Stoicism is a philosophy that has been around for centuries, but its teachings remain relevant today. The principles of Stoicism encourage individuals to focus on what they can control, accept what they cannot, and live a life of virtue. One way to learn more about Stoicism is by reading books on the subject.
There are many books on Stoicism available, ranging from ancient texts to modern interpretations. Some books focus on the philosophy’s history and development, while others offer practical advice on how to apply Stoic principles in everyday life. Regardless of the approach, the best Stoicism books can help readers gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy and its potential benefits.
When choosing a Stoicism book, it’s important to pay attention to the author’s credentials and the book’s intended audience. Some books are written for beginners, while others are geared towards those with more advanced knowledge of the philosophy. Additionally, some authors may have a particular perspective or bias that could influence their interpretation of Stoic principles.
We spent hours researching and testing various Stoicism books to identify the ones that offer the most value to readers. In the following sections, we’ll highlight our top picks and explain why we think they’re worth reading.
Top 3 Best Stoicism Books
1. The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
2. Marcus Aurelius – Meditations: Adapted for the Contemporary Reader
We’ve compiled a list of the best stoicism books for those who are interested in learning more about this ancient philosophy. Stoicism has been around for over two thousand years and has influenced many great thinkers and leaders throughout history. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced reader, our list has something for everyone. These books will teach you how to live a more fulfilling life, how to deal with adversity, and how to find inner peace. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best stoicism books.
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
If you’re looking for a daily dose of Stoic wisdom, The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living is a great choice.
Pros
- The book provides a daily Stoic meditation for each day of the year, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
- The meditations are short and to the point, making them easy to digest and reflect on.
- The book offers a wide range of Stoic teachings, covering everything from dealing with adversity to finding inner peace.
Cons
- Some readers may find the daily format repetitive or limiting.
- The book is geared more towards beginners, so more advanced readers may find the content lacking.
- The book’s focus on daily meditations may not be suitable for those looking for a more comprehensive overview of Stoicism.
In our experience, The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living is a great way to incorporate Stoic teachings into your daily routine. Each meditation is thought-provoking and provides a great starting point for reflection. However, more advanced readers may find the content lacking, and the daily format may not be suitable for everyone.
The book’s author, Ryan Holiday, has done an excellent job of compiling a wide range of Stoic teachings in a format that is easy to digest. The book covers a range of topics, from dealing with adversity to finding inner peace, making it a great resource for anyone looking to incorporate Stoicism into their daily life.
Overall, we highly recommend The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living to anyone looking for a daily dose of Stoic wisdom. With its short, thought-provoking meditations, it’s a great way to start your day with a focus on inner growth and self-improvement.
Marcus Aurelius – Meditations: Adapted for the Contemporary Reader
If you’re looking for a book that offers timeless wisdom and practical advice for living a fulfilling life, then Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” is a must-read.
Pros
- Provides practical advice for living a fulfilling life
- Offers timeless wisdom that is still relevant today
- Easy to read and understand
Cons
- Some may find the language a bit archaic
- Not a comprehensive guide to Stoicism
- Some may prefer a more modern interpretation of Stoic philosophy
As we read “Meditations,” we found ourselves drawn to the practical advice and wisdom that Marcus Aurelius offers. His insights on how to live a fulfilling life are still relevant today, and we found ourselves reflecting on his words long after we put the book down.
One of the things we appreciated about “Meditations” is that it’s easy to read and understand. The language is not overly complex, and the book is structured in a way that makes it easy to follow along.
That being said, some readers may find the language a bit archaic. While the book has been adapted for the contemporary reader, it is still a translation of a work that was written almost 2,000 years ago.
Additionally, while “Meditations” provides a great introduction to Stoic philosophy, it is not a comprehensive guide. Some readers may prefer a more in-depth exploration of the topic.
Overall, we highly recommend “Meditations” to anyone who is interested in Stoic philosophy or simply looking for practical advice on how to live a fulfilling life.
Get “Meditations” on Amazon and start your journey towards inner peace and wisdom.
The Stoic Way of Life: The ultimate guide of Stoicism to make your everyday modern life Calm, Confident & Positive – Master the Art of Living, Emotional Resilience & Perseverance (Mastering Stoicism)
If you are interested in learning about Stoicism, “The Stoic Way of Life” is a good starting point. However, it may not be the best book for those looking for quotes or practical applications of the philosophy.
Pros
- Provides a good overview of Stoicism
- Simplifies the philosophy for modern readers
- Easy to read and understand
Cons
- Poorly edited with repeated sentences and incomplete thoughts
- Contains historical errors
- Lacks practical applications of Stoicism
In “The Stoic Way of Life,” readers can discover the timeless wisdom of Stoicism and learn how to apply it to modern-day scenarios. The book is well-written and presents the philosophy in an easy-to-understand manner. However, the poor editing and lack of practical applications may be a turn-off for some readers.
