A Guide to the Good Life

People often sail through life without pausing to ask if they are truly living well. William B. Irvine explores a time-tested framework: Stoicism. Rather than offering dry theory, he shows how ancient Stoics confronted everyday problems—such as criticism, fear, and regret—and teaches us how to handle them today.

A Guide to the Good Life opens by revealing how many of us navigate existence without a coherent plan. Irvine believes that a clear philosophy of life helps us focus on what truly matters, so we can avoid regret later on. Stoicism, he argues, is uniquely practical for facing modern anxieties.

In ancient times, philosophers weren’t armchair thinkers; they studied wisdom to improve their daily habits and outlook. Stoics in particular wanted to eliminate destructive emotions and cultivate inner peace. Irvine’s stance is that Stoicism’s insights remain relevant—and surprisingly fitting for the fast-paced rhythm of our current world.

This opening sets the tone for a very down-to-earth philosophy. Stoicism asks: Are you living or just existing? By channeling rational thinking and self-reflection, you break free from endless consumption and pointless worries. The chapters ahead present concrete methods and real-life examples, showing how to build a calmer, more purposeful life.

Irvine points out that most people stumble along, adopting whatever the broader culture dictates as success: wealth, status, or fleeting pleasure. He likens this to an unplanned journey, where each action can counteract a previous one. Without a unifying direction, we easily feel hollow or lost.

Ancient philosophers—especially the Stoics—treated philosophy as a master plan for living. They taught their students to define their highest goals and then consider how to achieve them. Each day, they would ask whether their actions aligned with these bigger aims.

A guiding principle is critical. When life throws an emotional storm at us—say, a job loss or a relationship breakdown—our philosophy can serve as an anchor. It reminds us of our core ideals and keeps us from drifting into panic or confusion, protecting us from what Irvine calls “misliving.”