Stoic philosophy began almost two millennia ago with four personal precepts: courage, self-discipline, justice and wisdom. Annie Lawson began her career as a journalist, before moving to the private sector. She experienced long pointless meetings where irritating people used convoluted language and jargon to sound important. She needed all facets of stoicism to maintain her equanimity.
The philosophy began with Zeno, Epictetus and Seneca utilised it, and Marcus Aurelius made it the touchstone of his time as Roman Emperor in the second century CE. Lawson has used Aurelius’s Meditations as a resource, formulating 49 rules to follow to counter the increasing madness in the workplace. Each rule has a chapter, where Lawson recounts anecdotes, details how Stoics would deal with it, then cites a quote from Marcus Aurelius.
Rule 15, ‘Jolly others (and yourself) along’ is a basic rule she’s followed in compiling all the other rules. Her humour ranges from a quiet chuckle at cringeworthy situations to explosive laugh-out-loudness. Always behind this, though, is Marcus Aurelius, advising that it’s not what happens, but our response to it that matters.
The anecdotes in Stoic at Work reveal much of the author’s personal life, which seems to revolve around chocolate, jam donuts and hilarious typos. Importantly, Marcus Aurelius’s philosophies apply equally now as then, despite the advent of technology. It might seem that finishing on 49 rules is odd, however if that rule is followed (‘Win Lotto’), then there’s no need for a 50th rule. This book should be mandatory reading in every workplace.
Reviewed by Bob Moore
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Annie Lawson is a former journalist who has had a diverse career. She’s wranged a clown on roller skates on a live television show and interviewedKiss legend Gene Simmons. She written about China, technology and climate change for corporations and advocacy groups.
Even though the work differed, Annie found some common threads, whether it be people who are annoying, meetings that are pointless and language that makes no sense.
She consulted friends who worked in travel, health, resources, technology, emergency services, retail and financial services for inspiration and combined their advice with the ancient wisdom of Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
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