We can all agree that people of all races, creeds, and national origins want to live happy, fulfilling lives. How do we live a life of dignity and tranquility in an ever-changing and often chaotic world? For many it’s philosophy. Not the stuffy intellectually superior kind of philosophy but a school of thought that as Epictetus said helps people effectively face the challenges of everyday life. In other words, a nitty-gritty approach to dealing with loss, disappointment, upset, and tragedy by aligning our will with nature- or the world around us. 

To this end, I was pleased when a friend gave me a copy of the book The Art of Living by Sharon Lebell. A book that many psychotherapists have given to their patients. Here are 10 lessons that can help us live a good and effective life.

1. Focus on what you can control and don’t waste your time and energy on that which you don’t. 

2. Be self-aware understanding both your strengths and weaknesses. 

3. Don’t be controlled by external events. Practice being immovable. 

4. Unchecked desires and aversions are often the root of suffering. Be careful of what you crave or avoid. 

5. Live in accordance with nature. Don’t wish for the universe to be as you wish it but rather embrace what it is. 

6. Would you rule an empire? Then rule over yourself. Mastering ourselves is the greatest empire we can rule. 

7. Freedom comes from simplicity. The less we have the less we have to cling to or mourn. 

8. Test every impression. Is it real or perceived? Our first impressions and instincts can get us in trouble. 

9. Virtue is the key to a good life. Happiness comes from living well and developing wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. 

10. Think better. The Greek Stoic Philosopher Epictetus is recorded as saying, “Don’t just say you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better”.