What Is Stoicism?

A Brief and Accessible Overview

De: Tanner Campbell, Kai Whiting

Narrado por: Tanner Campbell

An easy, jargon-free introduction to stoicism that covers the full range of stoic thought in a single compact volume

Divided into short chapters that can be listened to in brief sittings, What Is Stoicism? compiles two millennia of Stoic thought into simple conversational prose. This whistle-stop tour of Stoicism covers a surprising number of core topics:

• the three pillars of Stoic philosophy: logic, physics, and ethics

• the ultimate goal of Stoicism: virtue

• the Stoic concept of circles of concern: our individual obligations to our family, community, and world

• the Stoic ideal of living in accordance with nature

Listeners will come to appreciate the vitality of Stoicism and realize how the wisdom of the past can meet the challenges of the present and the future.

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

©2024 Tanner Campbell and Kai Whiting (P)2024 New World Library

Reseñas de la Crítica

“This clear and concise introduction to key concepts in Stoicism is thoughtful and engaging. It uses texts mostly from Epictetus as each chapter’s starting point, and insightful discussions of well-chosen examples illustrate how Stoics discern the nuances of various practical situations to find a path to a worthwhile life. The authors succeed in making Stoic thinking appeal to a wide audience.”—William O. Stephens, professor emeritus of philosophy at Creighton University and author of Marcus Aurelius: A Guide for the Perplexed and Stoic Ethics: Epictetus and Happiness as Freedom

“An original work of clear and concise explanations of the ‘what’ of Stoic philosophy that also addresses why the Stoics believe what they do. Tanner Campbell and Kai Whiting bring to life both fundamental and more advanced ideas of Stoicism in a readable and relatable style, seamlessly integrating discussions of the Stoic God and universe with lively reflections on what our day-to-day affairs and social lives mean for the Stoics. A book that is as valuable an introduction to Stoic philosophy as it is a refresher.”—Dr. Will Johncock, author of Beyond the Individual: Stoic Philosophy on Community and Connection

“What Is Stoicism? is an excellent introduction and overview of Stoicism, perfect for newcomers as well as those who want a clear and foundational understanding of this thought-provoking philosophy. It’s easy to read, accessible, and engaging while not dumbing down the critical and often misrepresented aspects of Stoicism. Best of all, Tanner Campbell and Kai Whiting apply these important lessons to everyday life, which helps illustrate both the essential concepts and their modern applicability.”—Anya Leonard, founder and director of Classical Wisdom and author of Sappho: The Lost Poetess

It is a solid pick for anyone interested in Stoicism

I recently listened to What is Stoicism? A Brief and Accessible Overview by Tanner Campbell and Kai Whiting, and I have to say, it delivered on its promise. I’ve explored Stoicism before—books by folks like Ryan Holiday and Massimo Pigliucci—so I wasn’t coming in completely new. Even so, this audiobook reinforced and clarified a lot of my existing understanding without feeling repetitive or too basic.

What I enjoyed most was the narrator’s style. A straightforward, engaging tone makes the philosophy feel approachable rather than intimidating. I’ve listened to some heavier, more academic takes on Stoicism, and this one was refreshingly direct. They give you the core concepts—virtue, wisdom, tranquility—and show how those ideas can fit right into day-to-day life. It never felt like a lecture; it was more like a conversation that hit the essential points without getting bogged down.

The whole book is shorter, which I appreciate. Sometimes, with philosophy, you can get lost in dense details or historical tangents. Here, it’s more of a concise overview—perfect for someone who wants the essentials and practical examples. If you’re looking for an in-depth deep dive, you might want something longer, but the brevity kept it engaging and digestible for me.

Overall, this audiobook is a solid pick for anyone interested in Stoicism, whether you’re new to the philosophy or just looking to refresh what you already know. It’s straightforward to follow, and the narration makes it enjoyable. If you’re curious about Stoicism or want to brush up on the basics, What is Stoicism? A Brief and Accessible Overview is worth checking out.