Stoicism
Good, basic books on Stoic philosophy. The focus here is on: a) a few writers who have interpreted Stoic philosophy for modern audiences, b) the surviving Greco-Roman texts, and c) a couple of biographies. Unfortunately, I've yet to find a good biography of Marcus Aurelius; let me know if you've found one! The links here all go to Goodreads and, for the ancient texts, to the translations/editions I recommend. By the way, not one of these books is in the Coquitlam Library system!
12 items
This was THE original book on the modern interpretation of Stoicism. Still a go-to text.
Don Robertson is a cognitive behavioural therapist who lives in Nova Scotia. He provides many useful insights and tons of practical advice on how to link personal growth, psychotherapy, and Stoic philosophy.
Massimo teaches philosophy in New York City. He is a good interpreter of classical Stoic writings for modern audiences, but he sticks for the most part with a philosophical perspective and is a bit less practically oriented than Irvine or Robertson
Musonius Rufus was Epictetus' teacher. A small amount of what he said (he didn't write things down) was recorded by one of his pupils.
A classic Greco-Roman text on Stoicism, also made up notes taken by Arrian, one of his students.
A core text of Greco-Roman Stoic philosophy
A classic of Roman Stoic Philosophy
A good selection of Seneca's Essays and Dialogues
Cicero was not a Stoic, but he knew Stoic philosophy well and this provides a good overview of Stoic morality. You could also look at his On Duties, and Tusculan Disputations.
The works of the old, original Greek Stoic philosophers are lost. Laertius collected what was available in about 200 AD into this book. See this volume for what is known of the works of Zeno, Cleanthes, and Chrysippus.
Cato wrote nothing about Stoicism, but he was considered by Romans to have lived the epitome of the Stoic life. A good modern biography showing both his admirable and his less admirable personal characteristics.
A good, accessible biography of the Stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger, who had the unenviable job of being a teacher and advisor to the abominable Emperor Nero.
