The Beginner's Guide to Stoicism: Tools for Emotional Resilience and Positivity Paperback – October 8, 2019

A great book to start your journey to a better, happier and less stressful life. Combines quotes from the best known Stoic philosophers and instructions on how to apply their wisdom to enhance your life. Sort of an early version of applied positive psychology.

A must-read! Pragmatic and thoughtful

Review of The Beginner's Guide to Stoicism: Tools for Emotional Resilience and PositivityThe Beginner's Guide to Stoicism by Matthew Van Natta is a concise and practical introduction to the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, tailored for modern readers. The book serves as an accessible guide for those looking to cultivate emotional resilience, improve their mindset, and navigate life’s challenges with greater composure.Strengths:Clear and Approachable Writing – Van Natta presents Stoic principles in an easy-to-understand manner, making it an ideal choice for beginners. He avoids overly complex philosophical jargon, instead offering straightforward explanations.Practical Exercises – The book includes actionable exercises that encourage readers to apply Stoic techniques in daily life. These exercises help reinforce key concepts like focusing on what’s within your control and practicing gratitude.Modern Relevance – The author effectively connects Stoic wisdom to contemporary issues such as stress, anxiety, and negativity, making it feel applicable rather than outdated.Weaknesses:Limited Depth – While great for beginners, those already familiar with Stoicism may find the book too basic. It serves as a starting point rather than a deep dive into Stoic philosophy.Repetitive at Times – Some concepts are revisited frequently, which may feel redundant for readers who grasp the principles quickly.Final Verdict:For newcomers to Stoicism, The Beginner's Guide to Stoicism is a valuable and engaging introduction. It provides practical tools for fostering resilience and positivity in everyday life. While it may not satisfy those looking for in-depth analysis, it succeeds in its goal of making Stoic philosophy accessible and actionable.

The author laid everything out clearly while offering lots of practical exercises. Especially if you're new to Stoicism, this is an excellent primer to get you started well!

If you're new to Stoicism, I recommend this book. It's a quick and easy read. When you're reading the book, it feels like the author is speaking directly to you!10/10

I feel like this book motivated me to continue seeking more. Easy to read, easy to memorize, very informative to me, the beginner.

I thought the book could have been a bit more cohesive, but it’s a solid intro to stoicism and meant to arm you with tools as a beginner to apply and practice.

Ive read this cover to cover over and over. The book is wearing out from the amount of usage. I am forever moved and found so much peace of mind from this book. I am full and true believer in stoicism and the good it would do for the world. My anxiety, my anger, my self loathing, all but have disappeared. I practice daily, it’s a muscle, a habit and desire to change. It’s taken me 3 years to pick this book up and use it and I wish I would’ve done it sooner but I wasn’t ready. I feel fulfilled and free. Try it you won’t regret extending the effort to find peace and happiness.