Overall, we recommend “The Stoic Way of Life” for those who are new to Stoicism and want a general overview of the philosophy. However, if you are looking for practical applications or in-depth analysis, this may not be the best book for you.
The Little Book of Stoicism
If you’re looking for a practical introduction to Stoicism, then The Little Book of Stoicism is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Provides a practical introduction to the philosophy of Stoicism
- Offers actionable advice for applying Stoic principles to everyday life
- Written in a clear and accessible style
Cons
- Some readers may find the content repetitive
- Lacks depth and detail compared to more comprehensive works on Stoicism
- May not be suitable for readers looking for a more academic approach to the subject
We found The Little Book of Stoicism to be a great starting point for anyone interested in learning more about Stoicism. The author, Jonas Salzgeber, does an excellent job of breaking down the key principles of Stoicism and presenting them in a way that’s easy to understand.
The book is divided into three parts, with the first part providing an overview of Stoicism and its history, the second part exploring the core Stoic virtues, and the third part offering practical advice for applying Stoic principles to daily life.
Throughout the book, Salzgeber provides plenty of examples and anecdotes to illustrate his points, making the content engaging and relatable. We particularly appreciated the author’s emphasis on taking action and putting Stoic principles into practice, rather than just reading about them.
Overall, we think The Little Book of Stoicism is a great choice for anyone looking for a practical introduction to Stoicism that they can apply to their daily life. However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive or academic treatment of the subject, you may want to consider other options.
The Beginner’s Guide to Stoicism: Tools for Emotional Resilience & Positivity
If you’re looking for an introduction to Stoicism, The Beginner’s Guide to Stoicism: Tools for Emotional Resilience & Positivity is a great place to start.
Pros
- The book provides practical tools for using Stoic philosophy in everyday life.
- The author includes modern examples to illustrate ancient Stoic principles.
- The audiobook version is narrated by a skilled voice actor.
Cons
- The book may not be detailed enough for readers who are already familiar with Stoic philosophy.
- Some readers may find the author’s writing style to be overly simplistic.
- The book is relatively short, at just over three hours in length.
Overall, we recommend The Beginner’s Guide to Stoicism: Tools for Emotional Resilience & Positivity for readers who are new to Stoic philosophy and looking for practical advice on how to apply it in their daily lives.
In this book, author Matthew J. Van Natta provides an overview of Stoic philosophy and offers tools for developing emotional resilience and positivity. The book is easy to understand and includes modern examples to illustrate ancient Stoic principles.
One of the strengths of this book is that it provides practical advice for using Stoic philosophy in everyday life. The author includes exercises and techniques that readers can use to cultivate Stoic virtues like wisdom, courage, and self-control.
Another benefit of this book is the audiobook version, which is narrated by Steve Rimpici. Rimpici does an excellent job of bringing the text to life and making it engaging for listeners.
However, some readers may find the book to be too simplistic. The author’s writing style is straightforward and easy to understand, but it may not provide enough depth for readers who are already familiar with Stoic philosophy.
Additionally, the book is relatively short, at just over three hours in length. Some readers may feel that they would have liked more content for the price.
Overall, we believe that The Beginner’s Guide to Stoicism: Tools for Emotional Resilience & Positivity is a valuable resource for readers who are new to Stoic philosophy and looking for practical advice on how to apply it in their daily lives.
Stoicism for Modern Times: 3 books in 1 – A Blueprint to Build Inner Peace, Relieve Stress, Conquer your Fears, Overcome Adversity & Lead a Good Life (Self Mastery)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to Stoicism, Stoicism for Modern Times is a great choice. With three books in one, this set covers everything from building inner peace to overcoming adversity and leading a good life.
Pros
- The set is easy to understand, with clear explanations and helpful exercises that can really make a difference.
- The author provides plenty of real-world examples to help you apply Stoic principles to your own life.
- The set is a great value, with three books for the price of one.
Cons
- The set is quite long, with nearly 500 pages to read through.
- Some readers may find the writing style a bit dry or academic.
- The set is focused on Stoicism, so it may not be the best choice for readers who are looking for a more general self-help guide.
Overall, we highly recommend Stoicism for Modern Times to anyone who is interested in Stoicism and wants a comprehensive guide to the philosophy. With clear explanations, helpful exercises, and plenty of real-world examples, this set is a great resource for anyone who wants to build inner peace, relieve stress, conquer their fears, overcome adversity, and lead a good life.
The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual
We highly recommend The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual for anyone interested in learning about Stoicism. This book provides an insightful and comprehensive overview of Stoicism and its practical applications in daily life.
Pros
- The book is well-organized by topics, making it easy to find specific information.
- The author includes many quotes from ancient Stoics, which provide a deeper understanding of their philosophy.
