Reasons not to Worry

Reasons Not to Worry is an introduction to the fundamental ideas and teachings of stoicism, and an exploration of the ways in which these ancient ideas apply to our lives today. The author takes what are sometimes complex ideas, and relates them to events and experiences in her own life, making the book an accessible read. This serves stoicism particularly well because it is, at heart, a very practical philosophy.

Brigid Delaney is a journalist who came across stoicism entirely by chance. In 2018 she was asked to participate in a worldwide program run by Exeter University to live like a stoic for a week, so she could write about it for The Guardian. She didn't take it seriously, and she wrote an article that was a bit tongue in cheek, but something about stoicism got under her skin and made her want to learn more.

She tried stoic week again the next year and realised that this was a philosophy that she wanted to spend time with and study in depth. She writes that stoicism appealed to her because it’s not about faith, it’s a sensible and logical way of living that relies on the use of reason. This is something that we can learn to do, a way of thinking and being in the world that we can practice.

One of the fundamental ideas of stoicism is that it is important to know and accept that there are things in our lives that we can and can’t control. Too many hours and days are frittered away worrying about things that we have absolutely no control over.

Another useful idea is that happiness is fleeting, it comes and goes and a life spent chasing it is a life that is doomed to dissatisfaction. A worthier and more lasting goal is tranquillity, peace of mind.  

This book is full of useful insights and practical wisdom like this, that we could all use.