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  • The Stoic Challenge

  • A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient
  • Written by: William B. Irvine
  • Narrated by: Brian Troxell
  • Length: 4 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (66 ratings)

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The Stoic Challenge

Written by: William B. Irvine
Narrated by: Brian Troxell
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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.

What listeners say about The Stoic Challenge

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Practical Philosophy

Very accessible and to the point practical applications of stoic philosophy. Excellent listen , that's if you're up to the challenge.

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Great food for thought

Engaging and useful when going about hot daily lives. Great techniques and advice. Highly recommended.

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  • DD
  • 2022-09-07

Interesting read.

I got the book and read it on a driving trip. I immediately re-read it and took notes. It inspired me to do my own 30 day stoic challenge. Every time I feel frustration or anger I review my notes and select an exercise suggested by the book. It’s been an interesting week! Concise, well written, and unlike other books on stoicism I have read in that it gives concrete modern examples of how to apply the ideas. I’ve suggested the title to family and friends.

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good introduction to the subject.

very easy to digest. I find myself looking to learn more about the subject and I started to notice when I am not following the principals and how I feel in those moments.

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Worth your time

A solid book on the application of Stoic philosophy. I suggest reading a Guide to the Good life first. I really enjoyed this book.

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Another great one from Irvine

If like me, you enjoyed “a Guide to the good life” but wanted more elaboration on the practical techniques and tools, this is for you. No fluff or BS, just practical techniques explained with good real life examples. And at around 4 hrs, so not the biggest commitment, with a good Narrator even! I will listen again!

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