How to Live - A Handbook of Stoic Philosophy: Discourses and The Enchiridion by Epictetus

In this profoundly engaging and thought-provoking book, Sarah Bakewell brings the 16th-century philosopher Michel de Montaigne to vivid life. How to Live offers not just a biography but a roadmap for modern existence, drawn from Montaigne’s own essays and restless curiosity. With wit, warmth, and intellectual vigor, Bakewell explores one powerful question—How to live?—through twenty captivating answers rooted in Montaigne’s unconventional wisdom.

Twenty answers. One timeless question: How to live?

• Explore Montaigne’s life through a modern lens of biography, history, and philosophy
• Delve into timeless themes such as self-awareness, mortality, friendship, and freedom
• Thoughtfully structured around twenty compelling answers to a universal question
• Ideal for readers of philosophy, personal growth, and intellectual history

Themes

• The art of self-examination
• Embracing imperfection and uncertainty
• The value of solitude, friendship, and introspection
• Living with curiosity, courage, and joy
• Philosophy as a practical guide to life

| Epictetus, a renowned ancient Greek philosopher, emerged as a prominent figure in Stoic philosophy during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Born into slavery, his journey to enlightenment is as inspiring as his teachings. Epictetus' profound insights on ethics, resilience, and the human condition are encapsulated in his Discourses and The Enchiridion, timeless works that continue to shape philosophical thought. His pragmatic approach to life's challenges has made him an enduring influence on countless individuals seeking wisdom and inner peace.