How to Be a Stoic

A good case for the enduring relevance of 2,000-year-old precepts

TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

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, bestselling author of The Obstacle is the Way and The Daily Stoic

Excellent

Oliver Burkeman, The Guardian

As its title suggests, How to Be a Stoic is a how-to book, but one of a very high order. Yes, Massimo Pigliucci gives his readers advice on how to live a happy and meaningful life. He is careful, though, to put a secure foundation under that advice by explaining who the ancient Stoics were and how they arrived at the conclusions they did. Do you want to avoid wasting the one life you have to live? Read this book!

WILLIAM B. IRVINE, author of A Guide to the Good Life

How to Be a Stoic proves many things: that the ancient school of Stoicism is superbly relevant to our times; that profound wisdom can be delivered in lively, breezy prose; and that Massimo Pigliucci is uniquely gifted at translating philosophy into terms helpful for alleviating and elevating the lives of many

REBECCA NEWBERGER GOLDSTEIN, author of Plato at the Googleplex

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