Think like a Stoic

Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World

By: Massimo Pigliucci, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Massimo Pigliucci

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Distilled to its essence, the ancient Greco-Roman philosophy known as Stoicism is a philosophy of personal betterment. Professor Pigliucci, who knows firsthand just how transformative a Stoic approach to life can be, has designed these 25 lessons as an enlightening introduction to the basics of Stoic philosophy and ways to incorporate its lessons into your own life.

For example, the Stoic understanding of ethics was far broader than the study of right and wrong, encompassing questions concerning one’s goals and one’s relationship to other people. Also, the Stoics felt that logic was another requirement of a well-lived life, because good thinking helps protect us from living according to nonsensical notions.

Throughout the course, you’ll investigate what these great philosophers’ words and deeds can teach us about living life in the 21st century. What does Seneca tell us about managing our time in the best way possible? Why did Epictetus suggest to debate patiently with disagreeable people? Can Marcus Aurelius’ philosophy of being mindful of the labels we give ourselves help make the world a better place?

This course includes plenty of exercises you can use to retrain your mind to take on a more Stoic view of your life and the world around you. Yes, you’ll come away with an incredible wealth of knowledge about the history and principles of one of the most enduring philosophies of life - but you’ll also be on your way to a more meaningful life for yourself.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 The Great Courses (P)2021 The Teaching Company, LLC

I learned a lot

I have read a lot about stoic philosophy but this really brought things together and showed the unified whole. If you are interested in the stoic philosophy to live a better life I recomend these lectures without hesitation.

Great course

This a great introductory course to stoicism. Prof. Pigliucci is a great teacher and a stoic practitioner . It is not the same to read book on stoicism than to follow a course designed to apply this way of life

Brilliant, practical and thought provoking

I absolutely love “The Great Courses” and purchased this during the summer sale. This particular course is well thought out and one you can listen to multiple times. Professor Pigliucci does a fantastic job explaining Stoicism and offers sound examples on how to think like a stoic. His narration and accent gave the audio a certain charm that actually made it more enjoyable to listen to and follow along. Highly recommended!

Very helpful with daily life and obstacles.

Stoicism has helped me with my daily life, great Audio book with the PDF combination to put this into practice.

Well worth your time

This is very instructional on stoicism. I enjoyed and even started to understand the professor T 1.5 times speed.
The only drawback was the time he spent talking about the rich. But that was minor. I would have liked to talk to him about that.

Loads of insight into living more intentionally

The ancient stoic philosophy is unpacked in detail here by a practicing stoic professor. Differentiating between what is in your control and what is not to dealing with anger and living virtues life. Definitely recommend this.

Good Book

I was unsure going into it, but I am glad I got the book. It does a good job of explaining the principles/theory as well as some practical application.

I struggled with the narration but 5 star story

The story was fantastic but the narrator’s heavy accent made it a struggle to get through it. Excellent story though. I highly recommend.

Excellent lecture

Excellent lecture, however, I had difficulty understanding the speaker at some points during his presentation … on the plus side, I’m very much now interested in the topic… for that I’m grateful

Think like a stoic

Professor Pigliucci took me on a wonderful insightful journey of stoicism … To be listened to again and again.