William Irvine draws on the writings of Stoic philosophers to compile a book that’s part self-help, part Stoicism 101. It’s a great introduction to an ancient way of thinking that is still relevant and useful today. Irvine makes the point that a lot of academic philosophy, particularly in the last hundred years, is so convoluted and technical that it offers little practical advice about how to live, or what constitutes a good life. Stoicism often maintained a focus on identifying and having a good life, and provided a framework of thought exercises and principles that arguably make it easier.