The Essential Stoic: The Most Important Writings from the Masters of Stoicism

by Epictetus

The essential writings from the three pillars of Stoicism.

Bringing together the essential writings of the three most influential Stoic philosophers, The Essential Stoic is an accessible and instructive guide to living a better life through the teachings of Stoicism, and includes an insightful introduction from Mark Tuitert, Olympic speed skater and bestselling author of The Stoic Mindset.

Distilling the wisdom of the three Stoic masters, this volume contains the three most widely-read volumes of Stoic philosophy in history. Readers will get a comprehensive, 360-degree view of Stoicism, from Epictetus’ ethics to Marcus Aurelius’ reflections to Seneca’s aphorisms.

Hailed as one of Rome’s “last good emperors,” Marcus Aurelius reflects on living wisely, calmly, and virtuously in a chaotic world. Epictetus describes the need to rationally accept the world around us and live with uncompromising virtue. Seneca provides quick, accessible Stoic wisdom in a series of letters to his friend Lucilius.

The philosophers’ combined wisdom shows readers how to live their best lives, staying calm and rational in the face of hardship, remaining true to their own code of ethics, and accepting the world on its own terms.

Genres: Philosophy

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was probably born a slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present day Pamukkale, Turkey), and lived in Rome until his exile to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece, where he lived most of his life and died. His teachings were noted down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses. Philosophy, he taught, is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. To Epictetus, all external events are determined by fate, and are thus beyond our control, but we can accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. Individuals, however, are responsible for their own actions which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power. As part of the universal city that is the universe, human beings have a duty of care to all fellow humans. The person who followed these precepts would achieve happiness.

Other language versions:
Epictète
Epícteto
Epiktet

Reviews

[Stephanie Weisgerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mood: Lofty, Pensive
Theme: Accept what comes to you and bear up under it with integrity
Pace: Random
Writing Quality: Exceptional (Old English translation from Latin)
Length: 375 pages

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius was born in Rome in 121 AD. He had a very good family and good friends growing up. At the age of 11 he stopped studying poetry and rhetoric and turned to philosophy. He joined the sect of the Stoics. One of his teachers named Sextus was a grandson of Plutarch. He became emperor upon the death of his father and shared the role with L. Verus, so for the first time Rome had two emperors. He had a reputation for virtue from a young age and was adopted into the imperial family.

My top 3 favorite quotes from Marcus Aurelius:

"Do not act as if thou wert going to live 10,000 years. Death hangs over thee. While thou livest, while it is in they power, be good."

"Time is like a river made up of the events which happened, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place...and this will be carried away too."

"Receive wealth or prosperity without arrogance; and be ready to let it go."

The Golden Sayings by Epictetus

Epictetus was born into slavery in ancient Greece in 50 AD. He founded his own school of philosophy and became one of the foundational thinkers of stoic philosophy. His discourses were transcribed by his student Arrian.

My top 3 favorite quotes of Epictetus:

"...for thou too wert born not when thou chosest, but when the world had need of thee."

"To you, all you have seems small: to me, all I have seems great. Your desire is insatiable, mine is satisfied. See children thrusting their hands into a narrow-necked jar, and striving to pull out the nuts and figs it contains: if they fill the hand, they cannot pull it out again, and then they fall to tears. Let go a few of them, and then you can draw out the rest! You too, let your desire go! Covet not many things, and you will obtain."

Asked how a man should best grieve his enemy, Epictetus replied, "By setting himself to live the noblest life himself."

Letters by Seneca

Seneca was born in Cordoba, Spain in 4 B.C. Educated in Rome, he rose to distinguished fame becoming a minister of state. He was hired as a tutor to the young future emperor Nero. He is best known for his contributions to stoic philosophy, and his work gained renewed fame during the Renaissance.

My top 3 quotes from Seneca are:

"The primary indication, to my thinking, of a well-ordered mind, is a man's ability to remain in one place and linger in his own company."

"It is easy to rouse a listener so that he will crave righteousness; for nature has laid the foundations and planted the seeds of virtue in us all."

"Nothing is heavy if one accepts it with a light heart."

These 3 gems are well worth the time spent reading them. The wisdom one gleans remains with you.

[Emily Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to own this one. its better as a daily bite through the year.