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Simplifying Life

11 Best Books About Stoicism (To Live the Good

Life)
 April 10, 2023
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 11 Best Books About Stoicism (To Live the Good Life)

Last Modified: April 10, 2023
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When faced with an uncertain and rapidly changing world, studying the wisdom of Stoicism can provide
us with valuable tools for navigating life’s tribulations. From Seneca to Epictetus, the Stoic philosophers
had one common aim: living a good life through understanding our mortality and higher purpose. Here
are the best books about Stoicism so you can do the same.

Blake Miner
I'm a social scientist and entrepreneur fascinated by the psychology of personal freedom and location-
independent business. Since selling my business in 2018, I've slow-traveled the world, advising
innovative companies and creatives while exploring diverse cultures.
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Do you want to find a way to better manage the stress and uncertainties of life? Do you struggle with
accepting things that are out of your control? You may find a helpful resource in Stoicism, an ancient
philosophy which has stood the test of time.
At its core is the idea that striving for tranquility and contentment can be achieved through cultivating
personal ethics, emotions, will power, gratitude and self-discipline. While it’s difficult to master these
concepts without firsthand experience or instruction from an expert teacher, reading books about Stoicism
can provide invaluable insight into this practical philosophy. In this post, we’ll look our picks for the the
best books on Stoicism to get you started on your journey toward finding inner peace and living the good
life.

Best Stoicism Books

If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Letters from a Stoic — Lucius Annaeus Seneca (65)
Summary: Letters from a Stoic is a collection of 124 letters written by the Roman philosopher Lucius
Annaeus Seneca. The letters were written between 61 and 65 AD and cover topics such as Stoic ethics,
morality, virtue, suffering, self-discipline and living in harmony with nature.

In addition to providing advice on how to live harmoniously and virtuously within society, Seneca also
speaks of his own experiences of facing death with courage and dignity. He encourages readers to live life
with a clear vision of what is necessary for true happiness; he believes that embracing adversity without
fear or resentment leads one to true freedom.
At its core, Letters from a Stoic is about learning to accept the inevitability of death while still living a
meaningful life guided by reason and virtue. It earns the top spot on this list as it’s direct to the source and
easy to digest, with each letter taking 10-20 minutes to read.
Memorable Quote: “If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you’re needing is not
to be in a different place but to be a different person.”
GoodReads Score: 4.35/5

Buy on Amazon

A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy — William B. Irvine (2008)
Summary: A Guide to the Good Life is an insightful and comprehensive book that offers readers a
practical guide to living a meaningful life inspired by the ancient philosophy of Stoicism. Within its
pages, Irvine explains the core principles of Stoicism, how they can be applied in modern life, and how
they can help people find peace and joy.
Written in an accessible style, Irvine draws on both classic texts and contemporary research to illustrate
how the Stoic mindset can cultivate resilience, acceptance, and virtue. He also offers practical guidance
on topics such as managing emotions, dealing with adversity, cultivating friendships, avoiding hedonism
and materialism, setting goals for improvement, and finding spiritual fulfillment.

Ultimately A Guide to the Good Life provides an invaluable resource for anyone looking to find balance
in their lives through mindfulness and understanding of this timeless philosophy. I found Irvine’s
breakdowns and explanations super useful, and in my opinion this is the best overview on the subject.
Memorable Quote: “Indeed, pursuing pleasure, Seneca warns, is like pursuing a wild beast: On being
captured, it can turn on us and tear us to pieces. Or, changing the metaphor a bit, he tells us that intense
pleasures, when captured by us, become our captors, meaning that the more pleasures a man captures,
“the more masters will he have to serve.”
GoodReads Score: 4.19/5

Buy on Amazon

Meditations — Marcus Aurelius (180)

Summary: Meditations is a personal journal written by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and is one
of the most famous books on Stoicism. The book is like a textbook of Stoicism, consisting of 12 books
with each containing various passages that discuss his reflections on life, death, ethics, principals, and
morality. Aurelius believed that a virtuous life should be lived with perseverance and consistency, and he
strongly advocated for the practice of stoic philosophy which emphasized reason over emotion and virtue
over pleasure.
In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius also explores themes such as self-discipline, courage in facing adversity,
how to be content with what one has in life and how to maintain perspective. Throughout his writings,
Marcus Aurelius speaks to topics like death and suffering as well as encourages readers to take
responsibility for their actions while understanding their limitations. Although it was written over 2000
years ago it still resonates with readers today by providing an understanding of Stoic philosophy which is
still relevant in modern times.
Memorable Quote: “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find
strength.”
GoodReads Score: 4.26/5

