Every day comes with its set of challenges. From getting stepped on in the subway to having someone cut in line after waiting all day, we all face frustrating moments now and then. And as time goes on, you get tired of reacting negatively to these events. So, how then do you handle such scenarios?
Rather than respond to all annoying situations with a raging tantrum, it’s possible to remain calm. Instead of throwing a fit when someone cuts in front of you, you could decide to handle it in a cool manner. So, how do you do that? It’s time we talked about the philosophy of stoicism.
What does it mean to be a stoic? The simple definition of a stoic is one who handles all pain and hardship without showing emotions. To be a stoic also means to be one who strives to live life the right way. By embracing the stoic virtues, the aim is to live a life in eudaimonia, which roughly translates to happiness and well-being.
So, how do you achieve stoicism? Here are 10 books to get started with.
Letters From A Stoic
To begin our list of books for Stoic is a compilation of the many letters written by Seneca. Seneca, if you didn’t already know, was the guiding light for the Roman Empire at some point in its history. This book tells us the various ethical ideals and values Seneca upheld.
In it, we learn the essence of stoic wisdom and how it helps to control our emotions when faced with setbacks. At the same time, readers can grasp the true meaning of friendship and the courage it gives to mere men.
Meditations
Next is a book that has inspired many to adopt the practicality of stoicism, including Ryan Holiday, Bill Clinton, and Anna Kendrick. In this book are the various meditations of Marcus Aurelius, translated by a Roman emperor to bring spiritual reflections and exercises to our knowledge.
These reflections and exercises were born out of struggles and setbacks, giving the readers a better understanding of how we can transform despair into conviction. Readers can also learn about the rationality of life and the important virtues required to live a good life.
Discourses and Selected Writings
Also known as Discourses and Selected Writings of Epictetus. Epictetus was a great Stoic philosopher of his day and eventually became an influential figure in modern-day stoicism. In this text, we discover the lectures and knowledge he imparted to many.
What makes these selected writings even more inspirational is that they were born from a man born into slavery. Regardless, Epictetus grew up to become one of his time’s greatest and most influential thinkers.
The Daily Stoic
by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
We all know that the wisdom of stoicism never withers. It’sIt’s a timeless philosophy that influences all to live a better life. And that’s why many influential figures have embraced the wisdom of stoicism into their way of life. From George Washington to your company’s CEO to the heads of departments in your school, all have embraced stoicism.
The Daily Stoic gives readers different insights, exercises, teachings, and practices from various Stoic philosophers. From Seneca to Marcus Aurelius to Epictetus, learn every day of the year the true meaning of stoicism and its essence to our way of life.
Guide to the Good Life
In his text, William B. Irvine takes us through the meaning and application of Stoic wisdom across all spheres of life. Also, discover how this philosophy became one of the most influential and practical schools of thought known to man.
Despite being an ancient philosophy, William B. Irvine shows us how stoicism can guide us on the right path to a better life.
The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
by Ryan Holiday
The title alone offers a clear image of what this text provides. For readers looking to discover and apply Stoic wisdom, here there’s an excellent book for you.
Find out how the most influential figures have embraced stoicism. Discover how stoicism applies to all aspects of life and understand why this philosophy is as celebrated as it is. Also, author Ryan Holiday explains how to turn a frustrating and demoralizing situation into an opportunity for growth and success.
How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life
by Massimo Pigliucci
Stoic philosopher Massimo Pigliucci explains how stoicism is the best approach to seeking a good life. Through his book, he shows readers how to focus on what’s possible and sort the important from the unnecessary.
Life poses crucial questions and options, and through How To Be A Stoic, we can all learn how to answer correctly and make the right choices.
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Another text centered on the life and teachings of Marcus Aurelius. As stated earlier, Marcus Aurelius is one of history’shistory’s greatest thinkers and gave us many teachings of stoic wisdom in his setbacks and despair.
In this text, Donald Robertson takes the life and teachings of Marcus Aurelius and converts them to a series of modern-day guides to the application of stoic wisdom. Through stoic wisdom, readers can find the answers to handling different emotional and psychological challenges.
Ego Is the Enemy
by Ryan Holiday
Through his book, Ryan Holiday teaches us how ego impedes all areas of our livelihood. For instance, at the onset of any practice, ego blocks the willingness to learn and adapt. In the long run, the ego becomes the stumbling block to nurturing talent.
Indeed our ego is our enemy, and through this text, readers can learn the many tools they need to combat ego and accomplish their goals.
The Practicing Stoic
by Ward Farnsworth
Our final book on this list is one from the great mind of Ward Farnsworth. Here, he offers insight into stoic philosophy from different sources and timelines. In other words, The Practice Stoic is a hub for all the ancient sources of stoic wisdom translated into a modern set of clear and concise lessons.
Conclusion
Stoicism is beyond living life without complaints. It’s also about striving to live a good life. And to achieve the good life, we need to educate ourselves on ancient stoic philosophers’ various teachings and practices.
Head on to BookScouter to start your stoic journey and discover the books that guide you as you aim to live a good life.
