How To Be a Stoic

by Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius (Translator)

Don't hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen'

How can we cope when life's events seem beyond our control? These words of consolation and inspiration from the three great Stoic philosophers - Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius - offer ancient wisdom on how to face life's adversities and live well in the world.

One of twenty new books in the bestselling Penguin Great Ideas series. This new selection showcases a diverse list of thinkers who have helped shape our world today, from anarchists to stoics, feminists to prophets, satirists to Zen Buddhists.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Classics, Self Help, Psychology, History

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2020

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

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

welcome to: THE PENGUIN GREAT IDEAS PROJECT!

i am both addicted to projects and very into short books that make me look smart, so this project (which i continually forget about, as part of my distracted poetic hugh grant-like charm) is a perfect fit.

i have acquired a couple dozen penguin great ideas installments, and i will be attempting to read them until i get bored, catch up, or reach spiritual fulfillment!

find past books here:
WHAT IS EXISTENTIALISM?
REFLECTIONS ON THE GUILLOTINE
THREE JAPANESE BUDDHIST MONKS
REFLECTIONS ON THE GUILLOTINE
THE DECAY OF LYING
AIN'T I A WOMAN
BRIEF NOTES ON THE ART AND MANNER OF ARRANGING ONE'S BOOKS
THE POWER OF WORDS
WHEN I DARE TO BE POWERFUL

stoicism = goals.

also this appears to be a series of 1,000 single paragraph chapters, which is...also goals.

this is mostly about how to not care or worry about anything, and just kind of vibe through life unaffected by things like losing everything or your wife dying, so.

as the most sensitive person on earth who cares about everything that has ever happened and is determined to worry about everything that ever will...

weird!

[JessB123 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Penguin had the opportunity to create a really succinct and inclusive book compiling ideas from the three great Stoics, yet ended up with a poorly executed and random mash up. They seem to have chosen at random extracts from Seneca and Marcus Aurelius (books 4,5,9&12 - why?) which had no relation to each other and did not adhere to the title in question. This book was poorly executed and could have been done much better if sections from throughout the whole of the books were used not just entire chapters at a time. For an introduction to stoicism it was not very easily digestible. That being said, the Epictetus section of the book was wonderful and easy to understand.

[Hanka Jirovská · Rating 4 out of 5]

contains parts of Enchiridion by Epictetus, On the Shortness of Life by Seneca, and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

I didn't know a lot about stoicism, but this feels like a solid introduction to it. it was clear that the texts were from a wildly different era (which resulted in some absurd statements), but I was also honestly surprised by how relevant the advice sometimes was. I got different vibes from all three texts, and given that the general concepts were pretty similar, it makes you wonder how much translation influences response to philosophical ideas.

I feel like I definitely could have spent more time with this short piece. I was mainly on the lookout for ideas that confirmed my existing beliefs, but it probably would have been interesting to focus on the things I disagree with and consider why.

and here's a cool quote from Epictetus: "Finally decide that you are an adult who is going to devote the rest of your life to making progress."

[Thendrral Vedahari Prabhakar · Rating 2 out of 5]

How to be a stoic? Don’t

[Sandra Vel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro para iniciarse al pensamiento estoico con una selección de escritos clave de tres grandes figuras del estoicismo: Epicteto, Séneca y Marco Aurelio. Una invitación a mirar la vida con más serenidad, perspectiva y a relativizar.

La selección de textos me parece muy bien hecha. Incluye extractos de El Enquiridión de Epicteto, el célebre ensayo Sobre la brevedad de la vida de Séneca y los libros 4, 5, 9 y 12 de Meditaciones de Marco Aurelio. Estos pasajes permiten tener un acercamiento al corazón del estoicismo: la aceptación del destino, la importancia del dominio interior, la fugacidad de la vida...

Sin embargo, eché en falta una introducción para cada autor y texto, con un poco de contexto histórico y filosófico. ¿Qué diferenciaba a Epicteto de Marco Aurelio o Séneca? ¿Por qué se eligieron esos libros concretos de Meditaciones y no otros? ¿Cuáles son los principios fundamentales del estoicismo? Son preguntas que cualquier lector se haría, especialmente si no está familiarizado con esta filosofía. Una breve guía introductoria habría ayudado a situar mejor cada escrito dentro de su contexto y propósito.

Por último, ¿podemos hablar de lo inteligente que me parece el diseño de la portada? La palabra "happen" está desplazada expresamente. Le va de maravilla al título, para recordarnos visualmente que los acontecimientos están fuera de nuestro control, y que lo importante no es lo que sucede, sino cómo respondemos a ello. Un guiño visual perfecto a la esencia del pensamiento estoico y al contenido del libro.