Buy on Amazon

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living —
Ryan Holiday (2016)
Summary: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday is a book that offers insights into the ancient philosophy of
Stoicism and how its wisdom can be applied to modern life. It is divided into 366 daily readings, each one
composed of a quote from one of the great Stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and
Seneca as well as an essay written by Holiday. These essays are intended to offer practical guidance on
how readers can apply Stoic principles to lead happier, more meaningful lives.
The book also explores topics such as difficult emotions and personal growth, providing effective tools
for dealing with them. The Daily Stoic covers various aspects of modern life through the lens of Stoicism,
offering advice on how to live a fulfilled life even amid challenges and turmoil. It provides readers with
valuable insight into leading their own lives with resilience and joy regardless of the circumstances they
find themselves in.
Memorable Quote: “What we desire makes us vulnerable.”
GoodReads Score: 4.36/5

Buy on Amazon

The Discourses — Epictetus (108)

Summary: The Discourses is a collection of Stoic teachings by the Greek philosopher Epictetus, written
in the 2nd Century AD. This book covers a wide range of topics concerning human life and behavior,
such as logic, ethics, freedom, happiness, and morality.
Epictetus emphasizes that we must be responsible for our own actions and take responsibility for our
thoughts and emotions. He encourages readers to cultivate an attitude of acceptance and non-attachment
to external events that are out of our control. The Discourses also encourages readers to focus on self-
improvement and strive to live virtuously so that one can achieve true happiness and wellbeing.
In addition, Epictetus discusses the importance of living in harmony with nature’s laws and being
respectful to others in order to lead a successful life. Ultimately, The Discourses provides timeless
wisdom on how to live happily and peacefully despite adversity or difficult circumstances.
Memorable Quote: “Freedom is secured not by the fulfilling of men’s desires, but by the removal of
desire.”
GoodReads Score: 4.26/5

Buy on Amazon

How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life — Massimo

Pigliucci (2017)
Summary: How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci is an authoritative guide to the philosophy of
Stoicism. It is a book that aims to bring readers closer to, and provide them with, practical advice on how
to apply the ancient Greco-Roman teachings of Stoicism in their lives. The book covers topics such as
recognizing and controlling one’s emotions, making wise and principled decisions, and finding peace in
challenging times.
Pigliucci also explains the basic tenants of Stoic philosophy such as self-control, resilience and
equanimity. He dives into the works of famous Stoic philosophers including Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus,
Seneca, and Zeno of Citium, with each lesson being accompanied by vivid examples from history or
literature. Written for both experienced students of Stoicism and newcomers alike, How to Be a Stoic is
an essential read for anyone looking to develop a deeper understanding of this powerful philosophy.
Memorable Quote: “One of the first lessons from Stoicism, then, is to focus our attention and efforts
where we have the most power and then let the universe run as it will. This will save us both a lot of
energy and a lot of worry.”
GoodReads Score: 4.06/5

Buy on Amazon

Stoicism and the Art of Happiness: Practical Wisdom for Everyday Life — Donald
Robertson (2018)
Summary: Stoicism and the Art of Happiness is a comprehensive exploration into the principles and
practices of Stoicism. It provides a thorough overview of its philosophy, exploring topics such as
psychological resilience, emotional flexibility, self-discipline, mindfulness and wisdom.
Drawing from ancient texts and modern authors alike, Robertson delves into classic Stoic themes such as
developing inner tranquility and achieving harmony with the world. He examines how Stoicism can help
to manage emotions, build moral character and enable meaningful relationships.
The book then aims to translate the ideas of the ancient Stoics into exercises that can be used in everyday
life. Through practical guidance on topics such as stress management, coping with adversity and learning
to express gratitude, readers come away with useful insights they can apply in their lives to cultivate
personal growth and happiness.
Memorable Quote: “Men are disturbed not by events but by their opinions about them.“
GoodReads Score: 4.15/5

Buy on Amazon

Letters on Ethics: To Lucilius — Lucius Annaeus Seneca (65)

