The Stoic Challenge
A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $18.73
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Brian Troxell
-
Written by:
-
William B. Irvine
About this listen
A practical, refreshingly optimistic guide that uses centuries-old wisdom to help us better cope with the stresses of modern living.
Some people bounce back in response to setbacks; others break. We often think that these responses are hardwired, but fortunately this is not the case. Stoicism offers us an alternative approach. Plumbing the wisdom of one of the most popular and successful schools of thought from ancient Rome, philosopher William B. Irvine teaches us to turn any challenge on its head. The Stoic Challenge, then, is the ultimate guide to improving your quality of life through tactics developed by ancient Stoics, from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca to Epictetus.
This book uniquely combines ancient Stoic insights with techniques discovered by contemporary psychological research, such as anchoring and framing. The result is a surprisingly simple strategy for dealing with life’s unpleasant and unexpected challenges - from minor setbacks like being caught in a traffic jam or having a flight cancelled to major setbacks like those experienced by physicist Stephen Hawking, who slowly lost the ability to move, and writer Jean-Dominique Bauby, who suffered from locked-in syndrome.
The Stoics discovered that thinking of challenges as tests of character can dramatically alter our emotional response to them. Irvine’s updated “Stoic test strategy” teaches us how to transform life’s stumbling blocks into opportunities for becoming calmer, tougher, and more resilient. Not only can we overcome everyday obstacles - we can benefit from them, too.
©2019 William B. Irvine (P)2019 Audible, Inc.You may also enjoy...
-
The Developing Mind, Third Edition
- How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are
- Written by: Daniel J. Siegel M.D.
- Narrated by: Fred Stella
- Length: 31 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This highly influential work - now in a revised and expanded third edition incorporating major advances in the field - gives clinicians, educators, and students a new understanding of what the mind is, how it grows, and how to promote healthy development and resilience.
Written by: Daniel J. Siegel M.D.
-
The Enchanted Life
- Unlocking the Magic of the Everyday
- Written by: Sharon Blackie
- Narrated by: Fiona Reid
- Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Enchantment. By Dr. Sharon Blackie’s definition, a vivid sense of belongingness to a rich and many-layered world, a profound and whole-hearted participation in the adventure of life. Enchantment is a natural, spontaneous human tendency - one we possess as children, but lose, through social and cultural pressures, as we grow older. It is an attitude of mind which can be cultivated: the enchanted life is possible for anyone. It is intuitive, embraces wonder, and fully engages the mythic imagination - but it is also deeply embodied in ecology, grounded in place and community.
-
-
Enchanted review
- By T Holtl on 2020-02-17
Written by: Sharon Blackie
-
How to Listen
- Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication
- Written by: Oscar Trimboli
- Narrated by: Oscar Trimboli
- Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At a time when we are more technologically linked than ever, our conversations have never been more distracted and disconnected—because most don’t know how to truly listen. The result? You constantly fight to be “heard” over all the noise and distraction. In How to Listen, Oscar Trimboli, host of the Apple-award-winning podcast Deep Listening, shows you how to unlock your listening superpowers. Trimboli shares practical and pragmatic insights to help you notice when you aren’t listening—and what to do about it.
-
-
the content was interesting
- By Rocco (Isabel) on 2024-11-12
Written by: Oscar Trimboli
-
High Road Leadership
- Bringing People Together in a World That Divides
- Written by: John Maxwell
- Narrated by: John Maxwell
- Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In his trademark communication style, Maxwell teaches the principles and practices of high-road leadership that can increase anyone’s influence and help them make their world a better place.
-
-
Amazing presentation
- By Dallas on 2024-11-07
Written by: John Maxwell
-
Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong
- And Other Things You Need to Know to Take Back Your Life
- Written by: MaryCatherine McDonald PhD
- Narrated by: MaryCatherine McDonald PhD
- Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong, Dr. McDonald overturns the misconceptions about trauma with the latest evidence from neuroscience and psychology—and shares tested practices and tools to help you work with your body’s coping mechanisms to accelerate healing.
-
-
Wow!
- By terri ward on 2023-05-25
Written by: MaryCatherine McDonald PhD
-
Reset
- Powerful Habits to Own Your Thoughts, Understand Your Feelings, and Change Your Life
- Written by: Debra Fileta, Christine Caine - foreword
- Narrated by: Debra Fileta
- Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You want to break free from unhealthy habits and replace them with positive patterns, but when you’ve tried to make these changes before, you found yourself returning to old behaviors. How can you make sure that this time is different? With Reset, author and professional counselor Debra Fileta will guide you through thirty-one powerful and sustainable practices that will help you transform your thought patterns.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Curtis on 2024-10-22
Written by: Debra Fileta, and others
-
The Developing Mind, Third Edition
- How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are
- Written by: Daniel J. Siegel M.D.
