Do you want to handle stress more effectively? Do you want to improve your relationships and find peace amidst the chaos of modern life?
Of course, you do. If you are reading this, you are a Stoic or at least an aspiring one. And as you probably know, Stoicism offers timeless wisdom and practical advice that can help you navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and clarity.
On this site, you’ll find a wealth of information and insights on how to apply Stoic principles to your daily life, but if you want to dive into the source of Stoicism, reading some of the original texts is a great idea.
Today, we’re highlighting fours such texts every aspiring Stoic should consider picking up. We’ll recommend some modern books on Stoicism you might like, too.
Let’s dive in.
01 "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius
“Meditations” is perhaps the most well-known and widely available Stoic text. These personal writings of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius offer a unique glimpse into the mind of a ruler who strove to live virtuously despite the immense pressures of his position.
Unlike many philosophical works, “Meditations” was not written for an audience but as a series of personal reflections, making its wisdom feel very intimate.
The central themes of “Meditations” include self-reflection, personal ethics, resilience, and dealing with people. Marcus Aurelius explores how to live a life of virtue, the importance of inner strength, and the necessity of accepting the things we cannot change.
“Meditations” is really an essential read for anyone interested in Stoicism. It’s particularly valuable for those who want to focus on what they can control and learn to accept life’s inevitable challenges with grace and wisdom.
There are many translations of this to choose from including quite a few that are free to read online as they are now old enough to be in the public domain. All versions I have read are great. The older ones tend to be a bit more poetic but you will find the more modern translations are easier to read.
Notable Quotes:
- “Each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past or is an uncertain future” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
- “A man could lose neither past nor future; how can one rob him of what he has not got?.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
- “Nature loves nothing so much as to change what it is and to create new things in their likeness” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
02 "Discourses and Selected Writings" by Epictetus
“Discourses” is a compilation of the teachings of Epictetus, a former slave who became one of the most influential Stoic philosophers.
It wasn’t written by Epictetus but rather recorded by his pupil Arrian. That being said, it’s an accessible read that covers a broad range of topics, offering practical advice on how to live a good life.
The central themes in Epictetus’s writings include rational thinking, personal freedom, love and ethical living. I find his insights into maintaining inner peace and integrity, regardless of external circumstances, particularly powerful and memorable.
Similar to Meditations, there are quite a few translations of this to choose from including and some are free to read online as they are now old enough to be in the public domain.
Notable Quotes:
- “What distresses him is not the event, for that does not distress another, but his judgement on the event.” (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)
- “You can be invincible, if you never enter into a contest where victory is not in your power.” (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)
- “Of all existing things some are in our power, and others are not in our power. In our power are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and, in a word, everything which is our own doing. Things not in our power include the body, property, reputation, office, and, in a word, everything which is not our own doing.” (The Discourses of Epictetus 1916)
03 "Letters from a Stoic/Moral letters to Lucilius" by Seneca
This is said to be a collection of letters written by Seneca, a Roman philosopher, statesman, and dramatist, to his friend Lucilius.
Seneca’s eloquent and thoughtful writing provides a rich source of Stoic wisdom, addressing a wide range of topics relevant to modern readers.
Themes include practical advice on daily living, having enough, and friendship. His writings emphasize the application of Stoic principles in everyday life, making the philosophy accessible and actionable.
These letters are relatively easy to read even in older translations. I like the translation by Richard M. Gummere. Here’s a WikiSource link for your reading pleasure.
Notable Quotes:
- “You will suffer soon enough, when it arrives; so look forward meanwhile to better things.” (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917)
- “The fool, with all his other faults, has this also, – he is always getting ready to live” (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917)
- “There are more things, Lucilius, likely to frighten us than there are to crush us; we suffer more often in imagination than in reality” (Ad Lucilium Epistulae Morales,1917)
04 "On the shortness of life" by Seneca
“On the Shortness of Life” is one of Seneca’s most famous essays, in which he explores the nature of time and how we often squander it.
As you might have guessed from the title, the main themes include the value of time, the importance of living purposefully, and the need to focus on what truly matters. Seneca argues that life is not inherently short, but that we make it so by wasting our time on trivial pursuits.
This book is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the busyness of modern life and looking for ways to live more intentionally. It’s a powerful reminder to prioritize what is truly important and make the most of our limited time.
05 "A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy" By William B. Irvine
“A Guide to the Good Life” by William B. Irvine is a modern interpretation of ancient Stoic philosophy.
Irvine provides a comprehensive introduction to Stoicism, presenting it in a way that is accessible and relevant to contemporary readers. This book blends historical context with practical advice, making it an excellent practical resource for those new to Stoicism.
06 "The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living" by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
“The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman is a collection of daily reflections drawn from the teachings of Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca.
Each meditation is accompanied by a short commentary that provides practical advice on how to apply Stoic principles to everyday life. This book is designed to offer daily inspiration and guidance, helping readers cultivate a Stoic mindset one day at a time.
The book emphasizes the importance of daily practice and reflection in developing a Stoic mindset. It covers a wide range of topics, from dealing with adversity to cultivating virtue, offering short daily insights that are pretty easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
This one is especially useful for those who prefer a structured, bite-sized approach to personal development.
07 "How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life" by Massimo Pigliucci
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking to develop inner strength, improve your personal ethics, or find peace amidst life’s challenges, these books are great reads.
They offer timeless wisdom that can help you navigate modern life with greater resilience, clarity, and purpose.
As you delve into these works, make sure to take the time to reflect on their teachings and consider how you can incorporate their principles into your own life. As Epictetus Advises:
“Don’t just say you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better, to be a more discriminating and reflective person. Books are the training weights of the mind. They are very helpful, but it would be a bad mistake to suppose that one has made progress simply by having internalized their contents.”
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