Summary: Letters on Ethics is a collection of correspondence between the Roman statesman and
philosopher Seneca and his friend, Lucilius. The letters were written between 62 and 65 AD and focus on
Stoic doctrine, which teaches how to lead a good life in accordance with nature.
In these letters, Seneca explains how we should act in accordance with the principles of virtue and justice,
aiming to live in harmony with those around us. He also encourages Lucilius to seek out wisdom and
practical guidance from philosophy, as well as developing inner strength and resilience when facing
adversity. The book also discusses topics such as friendship, death, grief, anger, ambition, self-discipline,
money and fame.
By providing concrete advice on these topics, Letters on Ethics helps readers develop an understanding of
how their own virtues can help them navigate their daily lives.
Memorable Quote: “A joyful life is an individual creation that cannot be copied from a recipe.”
GoodReads Score: 4.35/5

Buy on Amazon

The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual — Ward Farnsworth (2018)

Summary: The Practicing Stoic is a comprehensive guide to the ancient philosophy of Stoicism. It offers
an accessible, step-by-step approach to understanding and applying the teachings of this influential school
of thought. The book begins with an overview of the core concepts and ideas found in Stoicism, and then
delves into more practical topics such as how to apply Stoic principles in everyday life.
With helpful examples and inspiring quotes from famous Stoics like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, The
Practicing Stoic provides readers with a thoughtful meditation on the power of living a life according to
virtue and reason. In addition to exploring the history and context of Stoicism, Farnsworth also explains
why it is still relevant today – from providing beneficial guidance in times of stress or difficult decisions
to helping us lead better lives overall by practicing patience, courage, self-control, and other virtuous
traits.
Memorable Quote: “The first principle of practical Stoicism is this: we don’t react to events; we react to
our judgments about them, and the judgments are up to us.”
GoodReads Score: 4.35/5

Buy on Amazon

The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and
Calmness — Jonas Salzgeber (2019)
Summary: The Little Book of Stoicism by Jonas Salzgeber provides a comprehensive introduction to the
ancient philosophy of Stoicism. Based on the teachings of the three great Stoic philosophers—Epictetus,
Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca—it covers essential topics such as resilience, virtue, self-control, gratitude
and wisdom. It explains how to cultivate mental strength and emotional balance in the face of life’s
inevitable challenges.
In addition, it provides practical advice on how to apply these principles to everyday life in order to live
with greater ease and contentment. Salzgeber also draws on research from fields such as neuroscience and
psychology to illustrate the relevance of Stoicism in modern times. This book is an excellent resource for
anyone interested in cultivating resilience and calmness in their life.
Memorable Quote: “You and I, we’re responsible for our own flourishing. We’re responsible for not
letting our happiness depend on external circumstances—we shouldn’t let the rain, annoying strangers,
or a leaking washing machine decide upon our wellbeing. Otherwise, we become helpless victims of life
circumstances out of hand. As a Stoic student, you learn that only you can ruin your life and only you can
refuse to let your inner self be conquered by whatever nasty challenge life throws at you.”
GoodReads Score: 4.16/5

Buy on Amazon

The Beginner’s Guide to Stoicism: Tools for Emotional Resilience and Positivity —
Matthew Van Natta (2019)
Summary: The Beginner’s Guide to Stoicism is an invaluable guide for those looking to gain insight into
the ancient philosophy of Stoicism. The book provides readers with valuable insights from renowned
Stoic thinkers, such as Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, as well as modern-day interpretations of their
teachings. Through this book readers can learn how to develop emotional resilience and practical
strategies for dealing with life’s difficulties.
Readers are shown how to reframe negative thoughts, strive for excellence in all areas of life, cultivate
joy and gratitude, and look beyond external events for fulfillment. It also delves into powerful techniques
such as mindfulness meditation and visualizations that can help individuals stay focused on their goals
and manage stress.
Throughout the book, Van Natta uses stories, worksheets, quotes and other tools to illustrate his points in
an engaging manner making it a great resource for those looking to incorporate Stoic principles into their
lives.
Memorable Quote: “Your mind is yours—and yours alone. If you focus on healthy thoughts and develop
balanced opinions about your situation, you will cultivate positive emotions and find lasting enthusiasm
to live your best life. You will see negativity for what it is: a waste of energy. You will learn to stop
allowing fear, anger, and other anxieties to grow. You will discover not only that you can weather
challenges, but you often find them enjoyable.”
GoodReads Score: 4.01/5

