Stoic Reading

I was first introduced to Stoicism in 2011 when completing a Masters Degree in Leicester. Stuck in the library where I worked part time amid essays and dissertation, I stumbled upon Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It was lonesome at the library basement, but the small book kept me company. It is not so much a book meant for publication as a personal journal written by the greatest Roman emperor, as he led the empire to glory.

Stoicism was founded long before in Greece by Zeno who liked to held discussion about the philosophy under a porch (or a stoa in Greek—that’s how the name Stoic emerged). His teaching was survived by Seneca, the slave Epictetus, and ultimately Emperor Aurelius in Rome. Contrary to the popular opinion, the Stoics are not defeatist, or worse, nihilist people. They rather encourage a practical philosophy, the core teaching of which centers around acceptance and self-control, i.e. knowing what’s in your power and what’s not and act accordingly (sounds easy, but it’s not). Stoicism also promotes resilience and wisdom that are probably still relevant in the modern age due to its open nature.

In How to be a Stoic, Massimo Pigliuci elaborates this idea further, particulary the ones developed by Epictetus. I think it can be a good introduction to those who want to know more about basic teachings of Stoicism. The chapters are crisp and succinct, drawing from past experiences and reflections — with examples the readers might relate. I enjoy reading it and it makes me want to explore more. Watch this introductory video for starter: