Stoic Foundations: The Cornerstone Works of Stoicism

by Marcus Aurelius, Massimo Pigliucci (Introduction), Seneca

An essential guide to the core texts of Stoic philosophy, featuring a new introduction from Massimo Pigliucci, author of  How To Be A Stoic

Stoicism is a philosophy, a worldview, and a transformational practice. Throughout the centuries everyone from kings and presidents to Silicone Valley entrepreneurs have drawn inspiration and wisdom from Stoicism. The best way to learn about Stoic philosophy is always to go back to the foundation—the original texts, written by the great Stoic philosophers.
 
Three writers form the bedrock of Stoic Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor; Seneca, a playwright and advisor; and Epictetus, a former slave turned philosopher and teacher.   Stoic Foundations combines the work of these three pillars of Stoic thought into one essential volume, including Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, selections from Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic , and Epictetus’s Enchiridion.
 
Though they were written millennia ago, these texts have resonated with readers across the centuries, offering powerful, clear guidance that remains relevant and transformative in the modern day. Featuring an insightful introduction from Massimo Pigliucci, author of How to Be A Stoic, Stoic Foundations is essential reading for anyone interested in exploring modern Stoicism and in reading the luminaries of Stoic philosophy in their own words.
 

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (often referred to as "the wise") was Emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 to his death in 180. He was the last of the "Five Good Emperors", and is also considered one of the more important Stoic philosophers. His two decades as emperor were marked by near continual warfare. He was faced with a series of invasions from German tribes, and by conflicts with the Parthian Empire in the east. His reign also had to deal with an internal revolt in the east, led by Avidius Cassius.

Marcus Aurelius' work Meditations, written in Greek while on campaign between 170 and 180, is still revered as a literary monument to a government of service and duty and has been praised for its "exquisite accent and its infinite tenderness."

Reviews

[Mateo Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stoic Foundations contains three of the most popular stoic works in history: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Letters from a Stoic by Seneca, and Enchiridion by Epictetus. It provides a short history of the stoic philosophy in the beginning, discussing the origin story and core principles, followed by the three separate foundations. I really enjoyed the difference in writing styles among the three, with Meditations being written as a personal self-improvement journal, Letters from a Stoic being written advice from one friend to another, and Enchridion being a compiled list of lessons taken from one of Epictetus’ disciples. Additionally, I felt like each of the works emphasized different core values of the philosophy, making it a well-rounded group of three. Meditations was more focused on discipline and dealing with death, Letters from a Stoic dealt more in ethics, wisdom, and specific life lessons, and Enchiridion emphasized the pillars of controlling what we can control and acceptance of our fate.