The Practicing Stoic

The Practicing Stoic is a book about human nature and its management. The wisest students of that subject in ancient times, and perhaps of all time, were known as the Stoics. Their insights have long been hard to see as a whole because they are spread over a wide range of sources that are two thousand years old.

This book brings together the most valuable of the Stoic teachings in one place for the first time. It presents the original words of the Stoics in freshly revised translations, organizes them in an intuitive way for the modern reader, and surrounds them with commentary that makes their meaning clear. It is a perfect book for the newcomer to Stoicism, and an indispensable reference for anyone with an interest in the subject.

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Also available as a Blackstone audiobook.

Comments

It is reported that upon Seneca’s tomb are written the words, “Who’s Minding the Stoa?” He would be pleased to know the answer is “Ward Farnsworth.” —David Mamet

An extraordinary book. The Practicing Stoic provides enough richness to power a hundred years of seminars, combined with a framework of organization and interpretation that makes the subject clear and accessible. Worth much more than its weight in gold. —Mark Helprin

Farnsworth beautifully integrates his own observations with scores of quotations from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Montaigne and others. As a result, this isn’t just a book to read, it’s a book to return to. —Michael Dirda, The Washington Post

This is a book any thoughtful person will be glad to have along as a companion for an extended weekend or, indeed, for that protracted journey we call life. —The New Criterion (review by Roger Kimball)

Of all the wonderful books by Ward Farnsworth, this may be the very best. It’s an extraordinary accomplishment. —Bryan Garner

If you’re interested in how to live your life better, or Stoic philosophy, I highly recommend the learned but very accessible book “The Practicing Stoic.” A treasure trove. —Gretchen Rubin

Ward Farnsworth reframes the stoics with wit and insight. —The Millions (review by Ed Simon)

One of the best books on the practice of Stoicism I’ve come across. —Escaping Plato’s Cave (review by Ryan Boissonneault)

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