Stoic · stoicism · philosphy
How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life by Massimo Pigliucci — Summary, Key Ideas & Quotes
2017288 pages✦ 3-min Big ideas★ 2.4 (7)
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What is How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life about?
An engaging guide to how Stoicism--the ancient philosophy of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius--can provide lessons for living in the modern world. Whenever we worry about what to eat, how to love, or simply how to be happy, we are worrying about how to lead a good life. No goal is more elusive. In How to Be a Stoic, philosopher Massimo Pigliucci offers Stoicism, the ancient philosophy that inspired the great emperor Marcus Aurelius, as the best way to attain it. Stoicism is a pragmatic philosophy that teaches us to act depending on what is within our control and separate things worth getting upset about from those that are not. By understanding Stoicism, we can learn to answer crucial questions: Should we get married or divorced? How should we bank in a world nearly destroyed by a financial crisis? How can we survive great personal tragedy? Whoever you are, Stoicism has something for you-and How to Be a Stoic is your essential guide.
A glimpse inside
Dichotomy of Control
Pigliucci emphasizes the Stoic principle of distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not. By focusing energy on our own thoughts, actions, and attitudes, and letting go of anxiety over external events, readers can reduce unnecessary suffering. This core idea serves as a foundation for Stoic practice, helping individuals respond to challenges with equanimity rather than frustration.
Virtue as the Highest Good
The book argues that living a good life means striving for virtue—wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance—rather than chasing external rewards like wealth or fame. Pigliucci explains that virtue is always within reach, regardless of circumstances, and that aligning our actions with these values leads to genuine fulfillment.
Ratings at a glance
Open Library
★ 2.4 / 5
7 ratings
Google Books
★ 5.0 / 5
1 ratings
✦
Get smart in 3 min
6 key ideas, distilled
- 1Dichotomy of Control
- 2Virtue as the Highest Good
- 3Stoic Role Models and Exercises
- 4Engagement, Not Withdrawal
- 5Emotional Resilience
Popular quotes from How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life
“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”
“We cannot control external events, only our reactions to them.”
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An engaging guide to how Stoicism--the ancient philosophy of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius--can provide lessons for living in the modern world. Whenever we worry about what to eat, how to love, or simply how to be happy, we are worrying about how to lead a good life. No goal is more elusive. In How to Be a Stoic, philosopher Massimo Pigliucci offers Stoicism, the ancient philosophy that inspired t