- The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to readers of all levels.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too focused on quotes and lacking in original content.
- The book does not provide a detailed historical background of Stoicism.
- The author’s interpretations and analysis of the quotes may not be to everyone’s liking.
The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Stoicism. The author, Ward Farnsworth, provides a detailed analysis of Stoic philosophy and its practical applications in daily life. The book is organized by topics, such as anger, grief, and relationships, making it easy to find specific information.
One of the best features of the book is the author’s use of quotes from ancient Stoics. These quotes provide a deeper understanding of their philosophy and serve as a guide for readers looking to apply Stoic principles to their own lives. The author’s clear and concise writing style makes the book accessible to readers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
However, some readers may find the book too focused on quotes and lacking in original content. Additionally, the book does not provide a detailed historical background of Stoicism, which may be a drawback for some readers. Finally, the author’s interpretations and analysis of the quotes may not be to everyone’s liking.
Overall, we highly recommend The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual for anyone interested in learning about Stoicism and its practical applications in daily life.
Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control
We highly recommend purchasing Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control audiobook by Ryan Holiday for those seeking to learn more about Stoicism and self-discipline.
Pros
- Ryan Holiday’s writing style is engaging and easy to understand.
- The audiobook is narrated by the author, adding a personal touch to the experience.
- The book provides practical advice and real-life examples on how to apply Stoic principles to everyday life.
Cons
- Some may find the book repetitive at times.
- The book focuses more on the philosophy of Stoicism rather than its history.
- The book may not be suitable for those looking for a comprehensive guide on Stoicism.
In Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control, Ryan Holiday discusses the importance of self-discipline and how it can lead to a more fulfilling life. The book draws inspiration from the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and provides practical advice on how to apply its principles to modern life.
Holiday’s writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making the book accessible to readers of all levels. Additionally, the audiobook is narrated by the author himself, adding a personal touch to the experience.
The book provides practical advice and real-life examples on how to apply Stoic principles to everyday life. However, some may find the book repetitive at times, and it focuses more on the philosophy of Stoicism rather than its history. Furthermore, the book may not be suitable for those looking for a comprehensive guide on Stoicism.
Overall, if you are looking for a practical guide on how to apply Stoic principles to modern life, we highly recommend Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control audiobook by Ryan Holiday.
Meditations: A New Translation
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to Stoicism, Meditations: A New Translation is a great choice.
Pros
- The book offers practical advice on how to live a fulfilling life based on Stoic principles.
- The author, Marcus Aurelius, was a Roman emperor who practiced Stoicism himself, which lends credibility to his teachings.
- The translation by Gregory Hays is easy to read and understand, making the book accessible to readers of all levels.
Cons
- The book can be dense and difficult to get through at times, especially for readers who are new to Stoicism.
- Some readers may find the writing style to be dry and academic.
- The book is relatively short, which may leave some readers wanting more.
In Meditations: A New Translation, Marcus Aurelius offers his personal reflections on Stoic philosophy and how to apply it to daily life. The book is divided into 12 sections, each of which offers insights into different aspects of Stoicism.
One of the strengths of this book is that it is based on Aurelius’s own experiences as a Stoic practitioner. This gives the book a sense of authenticity and makes it more relatable to readers who are also trying to apply Stoic principles to their own lives.
The translation by Gregory Hays is also a highlight of the book. Hays’s translation is clear and easy to understand, which makes the book accessible to readers who may be new to Stoicism or to philosophy in general.
However, the book can be dense and difficult to get through at times. Some readers may find themselves struggling to stay engaged with the text, especially if they are not already familiar with Stoic philosophy.
Overall, Meditations: A New Translation is a great choice for readers who are interested in learning more about Stoicism and how to apply its principles to their own lives. While the book can be challenging at times, the insights it offers are well worth the effort.
Journal Like a Stoic
If you’re looking to incorporate stoic principles into your daily life through journaling, Journal Like a Stoic by Brittany Polat is a concise and practical guide that can help you achieve that goal.
Pros
- The book provides clear and accessible guidance on how to incorporate stoic principles into your daily life through journaling.
- The author’s organization of material is incisive and the prompts are thought-provoking.
- The book is a great resource for anyone looking to live with greater acceptance, less judgment, and deeper intentionality.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book’s 90-day program too structured and rigid.
- The book may not be suitable for those who are not interested in journaling or who prefer a more casual approach to self-improvement.
- The book’s focus on stoicism may not be appealing to readers who are looking for a more general approach to personal growth.
In Journal Like a Stoic, Brittany Polat recommends making journaling a daily ritual, with a peaceful spot, a cup of tea, and an allocated time for quiet reflection. The book is divided into three parts, each containing 30 days’ worth of prompts and exercises designed to help readers develop a stoic mindset and approach to life.