- Narrated by: Fred Stella
- Length: 31 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This highly influential work - now in a revised and expanded third edition incorporating major advances in the field - gives clinicians, educators, and students a new understanding of what the mind is, how it grows, and how to promote healthy development and resilience.
Written by: Daniel J. Siegel M.D.
-
The Enchanted Life
- Unlocking the Magic of the Everyday
- Written by: Sharon Blackie
- Narrated by: Fiona Reid
- Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Enchantment. By Dr. Sharon Blackie’s definition, a vivid sense of belongingness to a rich and many-layered world, a profound and whole-hearted participation in the adventure of life. Enchantment is a natural, spontaneous human tendency - one we possess as children, but lose, through social and cultural pressures, as we grow older. It is an attitude of mind which can be cultivated: the enchanted life is possible for anyone. It is intuitive, embraces wonder, and fully engages the mythic imagination - but it is also deeply embodied in ecology, grounded in place and community.
-
-
Enchanted review
- By T Holtl on 2020-02-17
Written by: Sharon Blackie
-
How to Listen
- Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication
- Written by: Oscar Trimboli
- Narrated by: Oscar Trimboli
- Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At a time when we are more technologically linked than ever, our conversations have never been more distracted and disconnected—because most don’t know how to truly listen. The result? You constantly fight to be “heard” over all the noise and distraction. In How to Listen, Oscar Trimboli, host of the Apple-award-winning podcast Deep Listening, shows you how to unlock your listening superpowers. Trimboli shares practical and pragmatic insights to help you notice when you aren’t listening—and what to do about it.
-
-
the content was interesting
- By Rocco (Isabel) on 2024-11-12
Written by: Oscar Trimboli
-
High Road Leadership
- Bringing People Together in a World That Divides
- Written by: John Maxwell
- Narrated by: John Maxwell
- Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In his trademark communication style, Maxwell teaches the principles and practices of high-road leadership that can increase anyone’s influence and help them make their world a better place.
-
-
Amazing presentation
- By Dallas on 2024-11-07
Written by: John Maxwell
-
Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong
- And Other Things You Need to Know to Take Back Your Life
- Written by: MaryCatherine McDonald PhD
- Narrated by: MaryCatherine McDonald PhD
- Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong, Dr. McDonald overturns the misconceptions about trauma with the latest evidence from neuroscience and psychology—and shares tested practices and tools to help you work with your body’s coping mechanisms to accelerate healing.
-
-
Wow!
- By terri ward on 2023-05-25
Written by: MaryCatherine McDonald PhD
-
Reset
- Powerful Habits to Own Your Thoughts, Understand Your Feelings, and Change Your Life
- Written by: Debra Fileta, Christine Caine - foreword
- Narrated by: Debra Fileta
- Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You want to break free from unhealthy habits and replace them with positive patterns, but when you’ve tried to make these changes before, you found yourself returning to old behaviors. How can you make sure that this time is different? With Reset, author and professional counselor Debra Fileta will guide you through thirty-one powerful and sustainable practices that will help you transform your thought patterns.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Curtis on 2024-10-22
Written by: Debra Fileta, and others
-
Medium Mentor
- 10 Powerful Techniques to Awaken Divine Guidance for Yourself and Others
- Written by: Mary Ann DiMarco, Gabrielle Bernstein - foreword
- Narrated by: Mary Ann DiMarco
- Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Written by an experienced psychic medium and teacher, Medium Mentor will guide you to connect more deeply to your soul's innate abilities and employ them to enhance your everyday life and serve others.
-
-
I’m love with this book!!
- By Jamie on 2023-01-21
Written by: Mary Ann DiMarco, and others
-
The Advice Trap
- Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever
- Written by: Michael Bungay Stanier
- Narrated by: Michael Bungay Stanier
- Length: 4 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Advice Trap is about getting to grips with how to actually change your behavior, so you stay curious a little bit longer. It sounds like it should be easy, but it’s not. To get there, leading coach and trainer Michael Bungay Stanier offers specific coaching strategies, particularly on how to focus on what matters most. The audiobook of The Advice Trap gives you tools to make your conversations, coaching, and otherwise, irresistible.
-
-
The Author Shouldn't Narrate His Own Books
- By Andrew Coates on 2023-05-15
Written by: Michael Bungay Stanier
-
The Connected Parent
- Real-Life Strategies for Building Trust and Attachment
- Written by: Lisa Qualls, Karyn Purvis PhD
- Narrated by: Lisa Qualls
- Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Renowned child-development expert Dr. Karyn Purvis gives you practical advice and powerful tools you can use to encourage secure attachment in your family. You will benefit from Karyn’s decades of clinical research and real-world experience. Coauthor Lisa Qualls demonstrates how you can successfully implement these strategies in your home, just as she did in hers. You will learn how to simplify your approach using scripts, nurture your child, combat chronic fear, teach respect, and develop other valuable tools to facilitate a healing connection with your child.
Written by: Lisa Qualls, and others
-
The Anxiety Audit
- 7 Sneaky Ways Anxiety Takes Hold and How to Escape Them
- Written by: Lynn Lyons LICSW
- Narrated by: Lynn Lyons
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Anxiety Audit is a guide for us all: with no overly scientific or diagnostic language—just real talk and time-tested tactics from a respected therapist—it is a relatable and practical guide to untangling yourself from the grips of worry and fear. Using stories, real-world examples, and helpful dialogues to retrain the way you think and react, trusted anxiety expert Lynn Lyons helps you recognize the sneaky ways these anxious patterns and cycles of worry take hold in your life.
-
-
Relevant
- By Geraldine Weismiller on 2023-11-26
Written by: Lynn Lyons LICSW
-
The Codependency Recovery Plan
- A 5-Step Guide to Understand, Accept, and Break Free from the Codependent Cycle
- Written by: Krystal Mazzola M.Ed LMFT
- Narrated by: Linda Henning
- Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You can say no. You can stop people-pleasing and start setting boundaries. You can ask for what you need. You can love and be loved - without sacrifice - by breaking the codependency cycle. The Codependency Recovery Plan empowers you to have healthy, happy interdependent relationships. This actionable five-step program is designed to help you get in touch with yourself, assert boundaries, and communicate confidently. You’ll be free to nurture true intimacy.
-
-
Missing supplemental materials
- By Zach on 2024-10-21
Written by: Krystal Mazzola M.Ed LMFT
-
Afraid
- Understanding the Purpose of Fear and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety
- Written by: Arash Javanbakht MD
- Narrated by: Arash Javanbakht
- Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
About a third of the world population suffers from an anxiety disorder, and half of Americans have had at least one traumatic experience like rape, assault, shooting, or natural disasters. Fear and anxiety are with us everywhere we go. Fear is deeply woven into our biology, culture, politics, and day to day life. We sometimes don't even know what we are afraid of. What we know for sure is that we are afraid too often.But why are we so scared? How does fear work in our brains? What is the evolutionary purpose of fear? In this book, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist answers these questions.
-
-
Not a bad package
- By Moe Sallehi on 2024-04-03
Written by: Arash Javanbakht MD
-
The Secret Lives of Introverts
- Inside Our Hidden World
- Written by: Jenn Granneman
- Narrated by: Susie Berneis
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Is there a hidden part of you that no one else sees? Do you have a vivid inner world of thoughts and emotions that your peers and loved ones can't seem to access? Have you ever been told you're too quiet, shy, boring, or awkward? Are your habits and comfort zones questioned by a society that doesn't seem to get you? If so, you might be an introvert. On behalf of those who have long been misunderstood, rejected, or ignored, fellow introvert Jenn Granneman writes a compassionate vindication.
-
-
Glad to be me!
- By Roberta W on 2024-06-22
Written by: Jenn Granneman
-
Shine
- How Looking Inward Is the Key to Unlocking True Entrepreneurial Freedom
- Written by: Gino Wickman, Rob Dube
- Narrated by: Sean Pratt
- Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Driven entrepreneurs often have a burning need to succeed. But that same relentless brilliance that propels them in their career often takes a toll on their teams, personal relationships, and even their health. Gino Wickman, bestselling author of Traction, teams up with mindfulness expert Rob Dube to share their journeys and help listeners strike a crucial balance between their inner and outer worlds while taking their success to new heights. In Shine, they share ten disciplines to help them stay sharp and energetic without burning out.
-
-
Fantastic!
- By Jesse Mackowycz on 2024-05-04
Written by: Gino Wickman, and others
-
If Only I'd Known!
