The 5 Best Stoicism Books of All Time (2024)

Welcome to our Best Stoicism Books Collection. Here you’ll find summaries of the best books on Stoicism, giving you the best introduction to stoic philosophy. From ancient wisdom by Marcus Aurelius to modern insights by Ryan Holiday, these must-read books offer invaluable guidance for living a good life.

Stoicism Thumbnail
1
 Summary
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a classic of Stoic philosophy and shows us how to become more self-disciplined, stop caring what people think, and control our emotions. The author was a powerful Roman Emperor about 2,000 years ago and wrote down these ideas in a private journal to himself.
2
 Summary
Letters from a Stoic is about how to stop feeling unsatisfied in life or worried what people think. Seneca says we must first reduce our desire for pleasure, wealth and social approval. Then we can become less fearful and hesitant with techniques like remembering that we're all gonna die.
3
 Summary
Discourses of Epictetus is a compilation of lectures on Stoic philosophy from almost 2,000 years ago. The book delivers timeless wisdom that continues to be intensely practical, guiding us on how to stabilize our emotions, become more self-disciplined, and live a good virtuous life.
4
 Summary
Can't Hurt Me is a guide to building mental toughness, and it's also the motivational life story of David Goggins. When he was young David survived abuse and racism, but later he transformed himself into a Navy SEAL, ultramarathon runner, and world record holder.
5
 Summary
Man's Search for Meaning was written after Viktor Frankl survived the concentration camps of WW2. He noticed that his fellow prisoners who could find purpose and meaning in their suffering found the strength to survive, while others perished. This book is also a guide to finding meaning in your life.