book review

  • The Inner Citadel by Pierre Hadot

    The Inner Citadel by Pierre Hadot is a profound examination of the life, the mind, and the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius and his personal notes, the Meditations. Summary Hadot begins with a short biography of Marcus Aurelius, showing how a young Roman grew into the Emperor of Rome. He introduces Marcus’ upbringing, family life, and […]

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  • A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine

    The ultimate Stoic guide to living a good life, based on psychological techniques and advice for practicing the ancient art of Stoic joy. Summary A Guide to the Good Life does exactly what Irvine promises: it provides a step-by-step guide to the most famous and effective Stoic practices. The introduction explains how Stoicism entered Irvine’s […]

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  • Beyond the Individual by Will Johncock

    Beyond the Individual breaks the Stoic stereotype of being self-centered and reconnects it to the cosmos in its purest rational form. Summary While Beyond the Individual by Will Johncock isn’t the first book one might read on their Stoic journey, it’s essential for anyone looking to go deeper. The book doesn’t negate the personal benefits […]

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  • Stoic Empathy by Shermin Kruse

    Stoic Empathy is a practical convergence of Empathy and Stoicism by building healthier external relationships while fortifying inner peace. Summary Shermin Kruse manages to combine empathy and Stoicism through an impactful and moving narrative from her own childhood. She begins by unpacking the empathy side of the book, explaining the concept itself. Then she breaks […]

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  • Beyond Stoicism

    By Massimo Pigliucci, Meredith Kunz, and Gregory Lopez Beyond Stoicism is the ultimate guide to exploring ancient Western philosophies like Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Cynicism. This practical philosophy book stands out by letting you experience each philosophy for a week. Helping you discover the way of life that suits you best. Summary This collaboration between Massimo […]

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  • How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci

    Join Massimo Pigliucci and Epictetus for an open and honest conversation to discover the true nature and power of Stoicism. Summary In How to Be a Stoic, Massimo Pigliucci tries to uncover the greatest lessons there are to learn from Stoicism. He asks the old master, Epictetus, to guide him. This wonderful dialogue, based on […]

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  • The Socrates Express by Eric Weiner

    The Socrates Express is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Join author Eric Weiner on a philosophical train ride where Eastern and Western thinkers meet. This epic journey will expand your mind and make you think about the important questions of life. Summary The Socrates Express is a collection of some of the greatest minds wrapped in an […]

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    The Socrates Express by Eric Weiner, a book review on Via Stoica.
  • How to Think Like Socrates – Donald J. Robertson

    Donald Robertson presents Socrates’s life and philosophy as a mirror of the past that we can use to reflect on our lives today. Summary This second installment of Donald Robertson’s How to Think Like… books focuses on Socrates’s life. How to Think Like Socrates covers many aspects of this wise man’s existence. Not only do […]

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    How to Think like Socrates by Donald Robertson book review on Via Stoica.
  • The Little Book of Stoic Quotes – Phil van Treuren

    The Little Book of Stoic Quotes is a modern Stoic handbook that is full of reminders and practices to keep living the good life, and they are based on the most inspiring quotes in Stoicism. Summary The Little Book of Stoic Quotes is, as the title shows, packed with the most impactful quotes given to […]

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  • Book Review: Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero – James Romm

    Dying every day: Seneca at the Court of Nera is a captivating view into the life of Seneca. As a central question, we try to find out who Seneca was. All this wrapped into the intrigues of the imperial courts from Caligula, Claudius, Agrippina, and last but not least, Nero.

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