Books | Mattia's blog

“Stillness is the Key” by R. Holiday

Stillness is the key is the latest book by the American author and entrepreneur Ryan Holiday.

I already wrote about one of his previous books the Daily Stoics (2016) in my post on the best book for Stoicism.

With this book Holiday completes an ideal trilogy of books: The Obstacle is the Way (2014) and Ego is the Enemy (2016).

I found this book in the gift bag of the latest Stoicon in Athens, and despite having a huge backlog of books I started reading immediately. I was not particularly familiar with Holiday’s assays, as I haven’t read the other two books of this trilogy.

Review on: “On Living and Dying Well” by Cicero

If it’s possible to attain wisdom,
then we should put it to use and not just possess it.
The only limit on seeking the truth is finding it;
and to give up looking is shameful,
because what we’re looking for
is the most beautiful thing there is.
Cicero, On Ends, 1.1-12

If you, like me, had the to translate Cicero in school, you probably hate the guy! The first thing you would, in every Latin test, was to glance a the author name and hope that was not Cicero. Anything but Cicero!!! Such his texts are hard to translate!

Despite, be the name of the book I want to suggest you is titled “On Living and Dying Well“. I’m still more frightened by the name of the author.

More Than Happiness: Buddhist and Stoic Wisdom for a Sceptical Age

In the book “More Than Happiness: Buddhist and Stoic Wisdom for a Sceptical Age” the author Antonia Macaro offers a detailed comparison between two ancient philosophic and life inspiring practice: Stoicism and Buddhism.

Review

In my experience, when the first is mentioned or discussed the second is usually brought up. After reading this book It is clear to me, how the two philosophy offer similar solutions for how to tackle day-to-day. Although, those solution come from traditions and sensibilities way different.

Best books on Stoicism

In this post, I want to list the best books on Stoicism, that I have encounter so far.

Besides the classic three Stoic authors that have come down to us (i.e. Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus), I have also listed the most influential contemporary authors that are contributing to bringing Stoicism back to the general public.

This is of course not an exhaustive list of all books out there, but I hope that this could help you to discover, internalize and practice a philosophy and school of life that can help you live a fulfilled life.

Modern Authors

Recently (in the last 20 years or so) , many philosophers and authors have rediscovered Stoicism as a way through life.

While ancient sources are the authorities to quote, a modern beginner interested in Stoicism should probably start with one of the most recent books on the topic.

These books are wrote in plain English, and they give a 360 degree explanation of the philosophy and its history. As such they offer an accessible introduction to the philosophy, and provide a good foundation from which to develop ones understanding.

A Guide to the Good Life

A guide to the good life: the ancient art of Stoic joy, by William B Irvine

Truly one of my favourite books on Stoicism. The author, William Irvine, explains how he discovered Stoicism, in the later part of his life despite being a university professor of philosophy, and how by applying it he managed to improve his life.

Not only does he give his take of Stoicism in a very beautiful style, but he also develops it forward, exploring new techniques and redefining the old ones. Truly beautiful, strongly suggested.

Stoicism and the Art of Happiness

Stoicism and the Art of Happiness: Practical wisdom for everyday life: embrace perseverance, strength and happiness with stoic philosophy (Teach Yourself: Philosophy & Religion) by Donald Robertson