New Book Alert: Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure: Stoic Exercise For Mental Fitness by William Ferraiolo; A Helpful, But Sometimes Difficult Guide For Everyday Living

New Book Alert: Meditations on Self-Discipline and Failure: Stoic Exercise For Mental Fitness by William Ferraiolo; A Helpful, But Sometimes Difficult Guide For Everyday Living




By Julie Sara Porter

Bookworm Reviews




Of all the Philosophies, Stoicism is probably among the most necessary but also one of the hardest to practice in times of stress. The philosophy began by Zeno of Citium taught that virtue was based on knowledge and wisdom could be obtained by Reason, and that it's practitioners should withstand pain, pleasure, and fortune.

Nowadays people are described as having a stoic personality when they endure hardship without expressing much outward emotion. They are not always incapable of feeling. They just prefer not to display it. Instead they just keep going.



Dr. William Ferraiolo, professor of philosophy at San Joaquin Delta College, added to Stoicism by creating this book of meditations that put this ancient philosophy into a modern setting.




In his introduction, Ferraiolo wrote that he was greatly inspired by the works of of philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius and the stoic, Epictetus. However he is less interested in writing about the past than he is about the present. The history of stoicism isn't as important as what the modern Reader can obtain from it. The meditations are in the second person, “you” so every Reader can feel like Ferraiolo is writing to them directly. It allows for the Stoic practice of (as Ferraiolo explicitly illustrates) “Think for yourself.”




The meditations are very simple, filled with common sense advice, and free of flowery language. One meditation talks about success and failure:

“Success and failure do not in any way down on states of affair that lie beyond the direct control of your will. Your performance is largely up to you (providing your body does not fail to your will.) Another person's assessment of your performance is entirely beyond your control…..Do not lie. Tell the truth and do not concern yourself with anyone who says that you lie. Do not commit adultery. Ignore those who accuse you of committing adultery. Be conscientious about your work. Do not concern yourself with those who question your diligence. Be a good person. Be an honorable person. That is enough.”




The meditations are deceptively simple. They make suggestions like “do not lie” that seem easy but allows the Reader to question how often do they not do these things and how they can change following these suggestions.




While the meditations seem easy, stoicism is a complex mindset to manage because it runs contrary to human nature. Humans are emotional complicated beings and advice that suggests to repress those emotions can be very difficult to heed. Advice like telling someone not to despair after a friend dies can backfire and leave the Reader feel like they are being insulted even when they are aware Ferraiolo is trying to help.




That is what makes stoicism such an intriguing philosophy and one that can benefit the Reader as this book shows. The philosophy allows its practitioner to step back and analyze their reaction to exterior problems and improve on their behavior towards them. The book is not suggesting an avoidance of emotion just obtaining stronger control over them.




Dr. Ferraiolo's book gives an ancient philosophy a modern twist. While it can be difficult to master, no one can deny that it is sorely needed.