The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life

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.

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.

This is a paraphrase, not a real translation, but it's still beneficial. The author, Sam Torode, seems to have a good laymen's grasp of the text. Due to the Victorian language of most translations, they can be difficult to understand at first. Paraphrases like this one provide a useful commentary to help the reader understand an actual translation.

Ok, love this version by Sam Torode! The modern language only enhances the readability without harming the original! Great book everyone should read. I give this copy to all my Stoic Students!

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.

If you are new to Stoicism, as I am, this is not the first book you want to get. The first books to read are the books about the general principles of Stoicism. There are quite a few out there. Then, when you are familiar with the simple, basic principles of Stoicism, this book fits in beautifully as does The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. As a philosophy of life, Stoicism has changed my life. It makes so much sense. Especially, to let things go of which you have no control. I could go on and on, but I would not be a good Stoic I did. Put the principles into practice and you'll be better for it

It's a very watered down and simple version. The book is hardly a read and is more fortune cookie like with the lessons. I did enjoy the read and was able to get some good life lessons and applicable ideas from the book. I would recommend as a more daily meditation style book or a book for children 10-12. If you are an avid reader I would not recommend this book.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As an introduction to Stoic principles it does a great job. It is both well written and easy to read.

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.