21 (Stoic) Quotes That Will Change You Into A Better Person

The Black Swan is a landmark book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that investigates the phenomenon of highly improbable events with massive impacts. These events, termed Black Swans, are unpredictable, have a significant impact, and are rationalized after the fact to appear less random. Taleb argues that humans are hardwired to focus on specifics rather than generalities, leading to a failure to consider what we don’t know. The book delves into cognitive biases, the limitations of mathematical models, and the importance of robustness and antifragility in navigating a world filled with uncertainty. The second edition includes a new essay, 'On Robustness and Fragility,' offering tools to navigate and exploit a Black Swan world.

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.

This book provides an unprecedented look into the life and investment philosophy of Warren Buffett. Written by Alice Schroeder, who gained unparalleled access to Buffett and his inner circle, it delves into the complexities and paradoxes of Buffett's life. The book covers his work, opinions, struggles, and triumphs, and highlights key principles such as intrinsic value, margin of safety, and long-term perspective. Buffett’s legacy is not just his wealth, but the principles and ideas that have enriched people’s lives.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a classic and influential work that covers various periods of Franklin's life. It is divided into four parts, written at different times, and includes his childhood, apprenticeship to his brother James, his early methodical plans for 'arriving at moral perfection,' his experiments with electricity, and his political career. The autobiography provides an intimate and honest account of Franklin's life, reflecting his determination, work ethic, and practical wisdom. Despite its tortuous publication history, it remains one of the most famous autobiographies ever written.

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements.

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.

In 'Antifragile', Nassim Nicholas Taleb delves into the concept of antifragility, arguing that some systems not only withstand stress and disorder but actually benefit from them. The book builds on ideas from his previous works, such as 'Fooled by Randomness' and 'The Black Swan', and is part of his five-volume philosophical treatise on uncertainty, 'Incerto'. Taleb provides examples from various fields, including science, economics, and history, to illustrate how antifragility can be achieved and how it contrasts with fragility and robustness. He also discusses strategies like the barbell strategy and optionality, and critiques modern society's attempts to eliminate volatility, which he believes are harmful. The book is praised for its revolutionary ideas and multidisciplinary approach, though it has also received criticism for its style and some of the author's views on mental health and other topics.

In 'Fooled by Randomness', Nassim Nicholas Taleb discusses the pervasive influence of chance and randomness in our lives and financial markets. The book argues that humans tend to underestimate the role of luck and overestimate the role of skill, leading to biases such as hindsight bias, survivorship bias, and the narrative fallacy. Taleb emphasizes the importance of recognizing and coping with uncertainty, and he critiques the tendency to seek deterministic explanations for random events. The book is part of Taleb's Incerto series, which also includes 'The Black Swan', 'The Bed of Procrustes', 'Antifragile', and 'Skin in the Game'.

This book is a contemporary companion to Sun-tzu's 'The Art of War'. It synthesizes strategies from various political, philosophical, and religious texts across world civilizations and thousands of years of conflict. Each chapter outlines an approach to help readers win their life's wars, using illustrative examples from history, such as Lyndon Johnson, Julius Caesar, and Margaret Thatcher. The book provides psychological ammunition to overcome patterns of failure and gain the upper hand in various situations.

In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life. Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.

Montaigne's *Essays* are a seminal work that introduced the essay as a literary form. The book is a personal and introspective exploration of various subjects, including the human condition, skepticism, and the importance of concrete experience over abstract learning. Montaigne's skepticism is reflected in the title *Essais*, meaning 'Attempts' or 'Tests', indicating a project of trial and error and tentative exploration. The essays cover topics such as the education of children, the role of the body, illness, aging, and death. Montaigne's writing style is characterized by multiple digressions, anecdotes from ancient and contemporary sources, and quotations that reinforce his critical analysis of reality.

The Little House on the Prairie series consists of nine novels that follow the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder from her childhood in the Big Woods of Wisconsin to her adulthood in the Dakota Territory. The books chronicle the Ingalls family's experiences, including their moves to various parts of the American frontier, their struggles with disease and natural disasters, and their daily life as pioneers. The series includes titles such as 'Little House in the Big Woods,' 'Little House on the Prairie,' 'On the Banks of Plum Creek,' 'By the Shores of Silver Lake,' 'The Long Winter,' 'Little Town on the Prairie,' 'These Happy Golden Years,' and 'Farmer Boy,' which is about Almanzo Wilder, Laura's future husband.

