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The Manual: A Philosopher's Guide to Life Paperback – May 11, 2017

by Epictetus (Author), Sam Torode (Translator), Thomas Wentworth Higginson (Translator)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,261 ratings
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Life's Missing Instruction Manual

Epictetus (c. 50-135 CE) was brought as a slave to Rome, where he became a great teacher, deeply influencing the future emperor Marcus Aurelius among many others. His philosophy, Stoicism, was practical, not theoretical--aimed at relieving human suffering here and now.

And Epictetus knew suffering. Besides being a former slave, he was lame in one leg and walked with a crutch. After a decade of teaching in Rome, he was banished by Emperor Domitian; undaunted, he established a school in Greece.

The Manualis a collection of Epictetus' essential teachings and pithy sayings, compiled by his closet student. It is the most accessible and actionable guide to Stoic philosophy, as relevant today as it was in the Roman Empire.

This new edition is rendered in contemporary English, with a foreword, by Sam Torode (based on a translation by Thomas Wentworth Higginson).

Note: A revised and further simplified edition of this book is now available, The Manual: 21st Century Edition (ISBN B09HFXHCNP). Read the sample pages of each translation to see which you prefer.
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  1. Print length
    68 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    May 11, 2017
  4. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.17 x 8 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1545461112
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1545461112
  7. See all details
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From the Publisher

The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide to Life The Meditations: An Emperor’s Guide to Mastery The Manual: 21st Century Edition The Manual (PhilosoComics)
The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide to Life The Meditations: An Emperor’s Guide to Mastery The Manual: 21st Century Edition The Manual (PhilosoComics)
Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
2,261
4.7 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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4.7 out of 5 stars
54
Price $9.99 $9.99 $9.99 $9.99
Stoicism Made Simple A contemporary rendering of Epictetus’ classic guide to peace of mind. A contemporary rendering of Marcus Aurelius’ practical guide to Stoicism. A revised, easier-to-read paraphrase of "The Manual," perfect for students. A comic book adaptation of "The Manual: 21st Century Edition."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Whenever I find myself slipping--not liking how I'm acting, thinking, or reacting--I reread The Manual. It's the simplest, most profound barely-60 pages I've come across. Read it again today. I needed it." --Jason Fried, founder & CEO at Basecamp (referencing this particular edition of The Manual on Twitter)

From the Back Cover

Quotes from The Manual

"If it is beyond your power to control, let it go."

"Do not wish that all things will go well with you, but that you will go well with all things."

"In this way, you will overcome life's challenges, rather than be overcome by them."

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 11, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 68 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1545461112
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1545461112
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.03 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.17 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,261 ratings

About the authors

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Previous page
  1. Sam Torode

    Sam Torode

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Sam Torode creates books that entertain, inform, and inspire. He’s the author of a bestselling humorous novel, “The Dirty Parts of the Bible”—now a graphic novel—and a series of books simplifying the ideas of great philosophers, including “Living from the Soul,” “Secrets of the Mind,” “The Manual,” and “The Meditations.”

    See more on the author's page
  2. Ancient Renewal

    Ancient Renewal

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Ancient Renewal (an imprint of Sam Torode Book Arts) publishes fresh, contemporary editions of classic works. Our inspiration is expressed in Augustine of Hippo's phrase, "Beauty ever ancient, ever new."

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
2,261 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Big E and Lilly
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing short read
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024
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It’s a short book, but I enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend for a quick read person inspiration I give it two thumbs up.
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Savannah
5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening!
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2023
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Quick and digestible. Super enlightening and spending I can tell I will read over and over. Highly recommend!
One person found this helpful
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Doug D.
4.0 out of 5 stars Being Stoic doesn't mean what our society thinks it does
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2020
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After reading this book, I found the translator is absolutely correct: Stoicism is not what our culture takes it to be. It is not about being emotionless, it is about applying one's efforts in areas where we can actually accomplish something, most notably our internal reaction to worldly events. It is worth reading this book, just to get the definition correct.

But, the book is more than a lesson in terminology. It is teaching us how to live. While reading this book, it became obvious to me that Stoicism has a lot in common with Buddhism's 4-Noble Truths and 8-Fold Path, as well as the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga, and even the Gospel of Matthew. I believe that Epictetus developed this work independently of these others, since he cites Socrates, not Buddha. But today, we live in a world where we have access to many spiritual traditions. And, I believe these other traditions go a lot further than Stoicism (at least based on this one book) toward helping us navigate our lives in the best way.

Don't get me wrong. If one is just discovering the importance of our internal life, I think this book (and Stoicism) is a great place to start. But, I think it is just a start. It is great to move away from external satisfaction as a source of happiness. But, eventually, I believe, we all need to move to a tradition that gets beyond looking at our own, personal internal satisfaction as well. Ultimately Stoicism still seems a little selfish, just internally instead of externally. Or as Zen teaches us, don't focus on the tradition, focus on what the tradition is pointing toward (which isn't ourselves, neither external nor internal).
43 people found this helpful
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weblime
5.0 out of 5 stars Quick and valuable read.
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
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A lot of sound advice laid out clearly in easily digestible chapters. I need eight more words to submit this.
4 people found this helpful
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Kristopher Madaus
5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Short and Quick Primer for Stoicism
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2023
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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.
2 people found this helpful
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Terry Frandsen
5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS A MUST READ!
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
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This stoic has wisdom applicable to every day life. Stoicism has changed my life. Marcus is one of my favorite Stoics.
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Benji Suer
3.0 out of 5 stars Decent book but too simplified
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2021
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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.
3 people found this helpful
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Tuomas R
5.0 out of 5 stars Handbook for practical philosophy
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2023
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This book interprets practical Stoic principles of Epictetus to the modern audience who want learn more about art of living through philosophical self-improvement in more contemporary language.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Based.
Reviewed in Canada on March 25, 2024
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Baaaaaaaased. Super based, based as advertised. If you're looking for something based this is the book on based. Based AF bro.
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Amol Bhosle
5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing if needed be
Reviewed in India on July 15, 2022
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It's for living. I've acquired which I need and will reveal only when I can live it. Till then see for yourself.
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Ivan Cruz
5.0 out of 5 stars Rápido, pratico, eficaz!
Reviewed in Brazil on September 5, 2020
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Excelente livro!

O que se precisa saber sobre estoicismo de forma direta.
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Ricardo Elizondo Ulloa
4.0 out of 5 stars Conciso
Reviewed in Mexico on July 17, 2020
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Gemas de sabiduría
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Brief but powerful
Reviewed in the Netherlands on August 11, 2019
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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.
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