For a philosophy founded nearly 2,500 years ago by the ancient Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium, Stoicism seems to be all the rage. Stoic nuggets of wisdom dating back to ancient Greco-Roman times, in particular Stoic philosophers Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, float around the internet and resonate with millions on social media.
This is likely due to how fantastically practical much Stoic wisdom can be. Unlike other philosophy, which, tragically, as a general topic is often perceived as outdated or meaningless (here’s our counter-argument as to why philosophy in today’s world is as relevant and important as ever), Stoicism goes straight at the heart of our everyday attitudes and behaviors, and its fundamental principles are distilled in many famous aphorisms and elegant quotes.
You are reading: Books on stoic philosophy
For example, consider this from Marcus Aurelius:
You have power over your mind, not over external events. Realize this and you will find strength.
or this, from epictetus:
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What matters is not what happens to you, but how you react.
or Seneca on the brevity of life:
It is not that we have little time to live, but that we waste a lot. life is long enough and we have been given a generous enough amount for the highest achievements if all were well spent. but when it is wasted in careless luxuries, and not spent in any good activity, the last compulsion of death compels us at last to realize that it has passed before we knew it was passing. that’s right: we are not given a short life but we shorten it, and we are not poorly supplied but we waste it… life is long if you know how to use it.
very nice quotes, all taken from the books below. But beyond these practical nuggets of wisdom that encourage us to stay calm and focus on what’s within our control (and regulate our attitudes toward anything outside of that control), Stoicism is a comprehensive, holistic value system that it can be adopted as a philosophy for all aspects of life.
If you want to explore Stoicism further, this reading list contains the best and most accessible introductory books on the subject, as well as the most important core texts of the great Stoic thinkers. let’s dive!
1. how to be stoic, by massimo pigliucci
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Published in 2017, Massimo Pigliucci’s How to Be a Stoic is a fantastic starting point for anyone with a budding interest in Stoicism. Pigliucci presents Stoicism in clear and concise language and guides the reader through its main tenets with compelling imaginary conversations with Epictetus, one of the most influential Stoics of all time. With this accessible format, pigliucci transposes ancient Stoic wisdom into the 21st century, unlocking practical wisdom for the problems we face today, making How to be a Stoic a great entry point into Stoicism.
2. cambridge companion to the stoics by brad inwood
if you’re looking for a deeper critical analysis of all things stoicism, look no further than the cambridge companion to the stoics, published in 1999. this collection of essays by contemporary scholars, edited by brad inwood, explores the history and influence of Stoicism, and offers a rigorous dissection of its central ideas. Ideal for those looking to take the next step in their commitment to Stoicism, The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics is a challenging tome of great value and belongs on the shelf of any aspiring Stoic scholar.
3. selected speeches and writings, of epictetus
Moving from introductions to the primary Stoic texts, what better place to start than with the work of the philosopher whose sound practical wisdom laid the foundation for much of the Stoic philosophy that followed? A former slave turned professor of philosophy, the Greek Stoic Epictetus ran a school at Nicopolis in the early 2nd century AD, the lessons of which were enthusiastically recorded by Arian, Epictetus’s most famous student. these recordings have been celebrated throughout the centuries as a wonderful guide to the ethics of stoicism and moral self-improvement, tackling questions about mortality, fear, illness, family, friendship, love, freedom, and how live a good life. The potentially life-changing wisdom contained in the selected speeches and writings of Epictetus is as relevant, accessible, and illuminating today as it was 2,000 years ago, making this wonderful book an absolute essential for any student of Stoicism.
4. letters of a stoic, by seneca
While the Roman statesman and playwright Seneca advocated calm and moderation through his Stoic philosophy, his life (4 BC to 65 AD) was marked by great turmoil. In AD 41, following a political dispute, Seneca was exiled to the island of Corsica by Emperor Claudius, but was allowed to return in AD 49 to become Nero’s tutor. when nero became emperor, seneca became his adviser. seneca’s influence over nero waned over time, and in ad 65 seneca was forced to take his own life for alleged complicity in nero’s assassination, an accusation of which he was probably innocent. These events may seem far from the 21st century, but there is much to learn from the ingenuity, intelligence and courage with which Seneca confronted them. Supremely accessible, reading the Letters of a Stoic, a collection of letters that Seneca wrote throughout his lifetime, is like having exclusive access to a deep and beautiful well of profound and practical wisdom addressed directly to you. If you’re interested in Stoicism, your bookshelf won’t be complete without Seneca.
5. meditations, by Marcus Aurelius
The last of the three great Stoic names discussed in this list of the best books on Stoicism, and possibly the best known, Marcus Aurelius is a titan of the Stoic tradition. Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, Aurelius reigned during a time of many major military conflicts, as well as the Antonine Plague, a pandemic that devastated the population of the Roman Empire and killed five million people. Despite these difficult events, or perhaps because of them, the philosophy that Aurelius defended is one of calm and serenity. his meditations, a collection of his personal musings written without any intention of publication, are an important source for modern understanding of ancient Stoic philosophy, and have been praised by countless writers, philosophers, monarchs, and politicians in the centuries after his death. of the great man. . With insightful lessons on dealing with difficulties and living a good life, Aurelius’ Meditations are simply essential reading for anyone interested in Stoicism.
further reading
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