The best modern books about Stoicism (even if they don't appear to be at first glance)

Jonas Salzgeber Author Of The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness
By Jonas Salzgeber

Who am I?

Jonas Salzgeber is the bestselling author of The Little Book of Stoicism. His interest in the mystery of life has sculped him into a mindful reader & learner for almost a decade now. Together with his brother Nils they write at NJlifehacks.com and share what they find most valuable.

I wrote...

The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness

By Jonas Salzgeber

Book cover of The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness

What is my book about?

Where can you find joy? Gain strength? How should we face our fears? Deal with the death of a loved one? And what about those reoccurring depressing thoughts? While traditional schooling doesn't address such questions, it's exactly what ancient schools of philosophy were all about: They taught you how to live. Even though these schools don't exist anymore, you and I and most people are in as much need of a philosophy that guides us through life as we ever were. This compelling, highly actionable guide shows you how to deal more effectively with whatever life throws at you and live up to your best self.

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The Books I Picked & Why

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius

By Donald Robertson

Book cover of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius

Why this book?

This is an engaging introduction to one of history’s greatest figures: Marcus Aurelius. The author Donald Robertson effectively combines Stoic philosophy with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – modern research sewed into ancient philosophy. Fantastic! In this inspiring book you learn how to live by your values and how to deal with negative emotions such as anger, fear, or desire.

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More Than Happiness: Buddhist and Stoic Wisdom for a Sceptical Age

By Antonia Macaro

Book cover of More Than Happiness: Buddhist and Stoic Wisdom for a Sceptical Age

Why this book?

This informative book looks at the similarities and differences between Buddhism and Stoicism. It provides a philosophical framework for those practicing mindfulness and interested in dealing more effectively with life’s challenges. Antonia Macaro has packed this book with wisdom and actionable steps to put it into practice right now. This lesser known book has definitely not yet received the attention it deserves.

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Man’s Search For Meaning

By Viktor Frankl

Book cover of Man’s Search For Meaning

Why this book?

This fascinating book is written by psychotherapist Viktor Frankl, who was a long-time prisoner in bestial concentration camps during the Second World War. The book details some of his personal experiences and how they led to his discovery of logotherapy. Frankl writes about the ‘last of human freedoms’ – the ability to choose one’s attitude in any given situation. This ultimate human freedom was already recognized by the ancient Stoics, and Frankl applied it in exemplary manner in several death camps…

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A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy

By William B Irvine

Book cover of A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy

Why this book?

Do you want to live a good life? Well, this book tries to help you get there. William Irvine thoroughly explains the ancient philosophy of Stoicism in simple terms. What is this philosophy all about? What are its core elements? How can you put it into practice? It’s all there, with a pinch of humor.

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Everything Is Figureoutable

By Marie Forleo

Book cover of Everything Is Figureoutable

Why this book?

This isn't the obvious book anyone would recommend when it comes to Stoicism. But if you already know the basics of Stoicism, this will be a good addition as it's applied wisdom. Marie's book is immensely practical and fun to read. And it will offer you the invaluable mindset that everything is figureoutable. 

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