- How to Outsmart Narcissists, Set Guilt-Free Boundaries, and Create Unshakeable Self-Worth
- Written by: Chelsey Brooke Cole
- Narrated by: Chelsey Brooke Cole
- Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Narcissistic abuse creates a tidal wave of confusion, hypervigilance, and overthinking. You have trouble thinking clearly, remembering things, or taking in new information. And because these changes are happening to you, you begin to wonder: What's wrong with me? Why can't I make this relationship work? Am I fundamentally broken? And that's exactly how narcissistic abuse works—it happens so subtly that you believe the insecurities you're experiencing are "you" instead of "what's happening" to you. This audiobook covers unique information related to narcissistic abuse.
Written by: Chelsey Brooke Cole
-
Written in Bone
- Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind
- Written by: Sue Black
- Narrated by: Sue Black
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In her memoir All That Remains, internationally renowned forensic anthropologist and human anatomist Dame Sue Black recounted her life lived eye to eye with the Grim Reaper. During the course of it, she offered a primer on the basics of identifying human remains, plenty of insights into the fascinating processes of death, and a sober, compassionate understanding of its inescapable presence in our existence. Now in this book, Black builds on that memoir, taking us on a guided tour of the human skeleton and explaining how each person's life history is revealed in their bones.
-
-
on and on
- By Michael on 2024-11-16
Written by: Sue Black
-
The Precipice
- Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity
- Written by: Toby Ord
- Narrated by: Toby Ord
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This urgent and eye-opening book makes the case that protecting humanity's future is the central challenge of our time. If all goes well, human history is just beginning. Our species could survive for billions of years - enough time to end disease, poverty, and injustice, and to flourish in ways unimaginable today. But this vast future is at risk. With the advent of nuclear weapons, humanity entered a new age, where we face existential catastrophes - those from which we could never come back.
-
-
Agree on the problem; solutions are terrible
- By Keith Kuspira on 2023-10-23
Written by: Toby Ord
-
How to Be Single and Happy
- Science-Based Strategies for Keeping Your Sanity While Looking for a Soulmate
- Written by: Jennifer L. Taitz PsyD ABPP
- Narrated by: Amanda Setton
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's easy to fall into a bad relationship with dating today, especially for single women. From living in fear of being "ghosted" to enduring endless well-meaning questions about why you haven't found Mr. Right yet, it's tough to be unattached without feeling you're somehow inadequate or doomed to spend life alone and depressed!
-
-
Great book with a lot of depth
- By JustJules on 2018-02-12
Written by: Jennifer L. Taitz PsyD ABPP
What listeners say about The Stoic Challenge
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Andrea Walker
- 2021-08-12
good introduction to the subject.
very easy to digest. I find myself looking to learn more about the subject and I started to notice when I am not following the principals and how I feel in those moments.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Matt. D
- 2020-05-06
Practical Philosophy
Very accessible and to the point practical applications of stoic philosophy. Excellent listen , that's if you're up to the challenge.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- NewMom1520
- 2024-06-26
Strategies for coping with life
I really like this author’s work. I read “a guide to the good life” and have it both in print and audio. I find that when I have trouble coping with life there are some good strategies described in this book and in a guide to the good life that I can listen to and use.
The narrator’s voice was engaging and the content of the book kept me interested. Lots of good life lessons are in here.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Andrew Saunders
- 2022-12-14
Great food for thought
Engaging and useful when going about hot daily lives. Great techniques and advice. Highly recommended.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- James Moyse
- 2020-04-05
Another great one from Irvine
If like me, you enjoyed “a Guide to the good life” but wanted more elaboration on the practical techniques and tools, this is for you. No fluff or BS, just practical techniques explained with good real life examples. And at around 4 hrs, so not the biggest commitment, with a good Narrator even! I will listen again!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Josh White
- 2020-04-21
Worth your time
A solid book on the application of Stoic philosophy. I suggest reading a Guide to the Good life first. I really enjoyed this book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DD
- 2022-09-07
Interesting read.
I got the book and read it on a driving trip. I immediately re-read it and took notes. It inspired me to do my own 30 day stoic challenge. Every time I feel frustration or anger I review my notes and select an exercise suggested by the book. It’s been an interesting week! Concise, well written, and unlike other books on stoicism I have read in that it gives concrete modern examples of how to apply the ideas. I’ve suggested the title to family and friends.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 2024-11-01
Not bad
I thought the point about kids never having faced adversity and thus turning into temper tantrum adults is very relevant in this day and age , for the rest of it you could just read/listen to the poem If by Kipling
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Angela
- 2024-11-28
Terrible misrepresentation
Stoicism is better than this oversimplified BS. Voice is as robotic as the method to not feel negative feelings.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!