---
product_id: 65164099
title: "How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life"
price: "135 zł"
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---

# How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life

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desertcart.com: How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life: 9781541644533: Pigliucci, Massimo: Books

Review: Stoic Wisdom for Everyday Life - I can still recall the first time I was introduced to Stoicism. I majored in philosophy and was fortunate to take most of my courses from an aging professor who is undoubtedly the most analytical person I've ever met. We read only primary texts. And this professor would methodically reconstruct each author's argument on a (real) blackboard, leading the discussion through Socratic questioning. In a course covering ancient philosophy, he introduced us to Epictetus. After leading us through the argument of the first section of the Enchiridion, he commented: "In my view, this is the only argument in the history of philosophy that actually proves its conclusion." Coming from him, this was a striking statement. In every other instance, he steadfastly refused to say if he thought an argument was (or was not) successful. Epictetus is the central character in How to Be a Stoic. Dr. Pigliucci claims Epictetus as his favorite Stoic, and he engages in a kind of ongoing dialogue with the philosopher using the ancient texts. The book is organized (following two introductory chapters) into three parts: 1) The Discipline of Desire; 2) The Discipline of Action; and 3) The Discipline of Assent. He covers such topics as character, mental illness, disability, loneliness, and death. In the chapter covering disability, Dr. Pigliucci discuses the life of another Stoic academic, Dr. Lawrence Becker. Dr. Becker turned to Stoicism early in life to help meet the challenges of a physical disability. The first thing that Dr. Becker did as a Stoic novice was to reclaim his "agency". To cope with a hardship, we should begin by telling ourselves we can and will take responsibility for meeting our challenges. Though simple, this resonated deeply with me. I am something of a fatalist by nature. But whatever the ultimate truth is regarding free will, Dr. Becker's practical approach is helpful: Reclaim your agency! And then see what you can do--today--to improve your sense of well-being. This an excellent introduction to Stoicism and overall a very good book. The writing is clear and engaging. The topics feel relevant. Most importantly, the book is eminently practical. If you're interested in Stoicism, this is a great place to start. It's also a great place to finish, especially if you're only looking for the basics. You can read this book, begin doing the "spiritual" exercises--maybe find a copy of Epictetus's Manual--and "be" a Stoic. It will also serve as a fantastic introduction for a much deeper dive into Stoic philosophy. And finally, if you've already studied and practiced Stoicism, you may still benefit from Dr. Pigliucci's application of Stoic principles to modern problems. It's been nearly a decade and a half since I was introduced to Stoicism. As I made my way through young adulthood, I often returned to Stoicism through the works of Seneca and Epictetus, as well as more contemporary authors. I can hardly call myself a Stoic. Somehow I feel compelled to avoid the label altogether. How to Be a Stoic opened a new pathway: Label or no label, there are many things I can do that just might lead to a lasting change.
Review: Great product. - Good book delve into ancient philosophy that help you to understand how to live.

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## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stoic Wisdom for Everyday Life
*by B***V on September 16, 2017*

I can still recall the first time I was introduced to Stoicism. I majored in philosophy and was fortunate to take most of my courses from an aging professor who is undoubtedly the most analytical person I've ever met. We read only primary texts. And this professor would methodically reconstruct each author's argument on a (real) blackboard, leading the discussion through Socratic questioning. In a course covering ancient philosophy, he introduced us to Epictetus. After leading us through the argument of the first section of the Enchiridion, he commented: "In my view, this is the only argument in the history of philosophy that actually proves its conclusion." Coming from him, this was a striking statement. In every other instance, he steadfastly refused to say if he thought an argument was (or was not) successful. Epictetus is the central character in How to Be a Stoic. Dr. Pigliucci claims Epictetus as his favorite Stoic, and he engages in a kind of ongoing dialogue with the philosopher using the ancient texts. The book is organized (following two introductory chapters) into three parts: 1) The Discipline of Desire; 2) The Discipline of Action; and 3) The Discipline of Assent. He covers such topics as character, mental illness, disability, loneliness, and death. In the chapter covering disability, Dr. Pigliucci discuses the life of another Stoic academic, Dr. Lawrence Becker. Dr. Becker turned to Stoicism early in life to help meet the challenges of a physical disability. The first thing that Dr. Becker did as a Stoic novice was to reclaim his "agency". To cope with a hardship, we should begin by telling ourselves we can and will take responsibility for meeting our challenges. Though simple, this resonated deeply with me. I am something of a fatalist by nature. But whatever the ultimate truth is regarding free will, Dr. Becker's practical approach is helpful: Reclaim your agency! And then see what you can do--today--to improve your sense of well-being. This an excellent introduction to Stoicism and overall a very good book. The writing is clear and engaging. The topics feel relevant. Most importantly, the book is eminently practical. If you're interested in Stoicism, this is a great place to start. It's also a great place to finish, especially if you're only looking for the basics. You can read this book, begin doing the "spiritual" exercises--maybe find a copy of Epictetus's Manual--and "be" a Stoic. It will also serve as a fantastic introduction for a much deeper dive into Stoic philosophy. And finally, if you've already studied and practiced Stoicism, you may still benefit from Dr. Pigliucci's application of Stoic principles to modern problems. It's been nearly a decade and a half since I was introduced to Stoicism. As I made my way through young adulthood, I often returned to Stoicism through the works of Seneca and Epictetus, as well as more contemporary authors. I can hardly call myself a Stoic. Somehow I feel compelled to avoid the label altogether. How to Be a Stoic opened a new pathway: Label or no label, there are many things I can do that just might lead to a lasting change.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great product.
*by D***N on January 31, 2026*

Good book delve into ancient philosophy that help you to understand how to live.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ An interesting and readable work on applying Stoicism to everyday life
*by R***P on June 3, 2017*

Massimo Pigliucci's book is a relatively short but interesting guide to applying the philosophy of Stoicism to one's own life. Much of it involves an imaginary discourse with Epictetus, the slave-turned-philosopher who is one of the better-known proponents of the ideology. Pigliucci writes well: although he is an academic by profession, this is no dry treatise. It is eminently readable and broken down into chapters that cover various aspects of Stoicism and suggested ways in which we can incorporate the subject of that chapter into dealing with the challenges of modern living. The book ends with a series of suggested spiritual exercises that form a kind of "Stoic's toolkit" to be broken out when one needs help in coping with certain issues and problems. I found this to be an interesting companion piece to books such as Ryan Holliday's "The Obstacle is the Way" and should be enjoyed be readers who liked that particular book.

## Frequently Bought Together

- How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life
- Meditations

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*Last updated: 2026-03-16*