The Power to Change: Stoic Strategies to Transform Your Life

Chakrapani (The Good Life Handbook), president of market research firm Leger Analytics, draws on the wisdom of the Greco-Roman stoics for this down-to-earth guide to living a fulfilled life. Citing such thinkers as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, Chakrapani sketches out a philosophy that centers on disregarding what isn’t under one’s control (the past, the future, others’ opinions) in favor of what is (the current moment and the actions one can take for self-improvement). Such a mindset, he argues, helps to convert “thoughts of weakness into acts of power” and fosters a perseverance that provides more opportunities for success. He discusses how to surmount hypercritical inner dialogues and other mental blocks, and advises readers on “redesigning” one’s life by homing in on what matters and finding joy in the everyday. The author’s knack for translating stoic principles into crisp, lucid prose renders familiar lessons in a fresh light (“We only try to do our best given our knowledge and mental state while acting. We could not have done anything else at that time. Our only choice is to behave differently in the future”). Readers will find wisdom here. (June)