Buy on Amazon

The Epilogue: Books About Stoicism

With the right books and a bit of contemplation, life’s challenges can become more manageable. By
understanding the fundamental principles of Stoicism, it is possible to not only find lasting inner peace
but also learn how to handle setbacks with calmness and resilience. Reading about Stoic practices can
also help you make better decisions for yourself and others.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Stoicism but many ordinary people have benefited from its
teachings in different ways over the centuries. This list of the best books about Stoicism provide an
excellent introduction or refresher course on this ancient philosophy.
To help you on your journey of learning more about Stoicism, please leave a comment letting us know
which book inspired you most!
P.S. You might also enjoy these related posts:
  Quotes About Slowing Down in Life
 Quotes From Lucius Annaeus Seneca
 How to Create a Personal Philosophy
 Why Walking Helps Us Think
 The Incomplete Guide to Being a Flaneur
Filed Under:
Simplifying Life
This Post Has 16 Comments

1.
Salvador Basile March 8, 2023 Reply
Es cierto que primero debemos entrenar nuestras mentes, tambien es nuestra obligacion mejorar
nuestro entorno en el pais que nacimos, la Luz debe llegar desde arriba y esparcerla a toda la
sociedad. Ese seria un acto Estoico y un avance de nuestra sociedad.

1.
Blake Miner March 12, 2023 Reply
Sí, estoy totalmente de acuerdo. Una vez que tengamos el poder de ayudar a crear el
cambio, tenemos la responsabilidad de usarlo.

2.
Santo March 3, 2023 Reply
Saludo! Agradezco el que hayan publicado esa lista de libros sobre estoicismo.
Todo me parecieron interesante, pero me quedo con: ‘Cartas de un estoico, de Séneca.
 1.
Blake Miner March 3, 2023 Reply
Sí, este es mi favorito también, Santo! Gracias por acompañarnos aquí.

3.
Jaime March 2, 2023 Reply
Buena presentación de cada uno de los filósofos estoicos. Lo que nos hace falta a toda la
humanidad para ver un cambio significativo en nuestras vidas. Es vernos desde dentro y no desde
fuera para un verdadero cambio. Gracias por compartir sus contenidos.

1.
Blake Miner March 3, 2023 Reply
“Es vernos desde dentro y no desde fuera para un verdadero cambio” – Me encanta esto!
Gracias por estar aquí Jaime.

4.
José Bautista March 2, 2023 Reply
El estoicismo, como filosofía práctica se constituye en una guía, un sendero hacia la felicidad. El
no permitir que las circunstancias externas nos afecten y el vivir en armonía con la naturaleza, son
quizá los dos principios más importantes del estoicismo.
 1.
Blake Miner March 3, 2023 Reply
Este es un gran resumen para los demás, has aprendido muy bien. Gracias por estar aquí,
eres bienvenido cuando quieras José!

5.
Óscar peña March 2, 2023 Reply
Definitivamente leer sobre estos temas si me ayudaron para hacer cambios beneficiosos a mi vida
y la de familia

1.
Blake Miner March 3, 2023 Reply
Espero que sus palabras actúen como un testimonio para otros sobre el poder del
estoicismo. Gracias por compartir!

6.
Luis Patricio carrera franco March 1, 2023 Reply
Me estoy iniciando en el mundo del estoicismo espero aprender mucho porque justo estoy en un
momento de grandes desafíos tanto familiares como personales y profesionales estoy
emprendiendo junto con mis hermanos y levantar una empresa de cero requiere un enorme
desgaste y se me hace imperativo el conocimiento que me ayude a tomar mejores decisiones
 1.
Blake Miner March 3, 2023 Reply
Es fantástico que hayas decidido aprender más sobre el estoicismo. Su conocimiento, sin
duda, le servirá bien en todas las facetas de la vida y le ayudará a tomar mejores decisiones
con su negocio. Te estoy animando!

7.
Christian March 1, 2023 Reply
El Estoicismo cambio mi vida para bien , uno de los libros que más me ayudó es “Manual de Vida
” de Epicteto . Pero también la mayoría de esta lista y los seguiré leyendo por qué uno nunca
termina de mejorar y aprender.

1.
Blake Miner March 1, 2023 Reply
Gracias por tu comentario Christian, he encontrado lo mismo que el estoicismo presenta
grandes enseñanzas para la vida.
Como dijo Epicteto: La esencia de la filosofía es que un hombre debe vivir de tal manera
que su felicidad dependa lo menos posible de las cosas externas.
Espero verte por aquí más a menudo!

1.
 José March 1, 2023 Reply
Muy interesante, llega al fondo interior humano, secreto de cómo vivir y afrontar la
vida.

1.
Blake Miner March 3, 2023 Reply
Bien dicho José

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