you are thinking.
    Helpful
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  • Cheeky Artist
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent book
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  • El Uomo
    5.0 out of 5 stars short but sweet restatement of the the sayings of Epitectus in modern words
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    There is a lot to absorb from this little book .
    Epitectus and the Stoics have timeless advice, that takes only a little time to read, and a lifetime to practice
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Robert Occhialini
    3.0 out of 5 stars Solid little Stoic overview
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is an excellent baser bones quick read and introduction to Stoic thought. I enjoyed the fact that I was able to rip through this in one sitting.
    Helpful
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  • daniheartsmusic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent, concise guide for living. Great introduction to writings of Epictetus, and to Stoic philosophy. Every maxim may not apply to all individuals, but regardless of personal beliefs, one will very likely find this guide adaptable/applicable to their daily mode of being.

    Many thanks to Sam Torode for putting this manual into clear, easy-to -understand language. It was a great quick read and I look forward to re-reading, as well as reading Book #2 in the series, 'The Meditations - A Philosophers Guide', and the authors' other translation of some classic works. Having these editions of these two books is great if you're anything like me and needed a more accessible version of the philosophy, esp. as a newbie to this arena of thought. Highly recommend.
    11 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Supreme Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thought-Provoking and easy to read! 📖
    Reviewed in Germany on December 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A concise and insightful read, under 100 pages, packed with wisdom. Perfect for anyone looking for deep philosophical ideas in a short format.

    🧠 Insight: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Offers valuable reflections on life and existence.
    📚 Readability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Easy to follow and digest.
    💡 Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Leaves you thinking long after you finish.
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  • Mark Watson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand
    Reviewed in Australia on October 26, 2023
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    The manual by Epictetus is one of my favourite books on stoicism. This modern version is well done and allows the reader to implement these practices into modern life.
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  • Placeholder
    5.0 out of 5 stars must read book
    Reviewed in India on June 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Small book but contains more meaning.The impressions this book will make upon us after reading it surely would be great.Make us to think about the way we must live our life.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy, Short Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    As an introduction to Stoic principles it does a great job. It is both well written and easy to read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Brief but powerful
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on August 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A good balance between a simple message to be delivered and many angles to look at it from. Chapters are so tiny that you can read one a day for inspiration.
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