The Daily Stoic Who Possesses You? | 12 Must-Read Stoic Books To Get You Started
Discover how maintaining personal agency can empower you amidst life's injustices. Learn about the emotional discipline taught by Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Viktor Frankl, highlighting resilience through adversity. Explore the compassionate wisdom of Seneca on grief and the importance of accessible philosophical resources. Dive into the teachings of great Stoics such as Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, uncovering lessons in confronting hardships and personal growth. This journey showcases the transformative power of Stoicism.
20:32
Self-Control over Retaliation
- Bill Russell's father, facing racist abuse, almost reacted violently but stopped himself.
- He later explained that maintaining self-control was crucial, despite the injustice.
Stoics and Self-Mastery
- Stoic philosophers like Epictetus, Musonius Rufus, and Seneca also faced hardship and injustice.
- Despite this, they prioritized self-control, recognizing true power lies in mastering oneself.
Maintain Self-Control
- Retain self-possession, no matter the external provocation.
- Practice emotional discipline and resist impulsive reactions to maintain inner peace.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Mastering Emotion Through Stoicism
02:01 • 8min
The Emotional Resilience of Stoicism: Seneca's Wisdom on Grief
09:40 • 4min
Lessons in Resilience from Stoic Philosophy
13:25 • 5min
Embracing Stoicism for Personal Growth
18:53 • 4min
Lives of the Stoics
The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius
Ryan Holiday
Stephen Hanselman
This book presents the fascinating lives of twenty-six ancient Stoics, from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius, organized in digestible mini-biographies.
It vividly brings to life the stories of key Stoic philosophers, such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Cicero, and demonstrates how their philosophies shaped their actions and legacies.
The authors intertwine historical context with philosophical insights, making the book both educational and entertaining.
It shows how Stoic principles can be applied to modern life, emphasizing virtues like Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom.
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Donald Robertson
In this book, Donald J. Robertson combines the life of Marcus Aurelius with insights from modern psychology and the enduring wisdom of Stoic philosophy.
The book follows Marcus Aurelius' journey from a young noble to his reign as emperor of Rome, highlighting how he used philosophical doctrines and therapeutic practices to build emotional resilience and endure adversity.
Robertson guides readers on how to apply these same methods to their own lives, making Stoicism accessible and relevant in a modern context.
The inner citadel
Pierre Hadot
On the Shortness of Life
Seneca
In this essay, Seneca addresses the common complaint that life is too short by arguing that life is sufficiently long if one uses it wisely.
He contends that people waste much of their time in luxury, carelessness, and pointless activities.
Seneca emphasizes the importance of living in the present, pursuing philosophical wisdom, and avoiding the distractions that make life seem short.
He advises readers to organize each day as if it were their last and to avoid procrastination and the preoccupation with future or past concerns.
The Daily Stoic
366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
Ryan Holiday
Stephen Hanselman
This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers.
Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life.
The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism.
That One Should Disdain Hardships
Gretchen Reydams-Schils
Musonius Rufus
Cora E. Lutz
This book compiles the teachings of Musonius Rufus, a prominent Roman Stoic philosopher.
His speeches offer practical advice on living a virtuous life, emphasizing self-control, resilience, and the importance of inner peace.
Rufus's teachings provide a valuable perspective on Stoic philosophy, highlighting its relevance to everyday life.
The book is a testament to the enduring power of Stoicism and its ability to guide individuals toward a more fulfilling existence.
It offers a unique insight into the development of Stoic thought.
The Enchiridion
Epictetus
Tony Darnell
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life.
It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations.
Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living.
Man's Search for Meaning
Viktor Frankl
The book is divided into two parts.
The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945.
He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners.
The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure.
Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering).
The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.
Letters from a Stoic
Seneca
Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic" comprises a collection of personal letters offering practical advice on living a virtuous life according to Stoic principles.
Written to Lucilius, a friend and student, the letters cover a wide range of topics, including dealing with adversity, managing emotions, and finding inner peace.
Seneca's writing style is engaging and relatable, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience.
The letters offer timeless wisdom on self-improvement and ethical living.
They remain a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges.
Courage under Fire
James Stockdale
In 'Courage Under Fire', James B. Stockdale recounts his harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and how the teachings of Epictetus, as outlined in 'The Enchiridion', provided him with the strength to endure torture and isolation.
The book explores the power of Stoic philosophy in the face of extreme adversity.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.
Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature.
Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
We must retain possession of ourselves. We must get a hold of ourselves. No matter what they do to us. No matter how unfair or frustrating life (and bullies) can be.
Books Mentioned:
Letters from a Stoic - Seneca - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
Meditations - Marcus Aurelius - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
Courage Under Fire - James Stockdale - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
Mans Search For Meaning - Viktor Frankl - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
Hardship and Happiness - Seneca - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
Lives of the Stoics - Ryan Holiday - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
The Enchiridion - Epictetus - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
That One Should Disdain Hardships - Musonius Rufus - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
How To Think Like A Roman Emperor - Donald Robertson - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
On The Shortness Of Life - Seneca - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
The Inner Citadel - Pierre Hadot - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
The Daily Stoic - Ryan Holiday - https://www.thepaintedporch.com
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