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The best part about Stoicism is that you can go to the primary texts , read them and feel like they were written yesterday, non 2000 years ago. You can pick up Seneca , Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus and find the writing fresh as always. In them, we find the wisdom to help us overcome adversity, find tranquility and live well. They contain timeless truths and wisdom for any era.
Merely what if you wanted to go deeper? What if y'all wanted to read commentary and biographies on the practitioners? How did the philosophy develop over the years? What do the critics have to say? How did Stoicism inspire Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy? Or maybe you want to find a fiction volume that is inspired by Stoicism? Or but a simple introductory text for beginners? Information technology'due south that curiosity that led me to ask the Stoicism community on reddit earlier this year for suggestions on the best books on Stoicism also as looking around online for recommendations (including helpful lists on Goodreads and from Massimo Pigliucci ). I desire to give thanks Massimo also every bit anybody from the reddit customs who contributed to the discussion.
That research led to the beneath listing—what I would call is (hopefully) the ultimate collection of books on—or inspired by—Stoicism with a short description to give yous a taste. And 1 last thing, I wrote this primarily for myself equally a list for books to read this yr. I have read near, but non all.
Savour!
The Inner Citadel: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius by Pierre Hadot
Pierre Hadot, 1 of the nearly prominent scholars of ancient philosophy, has written a remarkable guide to both Marcus Aurelius and his Meditations . Despite being academic and a translation from Hadot'southward French, this book is readable and offers unparalleled insights into Marcus, his influences and into Stoicism every bit a philosophy. Read this volume!
Philosophy as a Way of Life: Spiritual Exercises from Socrates to Foucault past Pierre Hadot
If yous stop up loving Pierre Hadot's book on Marcus, Philosophy as a Way of Life is a natural next step. While non focusing uniquely on Stoicism, this volume is a key text in understanding how philosophy is more than than an academic subject field isolated from real life, merely something to guide us and orient us—and most of all—something to be proficient. In this book Pierre Hadot does a fantastic introduction to the concept of 'spiritual exercises' and offers examples from multiple philosophers. (After these two, if yous similar Hadot, I'd likewise recommend you cheque out his book The Nowadays Alone is Our Happiness . Thanks to Ryan Vacation for recommending Hadot's work.)
The Daily Stoic past Ryan Vacation and Steve Hanselman
The Daily Stoic offers 366 days of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations from Marcus Aurelius , Seneca , Epictetus , also equally bottom-known Stoics like Zeno , Cleanthes, and Musonius Rufus. Each folio offers a quote and an accompanying meditation. It is probably the best place to get-go for someone who has zero familiarity with Stoicism. You tin begin by reading an excerpt from the volume that is bachelor on this website.
Courage Nether Fire: Testing Epictetus's Doctrines in a Laboratory of Human Behavior by James Stockdale
Avid business readers are probably familiar with the 'Stockdale paradox' from the bestselling book Practiced to Great . As its author explained it, the paradox captures Stockdale's resilient mindset who endured terrible difficulties and adversity as a pw in Vietnam. As the writer wrote , "You must retain faith that you lot volition prevail in the stop, regardless of the difficulties. AND at the same fourth dimension… You must confront the nigh barbarous facts of your current reality, any they might be." The paradox aside, this is a fantastic brusk book by Stockdale himself that shows how Stoicism can provide the necessary principles and fortitude to survive such an ordeal.
Dying Every Mean solar day: Seneca at the Court of Nero by James Romm
James Romm's book on Seneca is both a great biography on the human being that tin can assistance those students of Stoicism who feel conflicted nigh Seneca —the complexities of existence a wealthy philosopher who was a tutor to one of the worst tyrants in ancient history—to better understand him too as to swoop deeper into the political and social context of the time. It is besides a instance study of a despot gone mad and the paranoid regime that he gave ascension to.
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald Robertson
Donald Robertson 'southward book was highly recommended by the Stoic community on reddit. The book has great reviews and as 1 reader wrote, "In my opinion, Robertson is superior to Hadot, Long, or any other writer on Stoicism because of his Psychotherapy background and his ability to attain the common man."
Rome's Last Citizen: The Life and Legacy of Cato, Mortal Enemy of Caesar by Robert Goodman and Jimmy Soni
Cato is probably the closest we have to a perfect Stoic. Equally one of the authors, Jimmy Soni , wrote "The Stoics taught Cato that there were no shades of gray. There was no more-or-less good, no more-or-less bad. Whether y'all were a foot underwater or a fathom, y'all were notwithstanding drowning. All virtues were 1 and the same virtue, all vices the same vice." This is an incredible book that shows what it ways to fully live according to one'southward principles even if that means dying for them.