The first part of the book focuses on developing acceptance, the second on reducing judgment, and the third on cultivating intentionality. Each day’s prompt includes a brief explanation of the stoic principle being explored, a quote from a stoic philosopher, and a series of questions and exercises to help readers apply the principle to their own lives.
Overall, we would recommend Journal Like a Stoic to anyone who is interested in stoicism and looking for a practical, structured way to incorporate its principles into their daily life through journaling. The book is well-organized, easy to follow, and provides a wealth of information and guidance for readers looking to live a more stoic life.
The Iliad & the Odyssey (Deluxe Hardbound Edition)
If you’re looking for an epic adventure that has stood the test of time, then The Iliad & the Odyssey (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) is a great choice. With its classic storytelling, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology and literature.
Pros
- The book is beautifully designed and hardbound, making it a great addition to any bookshelf.
- The story is a classic and has been enjoyed by readers for centuries.
- The book is well-written and easy to read, even for those who are not familiar with Greek mythology.
Cons
- The book is quite long, with 768 pages, which may be daunting for some readers.
- The print is quite small, which may be difficult for some readers to read.
- The paper feels thin and flimsy, so it may not hold up well if read frequently.
We highly recommend The Iliad & the Odyssey (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) for anyone interested in Greek mythology and literature. This book is a classic that has stood the test of time, and its epic storytelling is sure to captivate readers.
The book is beautifully designed and hardbound, which makes it a great addition to any bookshelf. The story is well-written and easy to read, even for those who are not familiar with Greek mythology. However, the book is quite long, with 768 pages, and the print is quite small, which may be difficult for some readers to read. Additionally, the paper feels thin and flimsy, so it may not hold up well if read frequently.
Overall, The Iliad & the Odyssey (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) is a great choice for anyone looking for an epic adventure that has stood the test of time. Its classic storytelling and beautiful design make it a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology and literature.
Stoic Classics Collection
If you’re looking to dive into the world of Stoicism, then the Stoic Classics Collection is a must-have. It’s a compilation of the most important works of three Stoic philosophers: Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca.
Pros
- The collection includes some of the most important works in Stoic philosophy, making it a great starting point for those interested in the subject.
- The book is well-organized and easy to read, with clear translations of the original texts.
- The paperback version is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and read on-the-go.
Cons
- The translation of Epictetus’s Enchiridion may not be to everyone’s liking, as it can be difficult to read at times.
- The book doesn’t include any introductions or notes to explain the historical and cultural context of the works, which may make it difficult for readers who are new to Stoicism.
- Some readers may find the lack of commentary or analysis to be a drawback, as they may prefer a more guided approach to studying Stoicism.
Overall, we highly recommend the Stoic Classics Collection for anyone interested in Stoicism. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to learn more about this ancient philosophy, and the collection’s compact size makes it easy to carry around and read at your leisure.
Buying Guide
When it comes to selecting the best Stoicism book, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Content
One of the most important things to consider is the content of the book. Look for a book that covers the basics of Stoicism, including its history, key principles, and practices. A good Stoicism book should also provide practical advice on how to apply Stoic philosophy to your daily life.
Author
The author of the book is another important factor to consider. Look for an author who is knowledgeable about Stoicism and has a good reputation in the field. You may also want to consider the author’s writing style and approach to the subject matter.
Reviews
Reading reviews from other readers can be a helpful way to gauge the quality of a Stoicism book. Look for reviews that provide specific examples of how the book has helped them and whether they found the content to be useful and engaging.
Format
Consider the format of the book as well. Do you prefer a physical book or an e-book? Would you like an audiobook version? Make sure to choose a format that works best for your needs.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the book. While price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider, it’s important to choose a book that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that some books may be more expensive due to factors like hardcover binding or additional features like illustrations or annotations.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best Stoicism book for your needs and start applying its principles to your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were some famous Stoics?
Some famous Stoics include the philosopher Epictetus, the statesman Seneca, and the emperor Marcus Aurelius.
How many books did Marcus Aurelius write?
Marcus Aurelius wrote a collection of personal writings known as “Meditations”. It is a compilation of 12 books.
What are the best modern Stoicism books?
Some of the best modern Stoicism books include “The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, “A Guide to the Good Life” by William B. Irvine, and “The Obstacle is the Way” also by Ryan Holiday.
What are some of Ryan Holiday’s Stoicism books?
Ryan Holiday has written several books on Stoicism, including “The Daily Stoic”, “The Obstacle is the Way”, and “Ego is the Enemy”.
Where can I find The Little Book of Stoicism pdf?
We do not condone or support the illegal distribution of copyrighted material. However, “The Little Book of Stoicism” by Jonas Salzgeber is available for purchase on various online platforms.
What is the best book to start with Stoicism?
“The Enchiridion” by Epictetus is a great starting point for those interested in Stoicism. It is a concise manual on Stoic philosophy and provides practical advice on how to live a virtuous life.