A Guide to the Good Life
William B. Irvine
53 people recommended it in 33 threads, 2010–2022.
What people on Hacker News said
This is an approachable intro to stoicism and helped me become more conscious of which things are within my control and which things are outside of my control. I now spend a lot more time focusing on the former and a lot less time being anxious about the latter.
Not only a description of the Stoic philosophy, which is, unfortunately, not very well known today, but also a great practical guide to a variety of techniques that can be included into daily activities easily, and will increase happiness.
discussion of a philosophy of life that seems like it would work well for modern living
Perhaps your pursuit of success, comforts, and convenience is grounded on the wrong foundation. And as a result, a false sense of happiness.
It really came out of left field and provided immediately useful advice on how to conduct myself both as a founder and as a hacker.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything? 2019 · 6 recommendations
- Ask HN: What book changed your life in 2014? 2014 · 5 recommendations
- Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect? 2018 · 4 recommendations
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2016? 2016 · 4 recommendations
- Ask HN: Best books you read in the past decade? 2019 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What are your favorite non-fiction books of all time? 2018 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What's one book that changed your life? 2018 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Which book have you re-read recently? 2017 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Best book you read in 2011 2011 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What is the best book you have read with the greatest impact on you? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book changed your life? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What books have you read that have changed your life? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Recommend one book I need to read this summer? 2019 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2018? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which book have you read, but do not recommend? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are your favorite books of all time, and why? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What books have made the biggest impact on your mental models? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What was the best book you read in 2016? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- YC's Winter Reading List 2016 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book did you read in 2016 that was so good you gifted it to others? 2016 · 1 recommendation