A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe
For those looking for a work of fiction that includes the Stoics, this should be your first end. Tom Wolfe'south famous novel features Epictetus who gets discovered by mistake by Conrad Hensley, a immature human who at that point in fourth dimension has nobody—his wife had given upward on him, his car was towed, was out of work and was in jail, where he gets sent by mistake a copy of Epictetus'due south book . The book was heralded as a 'masterpiece' and back in 1999 the New York Times wrote on the revival of Stoicism due to the book'due south influence.
The Philosophy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Stoic Philosophy every bit Rational and Cognitive Psychotherapy by Donald Robertson
Another book by Donald Robertson on the list, this fourth dimension exploring the fascinating origins of CBT—i of the most effective forms of therapy out there—and how Stoicism plays an of import role in its development. To get your started, The Daily Stoic has interviewed Donald and he offers a great answer on the origins and parallels between the therapy and the philosophy.
A Guide to the Skilful Life: The Ancient Fine art of Stoic Joy past William Irvine
This is probably one of the most famous modern introductory text for beginners. The book is very readable and like other books on the list provides a great introduction to the philosophy for people who are looking to begin their deeper understanding of Stoicism.
The Obstacle is the Manner by Ryan Holiday
While Ryan Vacation 'south The Obstacle Is the Way is non a book virtually Stoicism, it is a volume inspired by Stoicism and its key principles for thriving under pressure. Through historical examples of great men and women information technology teaches us how to overcome adversity and difficulties, turn obstacles upside down and shows u.s.a. how to love our fate , no matter what it might bring. The book has become a cult classic with coaches and athletes alike and has been featured in prominent outlets like Sports Illustrated and ESPN . You can get a complimentary chapter from the book if you sign up for The Daily Stoic's free electronic mail course on Stoicism .
Ego is the Enemy past Ryan Holiday
If Ryan's previous book is about facing external obstacles, this ane turns effectually, challenging us and invites u.s. to await inward and how nosotros are too often our own worst enemy. Similar to The Obstacle Is the Way the book draws on examples from philosophy, literature and history helping us curb our ego no matter where nosotros are on our trajectory—aspiring, achieving or failing.
The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton (office on Seneca )
While this book has only one chapter that is directly about Stoicism—the 1 on Seneca—I highly recommend this volume. It offers wise advice from multiple philosophers—from Schopenhauer to Epicurus to Montaigne. If yous are looking for a book to supplement your studies on Stoicism with related ideas, this is a great starting point. You tin also watch this video on YouTube from Alain de Botton and his journey to Rome and what Seneca tin can teach usa about mastering our acrimony.
Antifragile: Things That Proceeds from Disorder past Nassim Nicholas Taleb
I was first introduced to Stoicism and Seneca in Nassim Taleb'south The Blackness Swan . It is one of my favorite books but I'd be more than inclined to recommend his Antifragile 'due south chapter on Seneca which provides one of the best and most succinct explanation of the philosophy and how its principles can help u.s. both in times of prosperity and in moments of difficulty.
Examined Lives: From Socrates to Nietzsche by James Miller
A New York Times Notable Book for 2011, James Miller's Examined Lives explores the lives of twelve famous philosophers— Seneca including—looking for wisdom and guidance. Similar to Alain de Botton's book on the list, the affiliate on Seneca alone is worth information technology but any student of Stoicism tin can do good from reading nearly Diogenes, Socrates, Montaigne and others to find helpful bits that lead us to living a little chip better each day.
Stoic Warriors: The Ancient Philosophy behind the Military Listen by Nancy Sherman
Nancy Sherman, a distinguished University Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown, looks at the history of Stoicism in the military. This book tin can be heavy at times and if you are looking for a lighter introduction to how Stoicism can help soldiers you can look into Stockdale'due south book earlier on the list. For those gear up for a serious intellectual challenge, Nancy Sherman'south book is the next pace.
Stoicism past John Sellars
John Sellars is a Research Beau in the Department of Philosophy at King's College London and his enquiry interests are focused on Hellenistic and Roman philosophy, and Renaissance philosophy. His focus has been on Stoicism and its reception. The Philosophers' Mag called this book "the best introduction to the field of study," and some other prominent Stoic scholar called it "both highly readable and still based on solid bookish study."
Stoics, Epicureans, and Sceptics: An Introduction to Hellenistic Philosophy by R. Westward. Sharples
This book focuses not only on the Stoics simply also on the Epicureans also every bit various sceptical traditions from the expiry of Alexander the Great in 323 BC to almost Advert 200. It's the book of choice who are looking to understand the broader context and the next philosophies.