In 'Conspiracy', Ryan Holiday chronicles the intricate and ambitious plot by Peter Thiel to take down Gawker Media. The book is based on interviews with key players and delves into the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of Thiel's actions. It examines the intersection of power, privacy, and free speech in the digital age, highlighting the ruthless and brilliant tactics employed by Thiel. The narrative transcends a simple tale of a billionaire vs. a media empire, offering insights into the broader implications for culture and society.

Heraclitus's "Fragments" are the surviving remnants of his writings, offering glimpses into his philosophical ideas. His work emphasizes the concept of constant change and flux, famously stating that "everything flows. " Heraclitus's philosophy explores the unity of opposites and the importance of understanding the underlying principles governing the universe. His fragments are often cryptic and require careful interpretation, but they have had a profound influence on Western thought. The "Fragments" remain a significant source for understanding pre-Socratic philosophy.

Seneca's "Maxims and Reflections" offers a collection of concise and insightful observations on various aspects of life, reflecting the core principles of Stoicism. The maxims provide practical guidance on managing emotions, dealing with adversity, and living a virtuous life. Seneca's writing style is characterized by its clarity, brevity, and profound wisdom. The reflections offer personal insights into his own experiences and struggles, making the text relatable and engaging. The book serves as a valuable guide for anyone seeking to cultivate inner peace and resilience.

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice.

In this work, Ortega y Gasset traces the genesis of the 'mass-man' and analyzes his constitution, describing the rise to power and action of the masses in society. He criticizes the masses and the mass-men, contrasting 'noble life and common life' and highlighting the barbarism and primitivism he sees in the mass-man. The book does not refer to specific social classes but targets the bourgeois educated man who believes he has all the answers and extends his command over others, contemptuous of his ignorance in many areas. Ortega argues that the advances of civilization have led to the accession of the masses, which threatens the future of civilization.

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.

Horace's Satires, also known as Saturae or Sermones, are a collection of satirical poems written in Latin dactylic hexameters. The work is divided into two books, published around 35 BC and 30 BC, respectively. The satires focus on human behaviors such as greed, lust, and the pursuit of power, advocating for a life of individual happiness and virtue. Horace's style, known as Horatian satire, is characterized by its gentle and amused critique rather than harsh condemnation. The poems are influenced by Greek diatribe and the works of Lucilius, another Roman satirist. They offer philosophical advice on how to live and what vices to avoid, often using humorous anecdotes and dialogues to make their points.

Epicurus's "Letter to Menoeceus" is a concise and accessible introduction to Epicurean philosophy. Written as a letter to a young man, it outlines the core tenets of Epicureanism, focusing on pleasure as the ultimate good and the pursuit of a tranquil life. Epicurus emphasizes the importance of friendship, moderation, and freedom from fear and pain. The letter provides a clear and practical guide to living a happy and fulfilling life. It remains a significant text in the history of philosophy and continues to resonate with readers seeking wisdom and guidance.

This book gathers the best of Cheryl Strayed's 'Dear Sugar' advice columns, initially published on The Rumpus. Strayed, writing under the pseudonym Sugar, provides deeply personal and frank responses to queries on various subjects such as professional jealousy, relationship issues, and coping with loss. The book is rich with humor, insight, and compassion, making it a balm for the challenges of life. It includes never-before-published columns and a new introduction by Steve Almond. Strayed's advice is grounded in her own personal experiences, offering a unique blend of memoir and advice that resonates deeply with readers.

De Officiis is a treatise by Marcus Tullius Cicero, divided into three books, which explores the concepts of honor, utility, and the conflict between virtue and private gain. It is heavily influenced by Stoic philosophy and provides guidance on how to live a virtuous life. The work discusses the four cardinal virtues—wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance—and their role in achieving moral excellence.

Napoleon's Maxims of War is a timeless classic that provides profound insights into the mind of one of history's greatest military leaders. The book contains seventy-eight maxims that discuss principles of sound command and maximizing the effectiveness of an army. It remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in military history or contemporary warfare, offering lessons on leadership, morale, discipline, and planning.