How to Be a Stoic

Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life

By: Massimo Pigliucci

Narrated by: Peter Coleman

An engaging guide to how Stoicism - the ancient philosophy of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius - can provide lessons for living in the modern world

Whenever we worry about what to eat, how to love, or simply how to be happy, we are worrying about how to lead a good life. No goal is more elusive. In How to Be a Stoic, philosopher Massimo Pigliucci offers Stoicism, the ancient philosophy that inspired the great emperor Marcus Aurelius, as the best way to attain it. Stoicism is a pragmatic philosophy that teaches us to act depending on what is within our control and separate things worth getting upset about from those that are not. By understanding Stoicism, we can learn to answer crucial questions. Should we get married or divorced? How should we bank in a world nearly destroyed by a financial crisis? How can we survive great personal tragedy? Whoever you are, Stoicism has something for you - and How to Be a Stoic is your essential guide.

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

©2017 Massimo Pigliucci (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"This is a lucid, engaging, and persuasive book about what it means to pursue Stoic ideals in the here and now. Massimo Pigliucci's imaginary conversations with Epictetus carry the reader effortlessly along while grounding the discussion firmly in the ancient Stoic tradition-and in his own life experience. The result is a compelling picture of a Stoic way of life that is consistent with contemporary science and philosophy, and is both eminently ethical and down-to-earth practical. It will be inviting to Stoics and non-Stoics alike who are willing to reason together seriously about how (and why) to be a modern Stoic." (Lawrence C. Becker, author of A New Stoicism)

"If you want to learn the ways of Stoicism, and you're living in the 21st century, this should be one of the first books you read. Massimo has written a fine primer for the aspiring Marcus Aurelius." (Donald J. Robertson, author of The Philosophy of CBT and Stoicism and the Art of Happiness)

"In this thought-provoking book, Massimo Pigliucci shares his journey of discovering the power of Stoic practices in a philosophical dialogue with one of Stoicism's greatest teachers." (Ryan Holiday, best-selling author of The Obstacle Is the Way and The Daily Stoic)

Go to the original works instead

It was difficult to glean insights into stoicism through the narration. Clearly mismatched for the content.

Great introduction to Stoicism.

Any additional comments?

A practical and thoughtful book. Recommended for anyone looking to get better acquainted with Stoic philosophy.

very informative & easy to understand

If you're interested in learning about Stoicism, this is a great modern read from an expert

Excellent & Informative

I'm very pleased with the depth of the information and the ease of understanding it.

Title represents the meat of the book

Overall the book is exactly what the title states. It does lack more in depth examples of points made.
Bummed about the statements made about white males, in the context the writer incorporated it.
However, still would highly recommend the book to anyone trying to grasp an understanding of stoicism.

Last chapter

Excelent book. Id have loved to hear more book suggestions about stoicism from the author. Didn’t love narrator

Wonderful!

What a fantastic insight into the authors interpretation of stoicism and practice! Written in a way that is easy to understand and apply to ones life. The narration is very well done and pleasing to listen to.

Great insight into Stoicism

I had been introduced to Stoicism by a reading of Marcus Aurelias’ Meditations. This book was on the recommended list following that one, so I decided to give it a listen.

The author does a good job explaining the concept of Stoicism from the view point of Epictetus, framing his writing as a back and forth conversation with the greek philosopher. I found the explanations and insights very helpful in my Stoic journey. The inclusion of thoughts from the mystic to the pure rational and everything in between made for some good mind exercises.

The reader of this book presented it well and did the content justice. I will likely listen to this multiple times to continue my journey.

Great Book

This is a great option for all of us who want to learn, and the implement, stoicism into our lives. Good luck with all of your endeavors.

A Great Book that is insightful!

This is one of the first books I have read regarding Stoic thoughts. A great book with real life examples of how to become a Stoic.