Stoicism/Reading

A Stoic Reading List: My Guide to the Best Books on Stoicism

Getting the most out of ancient wisdom.

The ancient philosophy of Stoicism has seen a resurgence in recent years, and for a good reason. It can help you cultivate inner strength, resilience, and tranquility in a world that seems to require it more and more.

Whether you are looking to improve your mental health, build greater self-discipline, make better choices, or simply gain a deeper understanding of Stoic philosophy and the human experience, Stoicism offers the insights and advice that can help you achieve these goals.

In this post, I will introduce you to my personal Stoic reading favorites — the books that have had the biggest impact on my own journey towards greater practice and understanding of this timeless philosophy.

So if you’re ready to take your first steps on the path of Stoicism, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready to discover some of the most transformative books on the Stoic shelf!

My list is categorized to go along with my I Am a Stoic in Practice framework, check it out to learn how to build your own Stoic “curriculum” and get the most out of your reading.

Introduction

These books make the complex concepts of Stoicism accessible and easy to digest. Any of these books will set you on the right path. That being said, Donald Robertson’s Stoicism and the Art of Happiness is probably the best one-stop-shop, it is the ultimate guide to understanding Stoicism, from its history to its practical applications in daily life. Trust me, if you only read one book on this list (excluding the works from the Stoic philosophers themselves), make it this one.

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1. Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald Robertson
2. How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci
3. A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine
4. Stoicism: A Very Short Introduction by Brad Inwood
5. Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars

Academic

If you’re up for more of a challenge, there are a variety of books that offer a deeper dive into the philosophy’s history, theoretical underpinnings, and practical applications. While these books may be more dense and challenging to read, they provide a comprehensive understanding of Stoicism and its impact on other works.

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1. A New Stoicism by Lawrence C. Becker
2. Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holliday and Stephen Hanselman
3. The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics edited by Brad Inwood
4. Stoicism by John Sellars
5. Lives of Eminent Philosophers Volume II by Diogenes Laertius (translated by Hicks)
6. The Art of Living: The Stoics on the Nature And Function of Philosophy by John Sellars

Stoic Texts

Are you curious to learn about Stoicism straight from the source? The OG Stoic philosophers have left behind a wealth of knowledge in their writings, providing insight into the core tenets of this ancient philosophy. From the discipline and wisdom of Epictetus’ lectures to the moral insights of Marcus Aurelius’ personal journal, the works of the Stoic philosophers are as relevant today as they were in ancient times.

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1. Discourses, Fragments, Handbook by Epictetus (translated by Robin Hard, introduction by Christopher Gill)
2. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (translated by Gregory Hays)
3. Letters In Ethics by Seneca
4. That One Should Disdain Hardships by Musonius Rufus
5. Anger, Mercy, Revenge by Seneca
6. On Duties by Cicero
7. The Stoic Reader: Selected Writings and Testimonia translated by Brad Inwood and Lloyd Gerson

Practical

These books provide practical guidance for living according to Stoic philosophy, offering insights on cultivating self-awareness, maintaining equanimity, and leading a more fulfilling life. Ryan Holiday’s work has been a significant influence on modern practical Stoicism, and I recommend all of his books. It’s worth noting that the practical applications of Stoicism can extend beyond the individual to organizations, communities, and social networks. Here are some of my favorite books on the practical application of Stoicism.

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1. The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday
2. Stillness Is The Key by Ryan Holiday
3. Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worht Living In by Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos
4. Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday
5. How To Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson
6. The Stoic Guide to a Happy Life by Massimo Pigliucci
7. The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual by Ward Farnsworth
8. Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday

Daily Reads

I enjoy diving deep into Stoic philosophy, but I also like to balance it out with some lighter daily inspiration. That’s where these daily read books come in handy. They offer short, yet profound, meditations and quotes that I can mull over throughout the day. A great reminder to stay grounded and focused on what really matters.

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1. The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
2. A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy
3. The Daily Laws by Robert Greene
4. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Stoic-Adjacent

While there are plenty of books focused on Stoicism, sometimes you need a break. That’s where these books come in — offering valuable insights and perspectives on topics with Stoic undertones. Whether you’re exploring other philosophical schools, delving into psychology, examining leadership, or seeking inspiration through fiction, these books provide a valuable complement to a Stoic reading list.

Other Philosophies

• On Liberty, the Subjection of Women, and Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill
• Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
• The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
• How To Live: Or a Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell

Psychology/Neuroscience

• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
• Yes to Life by Viktor Frankl
• The Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy by Donald Robertson
• The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
• Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett
• The Mister Rogers Effect by Dr. Anita Knight Kuhnley

American Presidents

• First Principles by Thomas Ricks
• Lincoln’s Virtues by William Lee Miller

Leadership

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• The Joy of Leadership by Tal Ben-Shahar and Angus Ridgway
• Turn the Ship Around by L. David Marquet

Greco-Roman Books

• The Greek Way by Edith Hamilton
• The Roman Way by Edith Hamilton
• The Quest for Character by Massimo Pigliucci

Fiction/Memoir

• Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
• East of Eden by John Steinbeck
• Momo by Micael Ende
• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Again, to get the most out of your reading take a look at my I Am a Stoic in Practice framework.

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