The Practicing Stoic
by Ward Farnsworth
A law dean organizes the Stoic writers, Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Montaigne and others, by topic, judgment, externals, perspective, death, desire, wealth, emotion, with the original passages and clear commentary. It is the best single-volume introduction to Stoic practice from the sources themselves, and far more substantial than popular Stoicism.
Read it if…
you have read the popular Stoic books and want the real thing, well organized.
Skip it if…
you want a quick, modern voice; this is primary sources with commentary.
Three things you will actually use
- Events are neutral; judgments make them good or bad.
- Focus on what is up to you.
- Rehearse adversity so it does not surprise you.
Do this first
Read the chapter on judgment and, for one day, notice every time you add an opinion to an event.
Our verdict
Scholarly, clear and genuinely practical; the Stoicism book to own.
Compare with other Character books
How to Be a Stoic
Massimo Pigliucci · Character
Thoughtful and accessible; a solid introduction to Stoic practice.
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The Little Book of Stoicism
Jonas Salzgeber · Character
Compact and practical; a good first Stoic book.
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The Earned Life
Marshall Goldsmith · Character
Reflective and wise; a late-career book worth reading early.
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