William Irwin
Stoic challenge
translation by Antonia Gunaropoulou
ed., Ikaros, p. 216

In his previous book, A Guide to the Good Life, the Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (translated by Antonia Gunaropoulou, Ikaros ed.), Wright State University philosophy professor in Dayton, Ohio, William Irvine presented the core principles of Stoic philosophy in a very accessible and engaging way. In his new book, Stoic Challenge – A Philosophical Guide to Getting Stronger, Calmer, and More Endurant, Irwin takes it one step further with The Strategy of Stoic Challenge.

Irwin’s strategy is very simple. “When we are faced with failure, we must take it as a test of our fortitude and resourcefulness, as a ruse forced upon us, as I said, by imaginary stoic gods. Throwing all these surprises along our path, they are designed to make our days not harder, but better. The author analyzes a number of stoic tactics that can help anyone cope with life’s difficulties, deal with their anger, gain greater psychological resilience, accept failure and death. You are not belittling his goals.

Stoicism is a practical philosophy, and Irvine is firmly committed to its spirit. The founders of the school were not vaguely interested in big ideas, they were interested primarily and above all in the good life. That’s why the texts that mention them look like self-development books.

They want us to keep our peace of mind. So, take the trouble to read The Stoic Challenge and try to implement its main trick. If something is wrong with you, remember Irwin. Missed your plane, dropped your cell phone in the sea? It is your reaction that will determine the development of your story, not the event itself. Treat failure as an adventure that teaches you something, and suddenly you turn it into something enjoyable. It will shape you and improve you. The stoic gods tossing them at you know something.