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I first read this book in 2024, and just like The Daily Stoic, it’s a fantastic introduction to Stoicism. Once again written by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, Lives of the Stoics is an inspiring book that brings Stoicism to life as more than just a philosophy – it’s a way of being.
Through short, powerful portraits, you get to know the great Stoics: from Zeno and Seneca to Marcus Aurelius – but also lesser-known names like Cleanthes and Porcia. What makes this book so special is how it shows these thinkers didn’t just write about their ideas – they truly lived them, often under extreme pressure or during difficult times.
Ryan Holiday and his co-author Stephen Hanselman make the Stoic virtues – wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice – feel tangible and applicable to everyday life. The stories are human, honest, and at times confronting. You see how these people dealt with adversity, power, loss, and responsibility, and that gives you so much to reflect on.
For me, this book wasn’t just educational, it was also deeply motivating. It shows that character matters more than circumstances – and that true strength comes from within. Whether you’re going through a tough time or just want to live more mindfully, this book offers calm, clarity, and inspiration.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for more than just surface-level self-help – this is philosophy with real depth and practical value.
Some quotes I personally highlighted in the book:
• They wanted to know, just like we do, how to find peace, purpose, self-control, and happiness.
• To live your best life, you should talk to the dead.
• When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
So yes – I can definitely recommend it, in case that wasn’t clear already 😝
Thanks for reading!
If you live in The Netherlands;
🇳🇱 Bestel de Nederlandse editie hier! 🇳🇱
🇺🇲 Order the English edition here! 🇺🇲
