Thanks, Bobby! Love how you structured this by reading order. That is such an underrated detail. Starting with modern and accessible books before diving into the ancient texts makes Stoicism feel much less intimidating.
The common thread across all seven, focusing on what you can control and mastering your interpretation, really shows why this philosophy still resonates today. Such a practical and thoughtful guide!
Thanks Kazuki! As you said, this is one field where the order seems to matter. The older core texts are so meaningful, but I would hate for someone to get scared off from philosophy by immediately diving into something less accessible.
I hadn’t heard of On the Shortness of Life before, but your recommendation really caught my attention. It sounds impactful, especially with how it reframes time and how we spend it. I'd like to start with this one. Thanks so much for the great recommendation!
Prepare to enter a rabbit hole once you read Obstacle is the Way. Ryan Holiday is a prolific reader and supplies a reading list with most of his books. His books on the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism are excellent (last one was published in 2025). I would also suggest people check out Daily Stoic for his free newsletters and more readings.
Thanks, Bobby! Love how you structured this by reading order. That is such an underrated detail. Starting with modern and accessible books before diving into the ancient texts makes Stoicism feel much less intimidating.
The common thread across all seven, focusing on what you can control and mastering your interpretation, really shows why this philosophy still resonates today. Such a practical and thoughtful guide!
Thanks Kazuki! As you said, this is one field where the order seems to matter. The older core texts are so meaningful, but I would hate for someone to get scared off from philosophy by immediately diving into something less accessible.
I hadn’t heard of On the Shortness of Life before, but your recommendation really caught my attention. It sounds impactful, especially with how it reframes time and how we spend it. I'd like to start with this one. Thanks so much for the great recommendation!
Awesome, that's a good one! :-) If you think of it, please circle back afterward to let me know what you thought.
Prepare to enter a rabbit hole once you read Obstacle is the Way. Ryan Holiday is a prolific reader and supplies a reading list with most of his books. His books on the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism are excellent (last one was published in 2025). I would also suggest people check out Daily Stoic for his free newsletters and more readings.
https://dailystoic.com/
You’re totally right. His books are packed with recommendations, and I’ve read many book recs from him, and they’re always amazing.
Thanks for reading, James!