Why am I passionate about this?

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?

A smoothly flowing life.
That's basically what Stoic philosphy promises.

Does it work?
Absolutely! (Well, I'm obviously biased 🙃.)
In…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

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

Jonas Salzgeber Why did I love 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.

By Donald Robertson,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked How to Think Like a Roman Emperor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"This book is a wonderful introduction to one of history's greatest figures: Marcus Aurelius. His life and this book are a clear guide for those facing adversity, seeking tranquility and pursuing excellence." --Ryan Holiday, bestselling author of The Obstacle is the Way and The Daily Stoic

The life-changing principles of Stoicism taught through the story of its most famous proponent.

Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives to this day as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think…


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

Jonas Salzgeber Why did I love 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.

By Antonia Macaro,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked More Than Happiness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'This groundbreaking study provides a much-needed philosophical framework for those practising mindfulness as well as a call to recover the pragmatic and therapeutic dimensions of philosophy.' - Stephen Batchelor, author of After Buddhism and Secular Buddhism

Modern readers tend to think of Buddhism as spending time alone meditating, searching for serenity. Stoicism calls to mind repressing our emotions in order to help us soldier on through adversity. But how accurate are our popular understandings of these traditions? And what can we learn from them without either buying in wholeheartedly to their radical ideals or else transmuting them into simple self-improvement…


Book cover of Man’s Search for Meaning

Jonas Salzgeber Why did I love 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…

By Viktor Frankl,

Why should I read it?

46 authors picked Man’s Search for Meaning as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One of the outstanding classics to emerge from the Holocaust, Man's Search for Meaning is Viktor Frankl's story of his struggle for survival in Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration camps. Today, this remarkable tribute to hope offers us an avenue to finding greater meaning and purpose in our own lives.


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

Jonas Salzgeber Why did I love 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.

By William B. Irvine,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked A Guide to the Good Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One of the great fears many of us face is that despite all our effort and striving, we will discover at the end that we have wasted our life. In A Guide to the Good Life, William B. Irvine plumbs the wisdom of Stoic philosophy, one of the most popular and successful schools of thought in ancient Rome, and shows how its insight and advice are still remarkably applicable to modern lives.

In A Guide to the Good Life, Irvine offers a refreshing presentation of Stoicism, showing how this ancient philosophy can still direct us toward a better life. Using…


Book cover of Everything Is Figureoutable

Jonas Salzgeber Why did I love 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. 

By Marie Forleo,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Everything Is Figureoutable as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"This book will change lives."
--Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

From the host of the award-winning MarieTV and The Marie Forleo Podcast, an indispensable handbook for becoming the creative force of your own life.

While most self-help books offer quick fixes, Everything is Figureoutable will retrain your brain to think more creatively and positively in the face of setbacks. In the words of Cheryl Strayed, it's "a must-read for anyone who wants to face their fears, fulfill their dreams, and find a better way forward."

If you're having trouble solving a problem…


Explore my book 😀

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?

A smoothly flowing life.
That's basically what Stoic philosphy promises.

Does it work?
Absolutely! (Well, I'm obviously biased 🙃.)
In my life, it's often helped me truly accept the challenges I was facing, and then focusing on what was in my power to make the best given the circumstances.
For example, when I luxated my knee while playing football (soccer), I screamed, yes, but then I was quickly able to accept and even enjoy the experience. In hospital, I realized how practicing Stoicism has made my attitude toward such "unfortunate" situations surprisingly positive and supportive 🙏.

In a practical sense, Stoicism has to do with conscious behavior. Who are you, really? Do you live accordingly? Do you do what you feel to be right and say what you feel to be true?

The Little Book of Stoicism gives a simple overview of this wonderful philosophy and specifies many practices that we can apply right away.

Btw, a smoothly flowing life will still contain ups & downs, but they will be smoother to handle 😉.

“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?”
– Epictetus, Stoic philosopher

Book cover of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Book cover of More Than Happiness: Buddhist and Stoic Wisdom for a Sceptical Age
Book cover of Man’s Search for Meaning

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,365

readers submitted
so far, will you?

You might also like...

After Me

By J. Shep,

Book cover of After Me

J. Shep Author Of The December Issue

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

J.'s 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

"an intense narrative of family and intangible inheritance. . .this novel unfolds like a fragrant, steeped tea." -Chanticleer Book Reviews, 5 Stars

"like a glorious sunrise, we are gifted the 'après,' the hope and goodness of 'after me.'" -Maria Giuseppa, author of R&R:  A Feast of Words

A man in France receives a package from America containing an autobiographical manuscript relating the events of a summer long ago. 

When Ellande and Madeleine-Grace visit the family summer house on the Alabaster Coast of Normandy for the first time without their parents, they find themselves growing aware of the importance of their…

After Me

By J. Shep,

What is this book about?

A man in France receives a package from America containing an autobiographical manuscript relating the events of a summer long ago.

When Ellande and Madeleine-Grace visit the family summer house on the Alabaster Coast of Normandy for the first time without their parents, they find themselves growing aware of the importance of their parents' choices in raising them. Under the care of their beloved Aunt Adèle, they explore their heritage and what their parents stood for while determining the value of customs and traditions of both family and France's stunning Pays de Caux. In the face of cruelty, carelessness, and…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in self-actualization, stoicism, and the meaning of life?

Self-Actualization 230 books
Stoicism 77 books