Amazon Affiliate
This page provides an overview of books discussed or recommended in the podcast. Please, note that all links are so-called affiliate links/advertising links. If you buy a book from Amazon using one of the links on this page, I, Guido Bellberg, will receive a commission from Amazon. Important: This does not change the price of the book for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying sales.
Please note that this website is purely for advertising and not an online shop. You cannot conclude any sales contracts for the items shown on this page and you cannot take advantage of any personal advice on this. This page will take you to the relevant sellers or their online shops. You can only conclude sales contracts in the respective online shop with the respective seller.
My aim is to make it easy for you to check out all the books on Stoicism and other topics discussed in the podcast. Please, note that all links are so-called affiliate links/advertising links because I take part in Amazon’s affiliate program. If you buy a book from Amazon via one of the links on this page, I, Guido Bellberg, will receive a commission from Amazon. Important: This does not change the price of the book for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying sales.
Read on and keep stoic!
Books on Stoicism
If you happen to speak German, why not check out my own book. It offers, I truly believe or else I wouldn’t have written it, a solid introduction into stoic history, techniques, and thinking. I hope there will be an English edition very soon …
My own book (in German)
Bellberg, Guido: Der Wilde Stoiker: Moderner Stoizismus für ein gutes Leben. Alle wichtigen Antworten und Übungen.
Epictetus
The Stoic Epictetus, former slave, then advisor to the powerful in Rome and finally one of the most influential Stoic teachers of all, has left us two short works, but they have a lot to offer. I am quoting from this English Stoicism book that contains both works: Discourses and selected writings:
Epictetus. Discourses and selected writings.
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations, the very popular “new” translation into English:
Meditations: A New Translation Paperback, Gregory Hays
A very cheap Amazon basic edition, ideal for making notes inside the book (which is what I do): Meditations (AmazonClassics Edition)
Seneca
One of the best-known Stoics is certainly Lucius Annaeus Seneca, also known as “Seneca the Younger”. I am quoting from these Stoicism books:
A very nice edition: Letters from a Stoic: The Ancient Classic (Capstone Classics)
A cheaper alternative: Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic (Dover Thrift Editions: Philosophy)
A nice Penguin edition: Letters from a Stoic (A Penguin Classics Hardcover)
Anger, Mercy, Revenge (The Complete Works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca)
Or this alternative: Hardship and Happiness (The Complete Works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca)
This seems to be a nice collection, but I haven’t read it and it will set you back a bit: The Complete Works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca (7 books)
Tim Ferriss offers a nice collection as three PDFs for free on this website
Musonius Rufus
The fourth big Roman Stoic who deserves a mention: Musonius Rufus by Cynthia King with a preface by William B. Irvine
Another collection in English: That One Should Disdain Hardships: The Teachings of a Roman Stoic, Cora E. Lutz
Derren Brown
Derren Brown – Enfant terrible, Brit, mentalist, TV-host, painter, Las Vegas star and maybe one of my favourite fellow stoics. His book “Happy” is an excellent introduction into stoic thinking: Happy: Why More or Less Everything Is Fine
Viktor Frankl
Not really a stoic book but a stoic book by the doctor who survived the concentration camp of the Nazis.
Inspiring and a true must-read: Man’s Search for Meaning
Another classic with excellent ratings: Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything
And, finally: Recollections: An Autobiography
Ryan Holiday
The most famous of the modern american Stoics.
Three books in one package: The way, the enemy, and the key
Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius
Donald Robertson
A famous expert and a true stoic mind
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness: Practical Wisdom for Everyday Life
Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Massimo Pigliucci
One of the leading stoci minds.
A Field Guide to a Happy Life: 53 Brief Lessons for Living
A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control―52 Week-by-Week Lessons
How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy
William B. Irvine
Another famous stoic teacher, and rightfully so.
A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher’s Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient
Pierre Hadot
True and valueable stoic inspirations
The Inner Citadel: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
The Selected Writings of Pierre Hadot: Philosophy as Practice