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A Guide to the Good Life

William B. Irvine

PhilosophyPsychologyHealth & Mind
Featured in: Stoicism reading guide
Publish date
2009
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Description
In *A Guide to the Good Life*, William B. Irvine examines the principles of ancient Stoic philosophy and adapts them for contemporary life. The book details specific Stoic practices, such as negative visualization and the dichotomy of control, aimed at reducing psychological distress. Additionally, it addresses practical methods for managing emotions like anger, grief, and anxiety to achieve mental tranquility.
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Books cited in A Guide to the Good Life

Suggested by AI, not verified against the full text. Check the original book before using them as a source.

  1. Discourses and Selected Writings

    Epictetus

    Citation

    Epictetus provides the foundation for Irvine's discussion on the dichotomy of control.

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  2. Philosophy as a Way of Life

    Pierre Hadot

    Citation

    Influences Irvine's central thesis that ancient philosophy was meant to be practiced daily.

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  3. Meditations

    Marcus Aurelius

    Citation

    Irvine heavily draws upon Marcus Aurelius's personal reflections on duty, mortality, and emotional control.

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  4. Letters from a Stoic

    Seneca

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    Seneca is extensively cited throughout the book as a primary source for practical Stoic techniques.

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  5. The Inner Citadel

    Pierre Hadot

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    Referenced for its scholarly analysis of Marcus Aurelius and spiritual exercises in ancient philosophy.

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  6. Lives of the Eminent Philosophers

    Diogenes Laertius

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    Used as a historical source for the biographical details and anecdotes of ancient Stoic philosophers.

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  7. The Stoic Philosophy of Seneca

    E. Vernon Arnold

    Citation

    Referenced regarding the historical development and academic analysis of Roman Stoicism.

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  8. Nicomachean Ethics

    Aristotle

    Citation

    Cited to contrast the Stoic view of eudaimonia with Aristotelian virtue ethics.

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  9. The Therapy of Desire

    Martha C. Nussbaum

    Citation

    Referenced regarding Hellenistic ethics and the concept of philosophy as a medical treatment for the mind.

    Medium relevanceExplore

  10. On Ends

    Cicero

    Citation

    Cited for historical context on ethical theories in ancient Greece and Rome.

    Medium relevanceExplore

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