Lives of the Stoics

From the bestselling authors of The Daily Stoic comes an inspiring guide to the lives of Stoicism's greatest practitioners

For millennia, Stoicism has been the ancient philosophy that attracts those who seek greatness, from athletes to politicians and everyone in between. And no wonder: its embrace of self-mastery, virtue and indifference to that which we cannot control has much to offer those grappling with today's chaotic world. But who were the Stoics?

In this book, Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman offer a fresh approach to understanding Stoicism through the lives of the people who practiced it - from Cicero to Zeno, Cato to Seneca, Diogenes to Marcus Aurelius. Through short biographies of all the famous, and lesser-known, Stoics, this book will show what it means to live stoically, and reveal the lessons to be learned from their struggles and successes. The result is a treasure trove of insights for anyone in search of living a good life.

Review

Stellar work ... This illuminating collection of biographies makes great use of Stoic wisdom to demonstrate the tradition's values ― Publisher's Weekly

In story after page-turning story, Lives of the Stoics brings ancient philosophers to life. -- David Epstein, bestselling author of Range

A great read, particularly for a tough time -- Gen. Stanley McChrystal, author of 'Team of Teams' and 'Leaders: Myth and Reality'

Wonderful -- Chris Bosh, two-time NBA Champion

There is philosophy for school and philosophy for life. This book is about the lives of men and women who lived their words and shows you how to do the same. -- Thomas Tull, founder of Legendary Entertainment

Whether you're a general or a gardener, a stockbroker or a senator, there is much to learn from Ryan Holiday's excellent Lives of the Stoics.

-- Senator Ben Sasse

At a time when public nobility is hard to come by, this is a good reminder of the power of ethical leadership. ― Kirkus Reviews

Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman have achieved something remarkable with Lives of the Stoics. It's a gift to the many of us today who are searching for inspiration and sense a deep connection with the thought of Zeno, Cato, Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Indispensable to anyone who genuinely wants to learn about Stoic philosophy. -- Donald Robertson, author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

With its emphasis on individual success and perserverence, stoicism is seeing an American renaissance. The authors offer brief instructional biographies of its major ancient practitioners. ― New York Times

Stephen Hanselman has worked for over three decades in publishing as a bookseller, publisher and literary agent. He received a Master's degree at Harvard Divinity School, while also studying at Harvard's philosophy department.