[Brandon Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[lana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.

This book had the potential to be something truly great. I’ve always been interested in learning more about Stoicism and, since this is a short book, I thought it would be a good start. Except the way this was executed disappointed me so much.

If it wasn’t for the Epictetus part of the book, this would’ve been a certified mess. This could’ve been so much simpler and a great introduction to Stoicism... if it hadn’t been for the terrible execution.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every text from this short anthology was already published separately in this same series and in full. I'm not sure what the thought process here was of republishing already published texts, but this time in part.
Regardless, this short anthology provides an easy access point for new readers of stoicism.

[Jitse Antonissen · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion there was only one good and decent chapter in this book, and that is the one of Epictetus. The rest of the book was a weird mis-match of poorly chosen parts, once told by these great Stoics.

[GONZA · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be read and re-read cyclically, especially Marc Aurelius.

Da leggere e rileggere ciclicamente, specialmente Marc Aurelio.

[Ottilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

interessant en veel stof om nog over na te denken en van te leren. Ik had graag meer willen lezen!

Bless mijn vrienden voor goede boekentips

[Mehtap exotiquetv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Das Buch besteht aus unterschiedlichen Texten von Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. Die Gründerväter des philosophischen Stoizismus. In einzelnen Kapiteln kriegt man Ratschläge darüber wie man stoisch wird. Also ein gleichmütiger und unterschüttlicher Mensch. Wer also ein Mensch werden möchte, der sich nicht durch Emotionen leiten lassen möchte, kann sich den Inhalten des Buches widmen. Das Buch besteht aus knapp über 120 Seiten und ist schnell durchgelesen.

[sarchans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nunca había pensando tanto en la muerte como leyendo este librito.
Cada día me sorprendo más de la sabiduría que tenían estos tipos dos mil años atrás.

Muy fácil lectura ya que dentro del libro hay fragmentos de tres libros distintos, de tres autores distintos. Sin dudas voy a continuar con las lecturas estoicas.
Hoy, un poco más, acepto mi naturaleza humana. Gracias Marquitos Aurelio tkm.

[Adelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was just confused. I think these books are just not for me. I also did not agree with a lot of things in this book and think some of the ideas are outdated. Maybe I just didn’t understand it.

[Marvellous Ogudoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED On the Shortness of Life by Seneca. I think it’s the chapter that carried the book.

Some top tier quotes from him:

-"So, when you see a man repeatedly wearing the robe of office, or one whose name is often spoken in the Forum, do not envy him; these things are won at the cost of life"

-"Can anything be more idiotic than certain people who boast of their foresight? They keep themselves officiously preoccupied in order to improve their lives; they spend their lives in organizing their lives. They direct their purposes with an eye to a distant future. But putting things off is the biggest waste of life: it snatches away each day as it comes, and denies us the present by promising the future. The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today. You are arranging what lies in Fortune’s control, and abandoning what lies in yours. What are you looking at? To what goal are you straining?"

-"So it is inevitable that life will not just be very short but very miserable for those who acquire by great toil what they must keep by greater toil"

[Josh Mysore · Rating 4 out of 5]

To preface—I am not a stoic. After reading these three great texts, I'm still not a self-proclaimed stoic.

But I see the merit in its philosophy. As Buddhist waves come and go, so do stoics rise above modernity's chaos. Feelings, romantic aspirations, and dreams fizzle out under stoicism's calming wave. Sometimes, letting go and remaining indifferent and honorable stands strong.

Meditations particularly stuck out for me. Its advice has undergone centuries of dramatic change but still remains strong. What class.

[Dave Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book How To Be A Stoic" is part of the Great Idea series from Penguin Books. This volume includes the work of Epictetus (Enchiridion), Seneca (On The Shortness of Life), and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

Stoicism offers simple, direct advice for handling life's challenges. It teaches that we can't control events, but we can control how we respond. This approach makes it one of the most valuable philosophies for everyday life.

Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius wrote about these ideas centuries ago. Their wisdom still applies today. Epictetus advised, "Don't seek for things to happen the way you want them to; rather, wish that what happens happen the way it happens: then you will be happy." This mindset helps people deal with uncertainty, stress, and setbacks.

The Enchiridion by Epictetus and Meditations by Marcus Aurelius are straightforward and practical. They don't rely on complex language or abstract theories. Instead, they read like field manuals for life. They get to the point and show how to apply Stoic ideas immediately.

This book is a great way to start exploring Stoicism. It provides short, powerful lessons that help readers rethink how they see problems. Whether you're new to the philosophy or a longtime student, it's worth reading slowly and taking notes. I did.

