How To Be a Stoic

Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius

Penguin UK, Sep 24, 2020 - Philosophy - 128 pages

'Don't hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen'

How can we cope when life's events seem beyond our control? These words of consolation and inspiration from the three great Stoic philosophers - Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius - offer ancient wisdom on how to face life's adversities and live well in the world.

One of twenty new books in the bestselling Penguin Great Ideas series. This new selection showcases a diverse list of thinkers who have helped shape our world today, from anarchists to stoics, feminists to prophets, satirists to Zen Buddhists.

About the author

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was born to an upper-class Roman family in A.D. 121 and was later adopted by the future emperor Antoninus Pius, whom he succeeded in 161. His reign was marked by a successful campaign against Parthia, but was overshadowed in later years by plague, an abortive revolt in the eastern provinces, and the deaths of friends and family, including his co-emperor Lucius Verus. A student of philosophy from his earliest youth, he was especially influenced by the first-century Stoic thinker Epictetus. His later reputation rests on his Meditations, written during his later years and never meant for formal publication. He died in 180, while campaigning against the barbarian tribes on Rome's northern frontier.

Bibliographic information

• Title: How To Be a Stoic; Penguin Great Ideas
• Authors: Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius
• Publisher: Penguin UK, 2020
• ISBN: 0141994789, 9780141994789
• Length: 128 pages
• Subjects: Philosophy / Ethics & Moral Philosophy; Philosophy / History & Surveys / Ancient & Classical; Philosophy / Logic