Buy Books, Subscriptions and Tickets

Author: Delaney, Brigid

Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500

Published on 5 October 2023 by Little, Brown Book Group (Piatkus Books) in the United Kingdom.

Hardback | 304 pages
206 x 134 x 27 | 346g

Reasons Not to Worry is an accessible introduction to the Stoic principles of virtue, moderation and self-discipline, adapting this ancient knowledge to inspire practical advice for everyday life.

We’re all searching for answers to the biggest questions: How can we be good? Find calm? Properly grieve? Beat FOMO? Work out what truly matters? Well, the good news is that the wisest minds in history asked the exact same questions – and they found answers. The ancient philosophy of Stoicism shows us that we are already in possession of the very tools we need to excavate this much-needed wisdom for ourselves.

So into the past we go with journalist Brigid Delaney, to a time not unlike our own: one full of pandemonium, war, plagues, pestilence, treachery, corruption, anxiety, overindulgence, and – even back then – the fear of a climate apocalypse. By living and learning the teachings of three ancient guides, Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, Brigid shows us how we can apply their lessons to our modern lives in a way that allows us to regain a sense of agency and tranquillity.

Stoicism can be a tough medicine to swallow, but no longer – this book is awash with insight, humour and compassion. Timely, so very useful, and filled to the brim with ways you can wrest back control, here are all the reasons not to worry.