Stoicism has lasted for centuries because it works. It helps people stay calm, make better choices, and focus on what they can control. If you want to take charge of your mindset, this book is a great place to begin.

[Taiba Nibkhel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm til tider kunne føles litt repetitivt, overfladisk og uempatisk. Nei også synes jeg noen av eksemplene de brukte i boken var litt dramatiske for å få fram poenget. Men selve kjerneverdien til stoisisme er veldig fin, og nødvendig. Og det var jo de kjerneverdiene som sto til fokus i denne boken, men Idk hvorfor denne boken var litt sær

[Beatrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margaret’s rec. Pretty good. I like some of the ideas esp the ones on shortness of life. And then other ideas went over my head. And then others were kinda dumb and like being too accepting i think.

[emma kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

neither learned nor unlearned

[Vincent Darlage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I've read Marcus Aurelius' work in the past, but the other two authors are fairly new to me (I mean, I know who they are, but I never actively read their works - just passively read selections in various philosophy classes).

I often get asked about my opinion on political issues, and I often say I don't really care one way or the other. This seems to irritate a lot of people. I think I already have a measure of stoicism within me. Here is a quote: "Ask, 'is this something that is, or is not, in my control? And if it's not one of the things that you control, be ready with the reaction, 'Then it's none of my concern.'" (p. 2).

The first part of the book is "Enchiridion" by Epictetus. I found myself agreeing with him - and noted that a lot of what he says align with things I say and with how I often act. Chapter 33: 2 (Let silence be your goal for the most part; say only what is necessary, and be brief about it), Chapter 33:14 (In your conversation, don't dwell at excessive length on your own deeds or adventures), for example.

The second part of the book is Seneca's "On the Shortness of Life," in which he postulates that "It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it." Seneca believed it is important to make room for leisure in life, but a life of pure leisure is considered meaningless. Seneca defines actual living as being in control of yourself, enjoying yourself meaningfully, and working towards goals that are important to you. This part I didn't care for as much - it was just too much about death and a little dry without a lot of insight for me.

I loved the third part, parts of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations." So many good quotes. "Today I escaped from all bothering circumstances - or rather I threw them out. They were nothing external, but inside me, just my own judgements."

Although the middle was slow, I enjoyed this foray into stoicism.

[Andrew Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book, which is a compilation of writings from Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, is a dog's breakfast of Stoic writings. That being said, I did enjoy this relatively easy read and it reground me in the core principles of Stoicism. No doubt it would be better to read the original works in their entirety, but 122 pages hit the mark for what I needed.

The "universal truths" of Stoicism are that basis for much of the self help books today.
> Control what you do, not the outcome
> Realize external praise is fleeting, pursue internal purpose
> Suspend judgement of good and bad, experience life as it is
> Pursue virtues and reason as the highest purpose
> Calm your mind, recognize and detach from emotion

Overall - this is a light touch overview book. Good for anyone that wants the high level overview. Not great if you want to "go deep."

[Agnes Nimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchridion by Epictetus is absolutely incredible, it was straightforward and easy to digest. The rest were great too, I noticed the effort in trying to match the writings with the title, but a few parts seemed a bit oddly chosen and didn’t flow well. For The Shortness of Life by Seneca, it was wonderful and thought-provoking; it made me want to get up and do something with my life. And of course, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius has always been my favourite, so it was a joy to re-read again to get reminded by his philosophy.

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good way to get introduce to the Stoic philosophy by reading those three extracs from the works of Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. Seneca wasn't my favorite personnaly. I was already a fan of Marcus and I find the translation presented in this version to be interesting. Epictetus was new to me but I will read more from him for sure. So like I said, a nice book to get an overview of three major philosopher and then see if this is for you or not. I like it!

[Madeline Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars.

I was really impressed with the layout of the book and the idea. It’s a very good introduction into stoicism. I was already familiar with Marcus Aurelius and am a fan. Seneca and Epictetus were new to me. Epictetus was very good, hardly a line was said that did not convict me. Seneca was okay-ish. He could’ve condensed all of “The Shortness of Life” into three pages. Very repetitive.

[SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read "The Art of Choosing", which contains selected wisdom from Epictetus, translated in Chinese while at a bookstore with my boyfriend. Honestly, W book. I'm a big fan of stoicism and I find myself agreeing with or finding enlightening many of Epictetus' ideas. Here are some of my favorites:

如果有人能控制我们渴望或者厌恶的东西，那我们就会受制于他。所以，如果你想获得自由，就别去奢望拥有或避免那些掌控在别人手里的东西，否则你必然成为他们的奴隶。

记住，行事要始终像是在参加晚宴。当食物或饮品经过你面前时，有礼貌地拿一些；如果已经从你眼前晃过去了，别试着硬拽回来；而如果还没到你跟前，也别让欲望冲昏了头脑，安静地等到轮到你的时候再伸手。对于妻儿、财富、地位，也要有类似的态度，时间到了，你将有机会和众神共进晚宴。

保持诚实正直，做什么都好。如果你一方面狂热地想要成为对社会有用的人，一方面却丧失了这些品质，变得无耻又堕落，那么到头来你又能对社会有什么贡献呢？

在正式晚宴或颁奖宴会上，有人比你更受青睐，人们在征求你的意见之前先去请教他的。如果这种荣誉是好的，那你应该为他感到高兴才是；如果是不好的，那你就不该为得不到它而恼火。而且要记住，如果你没有为了获得这些荣誉而做出过和他一样的行为，那你就不该期盼能收获和他一样的结果。

每当有人批评你或者错怪你时，要记住，他们只是在做、在说他们自己认为正确的事情。他们没法站在你的视角看问题，而只能站在他们自己的视角；所以，如果他们的视角是错的，那么受损害的是他们自己，因为是他们被误导了。我的意思是，如果有人宣称某个本来为真的联言命题是假，那么命题本身是不受影响的，反而是这个人自己，会因为暴露出自己的无知而受损。明白了这一点，你就能带着更多的同情心来对待你的批评者了。每一次都要告诉自己：“他做的是他以为正确的事情。”

Of course, there are a few in the middle that I would disagree with, but I forgot what those were LMAO. Good to see that I can engage with literature critically though! It's a skill I wish to develop through & keep up in life.

[Hutsakorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

From Penguin Books’ Great Ideas collection, “How To Be A Stoic” is a mish-mash of three Stoic works (Enchiridion, On The Shortness of Life, and Meditations) by three Stoic Roman philosophers: Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. It’s rather unfortunate that this book feels like a fragmented proto-self help 101 more than a proper introduction to Stoic philosophy.

While I could understand through ancient wisdoms and advices easily enough, the choice to curate and select the works leave quite a taste of dissatisfaction in my mouth (well, in my mind, that is.) In the last section (Meditations), it chooses to include only Book 4, then 5, then skipped to 9, and then 12. Perhaps the curator(s) thought selected sections were more relevant to the core of Stoic tenets. Yet this selected collection of Stoic writings seem more or less all over the place—not quite figuring themselves out on what Stoicism is and should be about.

If you would like to read more about Stoicism and its view, I recommend finding some other Stoic books since this book will probably give you a really vague sense on what Stoicism is.

[Ivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book for the first time, it had opened my mind to such a different ways one could think and build their own path in life. Not to be so encapsulated by your current emotions and have them drive you forward rather accept emotionally anything that comes your way. Having reread all 3 of the books now, with being in such a different point in my life and taking a philosophical course that took a deeper look into stoicism, I feel less passionate trying to apply stoic principals in my life, with it almost making me feel empty. I respect the writings from Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus still and see their teachings as having value however I feel as if the emotions that I sometimes try to suppress with stoicism hold me back from emotionally developing and becoming more in tune with myself. I greatly appreciate the world that this book has opened up for me and will look fondly on it when I stare it on my shelf and see it as a milestone for being open to new ideas.

[Talia]

i think the first time i really read into stoicism i was 15, and my feelings towards it have remained similar. i could look at it from a different perspective now but my opinion hasn‘t changed much. i don‘t think i would ever be a self-proclaimed stoic. there‘s great lessons in stoicism to be applied to different parts of life — but only parts of it. i don‘t like sentimentality, or others would call it neurotics, being so very much undermined as a part of human nature which you are allowed to cherish too. and it is one of the most formative parts of our soul.
life is a lot about learning and relearning so this was nice to dive into again. what i like to take from stoicism is always discipline, self-respect and overcoming judgement, shame, self-harm and general fears. and some more! i like to take a good portion of rationality from it for myself. i liked to read aurelius the most

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was recommended by a friend, Kevin. I very much enjoyed it, particularly the advice about concentrating on things you can change and not to stress over that which you have no control over. I also initially quite liked the bit where it said that if someone says something to you that you don't like or disagree with then it is your choice about whether to be upset. However, I decided that it's all very well from my perspective, but it would an absolute nightmare being married to a Stoic. If I ask my husband 15 times over several weeks to change a light bulb that I can't reach then I am probably going to be irritated by the 16th. I would not be impressed if he decided to calmly let it all wash over him, isn't bothered by my words in the slightest and goes to the pub instead. :-)