10 Stoicism Books You Need to Read in 2023

As someone interested in the philosophy of Stoicism, I can’t think of any better way to become more knowledgeable than reading books on Stoicism. As a preface, I will say that I have not read every single book on this list. That’s why this list can be viewed as something for both of us to digest. Without further ado, here are the 10 Stoicism books we should read in 2023!

1) Letters from a Stoic by Seneca

Seneca was a Stoic philosopher that lived from 1 B.C. – 65 C.E. He is a prominent figure when it comes to Roman Stoicism and much of his work has contributed to the revitalization of Stoic philosophy throughout the years. Seneca was an adviser to Nero before he was forced to commit suicide due to being found complicit in a conspiracy to murder Nero. Nevertheless, Letters from a Stoic outlines Stoic ideals and shows just how far ahead of his time Seneca was. This is a book that I’m reading right now which will be my first to write a review on.

2) Discourses by Epictetus

Epictetus was another ancient Stoic philosopher that lived from 55 C.E. – 135 C.E. As with Stoic philosophy, the 3 branches include logic, physics, and ethics. Discourses almost exclusively discusses ethics. Ethics can be defined as, “The discipline that is concerned with what is morally good and bad and morally right and wrong”. Discourses is definitely a must read for anyone looking to learn more about Stoic ideals, including myself.

3) Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday is a writer and media strategist. He is widely known as a preacher of Stoic philosophy where he founded The Daily Stoic. The Daily Stoic is a website where you can read articles, check out books, watch videos, and listen to podcasts all pertaining to Stoicism. Courage is Calling was written with a focus on one of the foundational virtues of Stoicism: Courage. Taking examples from earlier people of influence such as Martin Luther King Jr., this book can teach us to how to lead more courageous lives.

4) The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Back again with another book by Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle is the Way is all about how we can turn trials into triumphs. As with most things in life, overcoming obstacles and doing what is uncomfortable often leads to the most growth. Citing examples of great historical figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, and Steve Jobs, Ryan Holiday outlines the formula for how we can turn our obstacles into opportunities.

5) A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William Braxton Irvine

In A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, William Irvine does a fantastic job of outlining Stoicism. He discusses the core characteristics of Stoicism, as well as how those characteristics relate back to the modern world. More specifically, William Irvine uses examples from his own life as it relates to how he uses Stoicism. I’ve listened to this book on Audible and I’m in the middle of listening to it again. A definite must-read if you’re interested in how these ancient principles can be used in our modern lives.

6) Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday is back again with Ego is the Enemy. In a world full of outside distractions such as mainstream media, social media, and reality television, the barrier to a successful life lies not outside, but within. This book pulls in examples from historical figures such as Jackie Robinson, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt, as to how they conquered their egos in pursuit of a larger mission. I just received this book for Christmas and can’t wait to dig into it.

7) The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

I promise this is the last book by Ryan Holiday on this list and it may be my favorite. The Daily Stoic is a book containing 366 daily meditations on anything and everything Stoicism. He pulls in great Stoic philosophers such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius to help us answer some of the greatest questions that life has to offer. The book presents itself in a page-per-day format so that we can wake up each morning with newly found Stoic wisdom to get us through the day.

8) Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Translated by Gregory Hays)

Meditations is one of, if not the most well-renowned books on Stoicism. Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor that ruled during the 2nd century CE. He is also well known for his work as it relates to practicing Stoic philosophy. Meditations is a translation of the journal that Marcus Aurelius used to keep during his time as Roman Emperor. The book is fascinating in the sense that we get a first-hand account of what was going through the mind of one of the most powerful men to ever rule. This is not a book meant to be read in chronological fashion, but rather each section is its own story and has its own lessons.

9) How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson

Staying with the theme of Marcus Aurelius, How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius takes a deeper dive into Marcus’ life. The book starts out with a young Marcus, and then ultimately winds up into his days as Roman Emperor. Donald Robertson outlines how Marcus used Stoicism, as well as different practices to stay resilient through tumultuous times. Lastly, this book guides us as to how these same practices can be incorporated into our own lives.

10) The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual by Ward Farnsworth

With Stoic philosophy rooted in ancient times, it can be hard to piece together its works. However, The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual accomplishes just this. This book brings together all of the important works relating to Stoicism. In addition, the book presents us with the opinions of Stoic philosophers as it relates to important topics and concepts. This book, much like the others, brings about Philosophy teachings for everyone to use throughout daily life.

If you know someone else who is looking for Stoicism books, be sure to share this list with them. Also, don’t forget to share this list on your favorite social media site so all of your followers can learn more about Stoicism as well. Lastly, I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment down below with your thoughts on any of the books on this list. You can also head on over to my contact page to reach out to me personally.

Stay Mindful!