The Stoics: A Guide for the Perplexed by Andrew Holowchak
This book was recommended on the reddit thread and serves equally an introductory text for those unfamiliar with the philosophy. Information technology has been described every bit "a articulate and lively introduction to Stoicism, with emphasis on ideals." Its author, K. Andrew Holowchak, is Banana Professor of Philosophy at Wilkes University.
The Stoics by F. H. Sandbach
This book was too recommended in the reddit thread and while there is express data online on the book, its reviews point that it's a solid work on Stoicism: "Not only one of the best just also the most comprehensive treatment of Stoicism written in this century." Times Literary Supplement
Stoicism and Emotion past Margaret Graver
In this volume, Margaret Graver argues that the master demand of Stoic ethics is not that we should suppress or deny our feelings, but that to perfect our rational heed. A must-read book for anyone who wants to better understand the connection between Stoicism and emotions and to assistance them develop potent arguments confronting the popular misunderstanding that the cadre focus of the philosophy is suppressing 1's emotions and feelings.
The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics by Brad Inwood
I found this book every bit i of the top recommendations from Massimo Pigliucci and I volition let his potent endorsement speak for the book: "T his unique volume offers an odyssey through the ideas of the Stoics in iii item ways: offset, through the historical trajectory of the school itself and its influence; second, through the recovery of the history of Stoic idea; tertiary, through the ongoing confrontation with Stoicism, showing how it refines philosophical traditions, challenges the imagination, and ultimately defines the kind of life 1 chooses to lead."
Everything Has Two Handles: The Stoic's Guide to the Fine art of Living by Ronald Pies
Ronald Pies, M.D. is Professor of Psychiatry and Lecturer on Bioethics and Humanities at South.U.N.Y. and this volume non simply shows how Stoicism can exist path to happiness and tranquility but the author too draws from his own case studies as a therapist.
Philosophy for Life: And Other Dangerous Situations by Jules Evans
I've been pregnant to buy this volume always since reading Jules Evans's interview for The Daily Stoic. In his interview Jules emphasizes how everyone can benefit from Stoic techniques notwithstanding he is critical of the philosophy's lack of humor, not emphasizing the importance of friendship and he finds the philosophy too much rule-based. As his volume explores numerous other schools and philosophers, I'd exist curious to notice out what has also resonated with Jules and where did he notice answers that perhaps Stoicism wasn't able to provide.
A New Stoicism past Lawrence C. Becker
I discovered this book on Massimo Pigliucci'due south list on the all-time books near Stoicism. It is reserved only for the most serious scholars. As Massimo explains, "It'south quite a difficult volume to read in some ways; if you don't take a certain amount of groundwork in philosophy, you lot're probably not going to get as much out of it as you should, although Becker himself is enlightened of this." Even so he clarifies that "the master sections of each chapter can exist read, tin can be understood, past somebody with little or no groundwork in philosophy."
The Greatest Empire: A Life of Seneca by Emily Wilson
Of all the Stoic philosophers Seneca is prone to generate the about controversy. As the book description asks: " How can we reconcile the bloody tragedies with the prose works advocating a life of Stoic tranquility? How are nosotros to residuum Seneca the man of principle, who counseled a life of calm and simplicity, with Seneca the human of the moment, who amassed a vast personal fortune in the service of an emperor seen past many, at the fourth dimension and afterwards, every bit an insane tyrant?" If you lot are a fan of Seneca and want to study the man, brand sure to read this biography as well as James Romm'due south .
How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Alive a Modernistic Life by Massimo Pigliucci (forthcoming)
In the Stoic community, Massimo Pigliucci needs no introduction. He is behind the popular 'How to be a Stoic' blog which is "an evolving guide to applied Stoicism for the 21st century." You lot also probably remember Massimo's from his widely pop commodity on Stoicism in the New York Times from two years ago. Although his upcoming book is not yet out (May 2017), I've already preordered information technology knowing the loftier standards of Massimo's work. His recommendations on his favorite books on Stoicism have also helped create this list every bit well.
Marcus Aurelius: A Life by Frank McLynn
I discovered this book on Massimo's list and he describes as "the definitive biography to engagement of this awe-inspiring historical figure." Before jumping into it or Pierre Hadot'due south book, I'd recommend reading the fantastic introduction to Marcus that is in Gregory Hays'southward translation of Meditations as well every bit Ryan Holiday'southward one hundred lessons from Marcus Aurelius and this lecture serial on YouTube which provide fantastic starting points to Marcus.
I am nowhere near having read all of these just I will exist referring to this list during the year to find my next read. Do you have whatever recommendations? Did I miss whatsoever? Please fill up out this course with your suggestions.
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