The Best Books on Stoicism: An Essential Reading List

Are you interested in learning more about the ancient philosophy of Stoicism? This practical school of thought, founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC, teaches that virtue is the only true good and external events are beyond our control. By focusing on what we can control - our judgments and actions - Stoicism aims to help practitioners maintain inner calm and live according to reason.

8/17/20242 min read

To dive deeper into Stoic philosophy and learn how to apply its wisdom to modern life, check out these essential books on Stoicism:

Primary Stoic Texts

Start by reading works written by the famous Stoic philosophers themselves:

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - Personal reflections and Stoic exercises written by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Provides an inside look at the thought process and practices of an aspiring Stoic.
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca - A collection of moral essays and letters written by the Stoic philosopher Seneca to his friend Lucilius. Covers topics like happiness, grief, wealth, and poverty.
Enchiridion by Epictetus - A short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Epictetus' student Arrian. Focuses on applying Stoic principles to daily life.

Modern Books on Stoicism

For a contemporary perspective, read these popular books that interpret Stoicism for a modern audience:

A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine - An engaging introduction to Stoicism that shows how this ancient philosophy can still direct us toward a better life. Includes Stoic psychological techniques and exercises.
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman - A daily devotional of Stoic meditations, with quotes from Stoic philosophers and interpretations and applications for modern life.
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson - Combines the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius with modern psychology to show how to apply Stoicism to overcome adversity and live well.

Stoicism in Practice

Stoicism is ultimately a practical philosophy meant to be lived. To put Stoic principles into action in your own life:

Focus on what you can control. Much of life is beyond our control. By accepting this and focusing only on what is within your power - your choices, judgments, and actions - you can maintain tranquility.
Practice misfortune. Imagine potential losses or setbacks ahead of time, so you are prepared and not caught off guard when they happen. This trains you to be resilient.
Remember - it's not things that upset us, but our judgments about things. How you choose to interpret and respond to events makes all the difference.

By studying Stoic philosophy and diligently applying its principles, you can develop the clarity, resilience, and wisdom to navigate life's challenges and live with greater purpose. These books provide a solid introduction to this empowering way of life.