'The inestimable Tom Hodgkinson once again contributes to our collective calm with this perfectly judged collection of philosophy.' Emma Thompson 'A great guide to philosophy and big ideas... it made me laugh out loud. It’s such a cheerful book, I read it in one go (well... two) and emerged refreshed and nourished.' Dominic West 'He knows that play is one of the best teachers, and this treatise on Stoicism is illuminating, engaging, informative and highly accessible' Irvine Welsh There’s more to Stoicism than shrugging your shoulders and getting on with it, as Tom Hodgkinson discovers in this witty and enlightening book. Stoicism is an enduring and ancient philosophy that can help you with everything from love and politics to money and spirituality. The Stoics were celebrated by the Romans, they influenced Christianity and even Shakespeare admired them. Today, both therapists and politicians will profess adherence to the Stoic creed. The “serenity prayer” is a Stoic statement. The