Stoicism holds that the key to a good, happy life is to cultivate a good mental state, which the Stoics identified as being virtuous and rational. The ideal life is one that is in harmony with Nature, of which we are all part, and an attitude of calm indifference towards external events.
We prepared a list of the 7 best books to introduce you to Stoicism.
Enjoy reading!
1. Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is perhaps the only document of its kind ever made. It is the private thoughts of the world’s most powerful man advising himself on how to make good on the responsibilities and obligations of his positions. Trained in Stoic philosophy, Marcus Aurelius stopped almost every night to practice a series of spiritual exercises to make him humble, patient, empathetic, generous, and strong in the face of whatever he was dealing with. The book consists of short sayings, varying from a sentence or two to a long paragraph.
2. Stoicism for Inner Peace by Einzelgänger
The ancient Stoics were deeply concerned with the virtue of equanimity. Equanimity is a prerequisite for being a happy and flourishing person according to Stoic philosophy. A part of this book was written during the chaotic COVID-19 outbreak, elaborating on what the Stoics would advise in such times of crisis, panic, and financial hardship. This book explains exercises, like the ‘Praemeditation Malorum’ and the view from above to put Stoicism into practice.
3. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson
The life-changing principles of Stoicism were taught through the story of its most famous proponent. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor puts a human face on Stoicism and offers a timeless and essential guide to handling the ethical and psychological challenges we face today. Cognitive psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius together seamlessly to provide a compelling modern-day guide to Stoic wisdom. The Meditations, his journal, survives to this day as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time.
4. Stoicism: How to Use Stoic Philosophy to Find Inner Peace and Happiness by Jason Hemlock
In Stoicism: How to Use Stoic Philosophy to Find Inner Peace and Happiness, you will learn about what made the ancient philosophers so wise. The Stoics knew what made for a good man – and a good life. Four simple virtues empowered them to cope with the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, ill health, and even bereavement. Now you too can discover for yourself what gave them the emotional resilience to make the most of any situation. Written in plain English, this book takes profound concepts and delivers them in bite-sized chunks anyone can understand.
5. The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday
The Daily Stoic offers 366 days of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations from Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the playwright Seneca, or slave-turned-philosopher Epictetus. Every day of the year you’ll find one of their pithy, powerful quotations, as well as historical anecdotes, provocative commentary, and a helpful glossary of Greek terms. By following these teachings over a year (and, indeed, for years to come) you will find the serenity, self-knowledge, and resilience you need to live well.
6. How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life by Massimo Pigliucci
How to Be a Stoic is an engaging guide to the ancient philosophy of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. The book is highly readable and written in clear and accessible prose. Author Massimo Pigliucci offers Stoicism as the best way to attain it. Stoicism is a pragmatic philosophy that teaches us to act depending on what is within our control and separate things worth getting upset about from those that are not. By understanding Stoicism we can learn to answer crucial questions: Should we get married or divorced? How should we bank in a world nearly destroyed by a financial crisis? How can we survive great personal tragedy?
7. A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William B. Irvine
William B. Irvine shows how stoics’ insights and suggestions are still very applicable to modern life. In The Good Life Guide, The author gave a refreshing introduction to Stoicism, showing that this ancient philosophy can still lead us to a better life. Irvine uses the psychological insights and practical skills of the Stoic school to provide a road map for anyone seeking to avoid the chronic dissatisfaction that plagues many of us. In this book, you can discover various Stoic techniques for achieving tranquility and shows how to apply these techniques to our own lives. In the process, he described his experience of practicing Stoicism and provided valuable first-hand advice to anyone who wants to follow in the footsteps of these ancient philosophers and live a better life.
