Stoicism: A Beginner’s Guide To The History & Philosophy of Stoicism

by Dale Kingsley

Learn About The History & Philosophy Of Stoicism — & How To Apply Its Principles To Your Everyday Life

The ancient Philosophy of Stoicism is currently experiencing somewhat of a revival in 21st century popular culture, mainly because of its rational and logical approach to the challenges of our time. There has been a proliferation of Stoic references in modern movies and fiction; further increasing its popularity amongst a younger section of society, which would normally not be interested in an apparently pure academic pursuit such as the study of Philosophy.



This book will provide you, the prospective student of Stoic Philosophy, with a broader understanding of the people and forces which combined to create one of the most enduring and influential Philosophies of all time.



Furthermore, we’ll explore how you can apply Stoic principles to your everyday life — and how this will help you develop your character, stay calm in the face of adversity and achieve greater success in your life.



During The Course Of This Book You Will Learn

The Origins of Stoicism Zeno of Citium and the First School of StoicismZeneca the Younger Epictetus and the Discourses The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Stoicism’s Influence On Roman Life and Thought Stoic Philosophy Today Applying Stoic Principles to Your Everyday Life



And more!



Download Now and Begin Your Journey To Stoic Mastery Today!

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2016

Reviews

[Roberto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yesterday I finished reading this introductory book to both Stoic philosophy and the history of this philosophy, from Zeno to today. Far from penetrating the intricacies of Stoic philosophy in an academic way, this book aims from the beginning to serve as an incentive for an authentic search for Stoic philosophy and its gradual application to the reader's everyday life. And, within this proposal, it is a simple, dynamic, and effective reading, without doubts.

By coincidence, this morning the philosopher and commentator Pondé released on his YouTube channel a video questioning whether Stoicism today is mere opportunism or an escape valve. He comments that it is certainly opportunism on the part of those who try to sell (to sell indeed) a simulacrum of this philosophy as a self-help kit or an instrument for financial success in modern times. On the other hand, no longer negative, studying Stoicism can really be a escape system or relief from a world that, for sure, can be overwhelming. If it makes the individual more reflective, more aware of the fleetingness of circumstances, what would be the problem, after all?

[Etienne OMNES · Rating 3 out of 5]

C'est un livret plus qu'un livre (68 pages) qui a pour but de présenter le stoïcisme, ses auteurs principaux et introduire au mode de vie stoïque. Et je dois dire que ce livret atteint très très bien ses objectifs.

Il m'a vraiment donné envie de lire les discours d'Epictète, et de voir ce qu'en dit Sénèque le jeune. Il y a une mine de sagesse dans cette philosophie qui a également beaucoup plu à l'église à travers les âges. C'en est au point où si je n'étais pas chrétien, ce livret aurait fait de moi un stoïque pratiquant. Mais Dieu me préserve d'une telle futilité :)

La partie sur la discipline stoïque est probablement intéressante, mais le chrétien connait bien mieux que cela.

Bref, un livret court, incisif, intéressant, qui remplit bien ses objectifs.

[Bárbara Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, like a book of facts about stoicism.

Before this book i only had read "Meditations" by M.A, so I considerate my self a beginner in the topic. Despite this the book looks so simple and incomplete for me.

The first part about the history was nice and made me interested about Epictetus and Seneca, but the second part about the daily applications was so basic and badly related to Stoicism.

So, I put 3 stars cus' I can weakly remember some parts and the book made me stay interested about the history of the stoicism. But I feel it like a incomplete book, a magazine article extended. Probably I'm being very critical about a "beginner's" book, but i really feel a poor review of the topic.

[J J · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really poor. I hesitated between one or two stars, mainly because when I started reading the book I thought it could still be useful to anyone trying to learn the basics regarding stoicism, but haven't read it now, I think it can do more harm than good.
Why? Because I think not only is it superficial, but there are things that are just wrong. What does the author try so hard to link stoicism and catholicism? Why does he say the Romans believed in God, when both Romans and Greeks are renowned for believing in multiple gods, at least till the fourth century AD?
Apart from that, there is not much to say. Really basic and superficial biographical details about some of the most important Ancient stoic philosophers and some quotes from them.

[Dhiraj · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very accessible introduction to Stoicism. I particularly enjoyed the brief history and the simple, concise way the core ideas are presented. At times, I found myself wishing for more depth, but perhaps that is also the strength of this book—it leaves you curious to explore further. For me, it certainly sparked an interest in reading more about Stoicism and its key thinkers, from Zeno and Epictetus to Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, and the differences between Greek and Roman Stoicism. I would recommend this as a great starting point for anyone new to the philosophy, and a stepping-stone towards deeper exploration.

[Blackdogsworld · Rating 3 out of 5]

หนังสือเล่มนี้แนะนำแนวคิดสำคัญของปรัชญาสโตอิกให้เราได้รู้จัก เหตุที่ผมอ่านหนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นเพราะแนวคิดการบำบัด REBT ของ Albert Ellis ที่ผมนิยมและใช้ในการปฏิบัติงาน มีรากฐานส่วนหนึ่งมาจากปรัชญาสโตอิก ก่อนหน้านี้ผมเคยอ่านหนังสือของ Epictetus หนึ่งในนักปรัชญาสโตอิกผู้มีชื่อเสียง แต่ก็อ่านยากพอสมควร เลยคิดว่าคงจะดีกว่าหากจะเริ่มต้นด้วยอะไรง่ายๆ ที่เป็นเบื้องต้นก่อน สิ่งที่ผมชอบเกี่ยวกับปรัชญาสโตอิกคือ การมองว่าปรัชญาไม่ได้เป็นกิจกรรมทางปัญญาเท่านั้น แต่เป็นเรื่องของวิถีชีวิต เราพึงนำสิ่งที่เรียนรู้จากปรัชญามาใช้เป็นส่วนหนึ่งของการดำเนินชีวิตด้วย

[Christer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief introduction to Stoicism. I have previously read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and was looking for a book providing a broader view and a short introduction to other known Stoics. The book gave a short enough intro on renowned Stoics but could have perhaps given more attention to this rather than on how to implement Stoic routines into your daily life. All in all a compact and short read book containing valuable knowledge.

[Mayiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stoicism: A Beginner's Guide To The History & Philosophy Of Stoicism

A good read for beginner in stoicism, however since it's only cover a thin layer (surface) of stoicism, it did not scratch my head right.

[Mactire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very brief introduction into Stoicism.
The author provides some background and history and then continues with some Stoic exercises for the reader to follow.
While this book crossed my path a bit late in my Stoic journey, it would have provided a very good starting point. It provides enough information and leads to find other resources to continue a study in Philosophy.

[Tyler · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book spends as much time talking about stoicism as it does other things they don't matter. There is a chapter on sound vibrations, and goes on for a bit about how I need god in my life. I didn't realize I needed religion to live stoically.

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for an actual beginner like me 🙂

[Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simplified Introduction To Stoicism

The book isn't bad but falls short of a full explanation about Stoicism. It initiates some very simple plans for application but doesn't fully explain the reasons or approaches.

[Leo Lloyd Catalan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a beginner, I felt this was a great way to dip your toes in the study of Stoicism. Personally, I find this book very helpful in my journey of bettering myself.